Early during the pandemic, many workers took the opportunity to re-evaluate their careers, sometimes switching jobs or even career paths entirely. Back in 2021, “Marketplace” host Kai Ryssdal interviewed three people making big job changes, including Juanita Gable. Back then, she’d been laid off from her jobs as a personal trainer and dance instructor and was going back to school to become an occupational therapist.
We checked back in with Gable five years later.
Between student loans and the hot job market of COVID, she opted against school and chose to re-enter the labor market. And about two years ago, she decided to go into business for herself, opening up 1st Dance Chicago.
“It’s absolutely amazing,” Gable said. “It’s equally terrifying.”
Her sales are up 300% compared to a year ago.
“There is work every day, whether it’s through a side hustle or through my own studio,” she said. “But being able to call the shots, there is no better trade-off. I’m totally happy to work every day if I get to call the shots.”
Click the media player above to hear Gable’s full story.
7 hours ago7:09
11 hours ago30:57
11 hours ago12:45
a day ago25:17
5 days ago28:44
4 months ago24:33