I spent my tech career working toward a promotion I never got. I learned through layoffs how to create my own opportunities.

Brian Pulliam. Courtesy of Brian Pulliam Brian Pulliam transitioned to career coaching after roles at Microsoft, Zillow, and Coinbase. While he worked toward a promotion at Zillow, the role was retired, and he reevaluated what he wanted. He earns less as a career coach than he did in tech, but he says he's more fulfilled in his work. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Brian Pulliam, a 51-year-old tech and executive career coach in Issaquah, Washington. It has been edited ...