The Unexpected Lesson I Learned: When a Recruiter Called Me For an Open Sales Position

Never Miss an Opportunity to Learn

Even when you're happy where you are, it’s a good rule of thumb to explore opportunities. Sometimes that means saying “yes” when a recruiter reaches out or when a position catches your eye, even if you’re not actively looking. Interviews are a chance to learn—about the market, new potential fits, and even yourself. So, when a recruiter recently called, I decided to take the interview. I was curious to see if it might be something I hadn’t considered, an opportunity that would surprise me. This one, as it turns out, just wasn’t it.

The Interview: A Teachable Moment

Let’s face it, interviews can be awkward. And some people find it natural to talk about themselves, but for others—like me—it’s not that simple. And despite my experience in sales, I stumbled through this interview. Questions about year-over-year sales performance left my mind blank. It wasn’t just a blank—I was empty. Every achievement, every pitch, everything I knew, was suddenly out of reach. It didn’t help that my toddler, who had recently broken his leg, was crying outside the door. All I wanted was to be with him, to comfort him—not to be here, struggling through an interview that I knew I wasn’t acing.

It taught me an important lesson about preparation and mindset. Afterward, as I sat down to reflect, I realized that the problem wasn’t just that I was distracted. The issue was that I hadn’t prepared myself mentally or emotionally for this interview. And that's where the lesson lies.

Preparedness Matters at Every Stage

It doesn’t matter if you're in the early stages of your career, a seasoned professional, or a business owner—preparation is key. Interviews are high-stakes moments, and it’s crucial to have clear, well-rehearsed answers ready, especially for questions you know are likely to be asked. And equally important is managing your headspace. Whatever distractions you have, leave them at the door. If you can't, it's okay to be honest. Reschedule if needed. Be transparent if something comes up that makes focusing impossible.

Being unprepared cost me the chance to show my best self in that moment. But more than that, it was a valuable reminder to approach opportunities like these with the same energy and preparation that I’d bring to a pitch or presentation. If you find yourself distracted or unprepared, take a moment to reset. Don’t hesitate to ask for a reschedule or take that extra time to center yourself. You deserve to show up as your best self.

On Steady Paychecks and Startup Life

Another thing that came up for me during the interview was the notion of a “steady paycheck.” I’ve spent years building something of my own, and anyone who’s been part of a startup knows that financial stability can ebb and flow. It’s not about not being financially where I want to be—it's more about the idea that sometimes, in moments of stress, the thought of something steady and predictable seems appealing. But that feeling was more about curiosity than necessity. It’s about thinking, “Hey, wouldn’t it be nice if...” And that’s exactly why I took the interview—to explore, to see if it might offer something I was missing.

Redefining Success

What I learned from this experience is that no matter what path you're on, there’s value in exploring opportunities. And it’s okay to realize that maybe, just maybe, success for you looks different than it does for someone else. For me, that means being present for my family and carving out a path that allows creativity and flexibility. I’m choosing to define success on my own terms, and that’s a win in itself. That interview was a reminder of why I chose to walk away from the corporate world and embrace a path that’s more fulfilling to me.

Final Thoughts

So yes, while this interview wasn’t my best, it reinforced what I already knew: I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be. And that’s a win in itself. And while this opportunity wasn’t the right fit for me, it reaffirmed my path and the value of staying open to what might be next.

Simply,

~ Meghan