Tatiana P.

Sometimes, life’s unexpected turns lead us to places we never imagined. For Tatiana, her journey from Social Worker and Educator to becoming a Project Accountant has been a testament to embracing change and finding fulfillment in new experiences.

What she loves most about West Michigan is its blend of nature, community, and the “small-big city” feel that Grand Rapids offers. The area’s “West Michigan Nice” culture and natural beauty, have made it the perfect place to settle.

Originally from Jackson, Michigan, Tatiana moved to Grand Rapids in 2015, after graduating undergrad at Spring Arbor University with degrees in Social Work and Psychology. Since being in West Michigan, she received her Master’s in Education from Grand Valley State University. This started her career in higher education and social services.

In 2020, the pandemic disrupted her career. Laid off and unable to find work in her field, she and her partner considered leaving West Michigan. However, during this time, she got connected with Hello West Michigan and was soon introduced to a recruiter. This led to a temporary front desk role at a construction management company—a field she had never considered.

What began as a short-term position quickly turned into months of growth, with her responsibilities evolving into billing and accounting. She eventually became a full-time Billing Clerk and later the Project Accountant. Now, she works as a Project Accountant at a newly established construction management firm. While the transition from the Human Services industry to Accounting may seem drastic, Tatiana says Accounting requires attention to detail, organization, and communication—skills she had honed in her previous roles but now, applies in new ways.

Since becoming an accountant, Tatiana has noticed the improvement in her work-life balance. The consistent work schedule has also given her more time for hobbies, friends, and family. In her free time, she loves exploring local free and budget-friendly activities.

Tatiana recommends joining a Buy Nothing Facebook Group, like this Grand Rapids page. It’s given her great resources for affordable things to do. Celebration Cinema members get $6 tickets on Tuesdays and the Grand Rapids Art Museum is free to attend on Tuesdays during the day or after 5pm on Thursday nights. When asked where to find the best food in West Michigan, Tatiana recommends the Black Napkin. “It has the best takeout in West Michigan, hands down,” she says.

Looking back, Tatiana is proud of her unexpected career shift. It’s a reminder that career paths don’t have to be linear, and the best opportunities often come when we step outside our comfort zones. As she continues to grow in her role, she’s excited for the future and grateful for the unexpected journey that led her to this fulfilling career in West Michigan.