How I Found a Second Chance with Salesforce — And How You Can Too

How I Got Started in Salesforce: My Career Story

For nearly 15 years, I worked in phone support at Apple. At first, it felt like a dream job — great pay, excellent benefits, and the kind of brand recognition you could brag about at family gatherings. I loved the sense of being part of something big, helping customers who loved Apple products as much as I did. But over time, the shine wore off. The constant stream of calls, the emotional toll of handling frustrated customers, and the repetitive nature of the work started to wear me down. I was comfortable — no doubt — but I wasn’t happy. I began to feel stuck, like I was on a treadmill going nowhere.

The Turning Point

At 34, I hit a wall. I knew I needed to make a change, but the thought of starting over was terrifying. My tech background was limited to support roles, and I worried about whether I could break into a new career that paid well and had growth potential. Feeling uncertain, I turned to Reddit, seeking advice from the community about career paths that offered stability and good pay.

That’s when Salesforce kept popping up.

I’ll admit — at first, I was skeptical. Could Salesforce really be a viable option for someone like me in their mid-30s with no formal tech background? But as I dug deeper, I was inspired by stories from people who had made similar transitions — teachers, truck drivers, social workers, and others who completely changed their career paths through Salesforce. These stories gave me hope. For the first time in years, I felt like there was a way forward.

From Curiosity to Commitment

Once I decided to take the leap, I went all in. I immersed myself in Trailhead, Salesforce’s free learning platform, devouring every module I could find. I consumed content from Salesforce Ben, watched YouTube tutorials, and leaned heavily on Focus on Force study guides. Talent Stacker provided a clear, structured roadmap to certifications and job hunting, which helped me stay on track and motivated. Every spare moment outside work was dedicated to learning and practicing.

In December 2022, I earned my Salesforce Administrator Certification. I was proud — this was a huge milestone. But reality hit hard. That same month, the tech industry was rocked by massive layoffs. The job market turned brutal, especially for newcomers without real-world Salesforce experience.

It took a full year of persistence, resilience, and continuous learning to land my first role.

The Breakthrough

Eventually, I joined Canva as a Junior Salesforce Administrator. Walking into that role without previous on-the-job experience was intimidating. I was the new person in a high-performing, experienced team. I quickly realized that to succeed, I had to learn fast, contribute wherever I could, and prove my value every single day.

That mindset helped me grow exponentially. Today, just over a year later, I’m no longer “junior.” I’m a confident, contributing member of the team, managing a platform I believe in, and working alongside colleagues who challenge and inspire me daily.

The People Who Helped Me

This journey was far from a solo effort. One person, in particular, made a huge difference: Ezra Kenigsberg, my coach. Having someone with deep Salesforce experience who could guide me, keep me accountable, and boost my confidence was invaluable. He is the reason you are reading this blog today. Go check his out at kudotek.com.

The Salesforce community was a game-changer for me. It’s a welcoming and supportive network full of people who genuinely want to help others succeed. Whether through user groups, online forums, blogs, podcasts, or social media, I found countless resources and mentors willing to share their knowledge and experiences. This community not only provided practical advice and encouragement but also helped me stay motivated during tough times. Connecting with others who were on the same journey made me feel less alone and gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward.

Looking Back, and Looking Ahead

If you’re just getting started with Salesforce, here’s my best advice:

• Trailhead is an amazing resource, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle.

• The Salesforce community — the people who share their journeys, insights, and tips — will teach you the real-world skills and mindset you need to succeed.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help, find mentors, and lean on others who’ve walked the path before you.

Salesforce gave me a second career and a second chance. If you’re feeling stuck, burnt out, or unsure about your future, remember: it’s never too late to start over. You don’t need a degree or a traditional background — you need dedication, curiosity, and the courage to begin.

I’m living proof.