TERRA Helped Me Transition Out of Retail

By TERRA Staffing Group

Posted on March 10, 2023

Photo of Iyahna KingWhen Iyahna King’s family moved from Virginia to Portland, OR, she decided she’d move too, in order to be with them.

She also saw this a great opportunity to break away from her retail job and start fresh in a brand new city. 

Here’s what Iyahna shared:

My mom got a job out here about five months ago and my entire immediate family moved with her. I wanted to be with them and planned on going too, but I needed to stay in my retail management job in Virginia a little longer, to save up for the move.

But I knew I didn’t want to work in that industry anymore. I was burnt out from years in retail and planned to step away from that. I wanted a job that didn’t require me to use 100% of my people skills—where I could come in, do my work and go home. 

When I eventually arrived in Portland, I started looking specifically for assembly jobs. I like working with my hands and I used to play the violin in high school, which is something you’d probably never think could be related to assembly. 

I searched online and found an assembly job in Beaverton. And, literally, within the next 48 hours, I was starting as an Assembler at a dental supply company. 

There wasn’t an interview, so the first time I met my bosses and my team was actually during my first day at orientation. My managers gave me a tour, introduced me to my co-workers and went over the safety protocol. 

Within the first hour on the job, I was sitting at my desk assembling on my own. But I had so much support from my team. If I looked confused, my co-worker, who has been working with this company for about 6 years, would check on me and make sure I had what I needed. 

That’s actually the best part about this job: the support. 

In my retail position, I was a Department Manager and I had to teach myself everything—without training. I felt like I was doing the work of three or four people. It was overwhelming. 

So to be able to come in, feel welcomed and have endless help is huge. 

Plus there’s always something to do. I’m not waiting around for customers. If I’m finished with my work, I catch up on other orders. I love that I’m always busy.

And now, I can go to work with a smile. I’m genuinely happy to be there, even though my shift starts at 5am. I’m not sitting in my car in the parking lot dreading the day ahead—I feel good about going in.

Congratulations, Iyahna! We’re so glad that we could help you launch a new career path—in 48 hours! 

Team Up With TERRA

Looking for a fresh start? Check out our job board!

We work with many leading companies across a variety of industries and can connect you to great jobs and help you start a successful career that you’ll love!

Don’t hesitate to contact us to learn what employment opportunities might be available to you.

Categories: Success Stories

Tags: , , ,

Related Posts