Who I Am
I’m James but you can call me Jimmy. I spent 15 years working in restaurants as a line cook, bartender, and a server. I also spent the last five years teaching English as a second language to students around the world. Through it all I learned customer psychology, how to perform under pressure, how to explain complex ideas simply, and how to make people come back.
At 34, I’m taking those skills and applying them to digital marketing. This site documents the transition. I’m currently building my portfolio, completing the Google Digital Marketing Certificate, and applying to entry-level digital marketing roles.
Why Marketing
I thrive on feedback. Not just praise, but data. I want to know what captures people’s attention, what makes them stick around, and what keeps them coming back.
It’s the same reason I like cooking for others more than for myself: I want to give people a curated experience. When I’m helping a student with essay writing, it’s not about teaching them what helped me learn, it’s about figuring out how they learn best and tailoring the experience to them.
When I took an honest look at my background—cooking, teaching, serving customers—I saw the pattern: I was already doing marketing. Understanding the customer journey, identifying pain points, helping people achieve their goals. I just didn’t have the title or the tools.
Now I’m learning the tools.
What You’ll Find Here
This blog is part portfolio, part documentation. I’m building my skills in public such as writing SEO-optimized content, analyzing what works, and sharing what I learn along the way.
You’ll find articles about career change, digital marketing fundamentals, job hunting at 30+, and the honest reality of switching industries mid-career.
If you’re making a similar transition, I hope this helps. If you’re an employer, this is my proof of work.
Want to Connect?
I’m always open to talking with other career changers, marketers, or anyone who thinks I’d be a good fit for their team.