Freelance writer Melissa Petro used to teach elementary school in New York City. She truly, madly, and deeply loved her work.<br />Then, the press got hold of her work history in the sex industry. After a headline about her read: 'Bronx Teacher Admits: I'm An Ex-Hooker," she was fired.<br />But according to Business Insider, Petro took that painful, humiliating experience and turned it into what she wanted all along: life as a writer.<br />To deal with such a forced career pivot, Petro says it's important to stop knocking on the same doors that have already closed on you.<br />After continuing to apply for teaching jobs, she eventually gave up and began interviewing for writing jobs and pitching stories.<br />She also cut her expenses drastically, and contacted everyone she knew--even vaguely--for help, ideas, referrals, and contacts.<br />Finally, she learned to learn again, but outside formal degree programs. Ten years into life as a freelancer, she's gone from $20,000 a year to $60,000 a year!
