Courage Over Comfort: What It Really Takes to Change Your Life

How Jean chose persistence, purpose, and self-trust on her path into tech

When Jean decided to switch careers into data analytics, she didn’t do it from a place of certainty—she did it from a place of courage. The kind that whispers, try anyway, even when the doubt is loud. The kind that chooses growth, even when it’s uncomfortable.

“You have to find all the courage to make the change you wanted,” she says.
“No matter how long it takes, don’t tell yourself it’s too late.”

From Data Entry to Data Strategy

Before her career in tech, Jean worked as a Data Entry Associate—focused, structured work, but far from where she hoped to be.

“I wanted to do more than input data,” she shares. “I wanted to understand it, analyze it, and use it to drive decisions.”

That desire led her to FTW—and eventually to her current role as a Platform Operations Analyst, where she now works with the very tools that once overwhelmed her.

“I didn’t even know how to code in Python or fully understand Excel functions or BI tools,” she recalls. “But through constant practice and showing up every day, I slowly got better.”

The Hard Days Count, Too

Jean’s story isn’t a highlight reel—it’s a real one. She didn’t breeze into tech with confidence. She fought for it.

“One of the hardest times was when I was juggling upskilling and working,” she shares. “I’d study after work, run on very little sleep, and still question if it was paying off.”

Burnout. Self-doubt. Exhaustion. She felt it all. But instead of giving up, she leaned in. Slowly, steadily, she showed up for herself.

“I reminded myself I didn’t need to be perfect—I just had to keep going. Progress isn’t always loud or visible, but it still counts.”

Redefining Strength

For Jean, courage didn’t look like bold moves or big leaps. It looked like small efforts, made daily, even when no one was watching.

“At first, ‘doing my best’ meant being perfect,” she admits. “But I’ve learned it really means showing up—even on days when I’m at 1%.”

And the result? She didn’t just survive the discomfort—she grew through it.

“I landed a job in data analytics, a field I truly love. I support myself, help the people I care about, and do meaningful work every day. That stability means everything to me.”

Leaning on Purpose—and People

What kept her going wasn’t just grit. It was clarity and connection.

“I always come back to my why,” she says. “I’ve always wanted to use my skills to help others and make a real impact. Every challenge becomes more manageable when I look at it through that lens.”

She also credits the FTW community for reminding her that she didn’t have to do it alone.

“Talking to people on the same path gave me encouragement, accountability, and inspiration. I’m really grateful for that.”

For Anyone Who’s Afraid to Start

If you’re standing on the edge of change, unsure whether to jump—Jean gets it. She’s been there. But here’s what she wants you to know:

“You are worthy. You belong. You are capable.
Doubts are normal—they mean you care.
Just keep showing up. Even the hard days add up.
The fact that you’re on this road at all means you’re already braver than most.”

Because courage isn’t about having no fear. It’s about choosing your future over your comfort. Over and over again.

Help More Women Like EA Choose Courage

EA’s story is proof that real transformation takes time, support, and a whole lot of heart. With your help, FTW can continue providing women with the tools, training, and community they need to make life-changing career shifts into tech.

Donate today and be part of that change:
www.ftwfoundation.org/donate