How I Lost My Dream Job at NASA — and Got It Back 25 Years Later
How I Lost My Dream Job at NASA — and Got It Back 25 Years Later  
Podcast: The Next-Level Paycheck
Published On: Sat Jan 03 2026
Description: What if the dream you thought you left behind came back when you least expected it? In this powerful video, I share my journey of how I walked away from my dream job at NASA to support a relationship, only to return 25 years later—stronger, wiser, and more determined. This story isn’t just about career progression, it's about perseverance, believing in your worth, and daring to dream even when life doesn't go as planned.Take $2000 Leadership Growth Assessment - https://dvjkmswy.formester.com/f/kxISU2H1HJoin 7 day Leadership Sprint - https://nblnhiao.formester.com/f/fgBS17zPAStart 21 day Leadership Acceleration Series - https://dvjkmswy.formester.com/f/dyHbzaC1HFree Ebooks Resource Hub - https://lindacureton.com/hub/My Leadership Books - https://lindacureton.com/books/✨ Learn why it’s never too late to:Reclaim your purposePursue your dream jobRise into executive leadershipEmbrace the courage to start again👩🏽‍💻 Plus, I share how taking one small leadership assessment changed everything. Ready to level up your career?📌 Take the Leadership Test Now → [insert link]📲 Join the community and gain access to personal coaching worth $2000!00:00 – The job listing that changed everything00:57 – FREE leadership test that could change your life01:30 – Why I didn’t want a job (at first!)02:07 – How NASA recruited me in a gymnasium02:54 – Leaving my dream job for love03:34 – Returning to D.C. and rebuilding04:28 – 25 years later, back at NASA05:23 – The power of daring to dream06:09 – Courage and waiting for the right opportunity06:35 – Final message: You deserve to riseNASA job story, career comeback, dream job at NASA, women in leadership, executive coaching, STEM careers, how to get hired at NASA, motivational career story, leadership development, Black women in tech