What is “The Next Chapter”?
I used to be the kind of girl that always had a five year plan, the perfect answer to what she wanted to be when she grew up. This took me to Stanford, where I discovered CS, which took me to product at some incredible companies like Google and Thumbtack with some of the sharpest people. Yet when I realized that still didn’t make me happy, I knew I had to hit the pause button, and went on sabbatical.
This project, initially borne out of a need to explore my complicated feelings through writing, has become something more. Now, I see this blog as part of my mission to use storytelling to foster belonging. Specifically, I want to help others embrace the messiness of their careers, and find other people who want to embrace a more authentic, intentional way to spend time with work, regardless of whether they choose to stay in corporate or strike out on their own.
Specifically, I talk about:
My healing journey to redefine my relationship with achievement, going from doing things to seek validation from others to discovering myself. Example essay: Detoxing from achievement.
Building a purpose-driven career that blends the best of creative writing and tech while paying the bills. Example essay: Leap of faith or foolish gamble
Case studies from my product career, both the highs and lows. Example essay: My Career Journey, Part Two
Unpacking the inner workings of product teams, organizations, and cultures so you can discover how to best thrive in a product role. Example essay: Culture isn’t just free snacks.
The realities of sabbatical life, especially when you’re in the middle of a messy life and career transition. Example essay: On sabbatical
I hope that through sharing my lessons, I can empower you to take ownership of your product career, especially if you’re going through a difficult transition.
About Me
I’m Vinamrata, and I’ve worked in the tech industry as a product manager for ~7 years. It’s been a fascinating journey, filled with twists and turns that have taken me from Google to Thumbtack to two Series A startups to Match Group. Despite my progression, I found something lacking. Therefore, I decided to go on a sabbatical, tackling my relationship with achievement while searching for a career that blends my interest in tech and creative writing. Currently, I am:
🤝🏽 Coaching: I coach high-achieving junior and senior PMs (esp those in chaotic/low-mentorship environment) to successfully ace their (messy) career transition. Whether you want to get into product, figure out your next move, or embrace strategic product leadership, I want to give you the tools, space, structure, insights, and validation to embrace what’s next. Check out my website if you’re interested in working with me.
👩🏾💻 Blogging: you know this!
✍🏽 Screenwriting: I love to write scripts that explore questions around coming of age, especially with the intersection of hypercapitalism, intergenerational trauma, and grief. My current project is to write, produce, and direct a short film!
