2025-04-03T09:07:01Z

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In a striking transformation of career trajectory, Elvi Caperonis launched her own career coaching, content creation, and Airbnb business after experiencing a significant layoff from her prestigious Big Tech job in July 2024. Once a part of a leading company in the tech industry, Caperonis found herself at a crossroads that would ultimately lead her to a more fulfilling path.

Caperonis' journey began in 2017 when she achieved her dream of working in the tech sector after several years of relentless pursuit. She faced over 100 rejections before finally landing a coveted role at one of the renowned Magnificent 7 companies. Her initial excitement, however, took a sharp turn seven years later when she was unexpectedly laid off in July 2024. What could have been a devastating blow instead became a pivotal moment in her professional life.

In an exclusive interview with Business Insider, Caperonis reflected on how this layoff did not shatter her dreams but rather propelled her into a new realm of possibilities. She shared that the time off allowed her to channel her energy into her entrepreneurial ventures, leading to an impressive six-figure revenue achievement in 2024, a fact that Business Insider has validated with supporting documentation.

“Now that I work for myself,” Caperonis explained, “I have the freedom to live life on my own terms and have discovered a deeper sense of happiness.” Her previous role in Big Tech, while exhilarating and lucrative, had its own set of challenges that she navigated with enthusiasm.

Caperonis expressed her fondness for her time at the tech giant, where she had the opportunity to collaborate with world-class professionals and engage with cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning. “It was genuinely exhilarating to be part of an environment that fostered constant learning and growth,” she noted. The perks of her job included a competitive six-figure salary, comprehensive health insurance, remote working options, and vibrant company culture.

In January 2020, while still employed, Caperonis began to cultivate her personal brand on LinkedIn. She shared her unique insights and practical advice to assist others in boosting their self-confidence and landing positions in the tech industry. Her consistent posting schedule, even while managing a demanding full-time job, led to a remarkable surge in her LinkedIn following. Within just a few months, she grew her audience to over 10,000 followers, charging $150 per coaching session.

As her presence expanded, she began hosting live sessions on LinkedIn in 2021, sharing career insights that resonated with many. By 2022, her follower count skyrocketed to 80,000, and through various viral posts, including her own rejection journey, she amassed over 6.5 million views. By 2023, her LinkedIn audience surpassed 100,000 followers, which in turn attracted new clients and enabled her to increase her coaching fees to $499 for a package of three sessions.

In March 2024, just months before her layoff, Caperonis secured her first official brand partnership on LinkedIn, earning $3,200 for three sponsored posts. This partnership not only provided financial support but also validated her efforts, showcasing the potential of her brand.

Additionally, Caperonis co-hosted an Airbnb property with her sister starting in October 2022. By 2023, she had achieved Superhost status, adding yet another income stream to her entrepreneurial ventures, which generated $43,911 in 2023, with projections nearing $50,000 for 2024.

When Caperonis received the news of her layoff in April 2024, just one month after securing her brand deal, she chose to embrace the change rather than succumb to despair. “The layoff encouraged me to activate my entrepreneurial instincts,” she remarked, noting how she dedicated her time to coaching and content creation full-time following her departure from the corporate world.

With her coaching business, Reinvent Yourself Academy, launched in July 2024, she quickly gained recognition as a LinkedIn Top Voice. Her new coaching program now commands a fee of $5,000, reflecting the value she provides to her clients. Caperonis effectively balances her time across her various ventures, automating her Airbnb operations and dedicating around 35 hours weekly to content creation and coaching while only spending 5 to 10 hours on her property management.

Reflecting on her journey, Caperonis emphasizes the importance of building something resilient that cannot be taken away. “This experience has taught me that it’s possible to turn challenges into opportunities with determination and the right mindset,” she stated. If she could go back, she wishes she had started developing her personal brand and business much sooner and planned her exit from the corporate scene earlier.

“Creating a backup plan is essential, especially in an unpredictable job market where layoffs can occur at any moment,” she concluded. Caperonis’ story is one of resilience and ingenuity, demonstrating how setbacks can often lead to newfound opportunities for growth and success.

Do you have a story about navigating life after a layoff? If so, the editor, Jane Zhang, would love to hear from you at janezhang@businessinsider.com.