From corporate burnout to proofreading freedom in Panama: Graduate interview with Amy Leyva
Wed Nov 05 2025
031: After three decades in the pharmacy and insurance world, Amy found herself in a soul-sucking job. Between rising stress, health challenges, and the dream of returning to her childhood home in Panama, she knew something had to change.
That’s when she discovered transcript proofreading — and everything shifted.
In this episode, Amy shares how she went from working in the pharmacy world full-time in California to a freelance proofreader living in Panama — and why learning this skill gave her the freedom to live life on her own terms.
You’ll hear:
Amy’s journey from a 30-year corporate career to running her own online proofreading businessHow she balanced a full-time job while studying transcript proofreadingWhat she learned from failing her first exam — and how she came back strongerWhy giving yourself grace matters when you’re learning something newHow she made the leap to leave the US, move abroad, and still work with US clientsWhat flexibility looks like now that she can build her schedule around her life The freedom that comes from learning a real skill instead of chasing another “get rich quick” promiseAmy’s story is a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to start over and that learning a new skill can open doors you didn’t even know existed. She’s proof that freedom isn’t just a dream, it’s a decision. When you’re willing to take a chance on yourself, you can build a life that actually fits you — whether that’s working from home, living by the beach, or building a whole new chapter in another country.
🎧 Tune in to hear Amy’s journey — and find the encouragement to start yours.
Connect with me on
Instagram @theproofreadingbusinesscoach
Facebook @theproofreadingbusinesscoach
Or send me an email: elizabeth@elizabethjwiegner.com
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031: After three decades in the pharmacy and insurance world, Amy found herself in a soul-sucking job. Between rising stress, health challenges, and the dream of returning to her childhood home in Panama, she knew something had to change. That’s when she discovered transcript proofreading — and everything shifted. In this episode, Amy shares how she went from working in the pharmacy world full-time in California to a freelance proofreader living in Panama — and why learning this skill gave her the freedom to live life on her own terms. You’ll hear: Amy’s journey from a 30-year corporate career to running her own online proofreading businessHow she balanced a full-time job while studying transcript proofreadingWhat she learned from failing her first exam — and how she came back strongerWhy giving yourself grace matters when you’re learning something newHow she made the leap to leave the US, move abroad, and still work with US clientsWhat flexibility looks like now that she can build her schedule around her life The freedom that comes from learning a real skill instead of chasing another “get rich quick” promiseAmy’s story is a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to start over and that learning a new skill can open doors you didn’t even know existed. She’s proof that freedom isn’t just a dream, it’s a decision. When you’re willing to take a chance on yourself, you can build a life that actually fits you — whether that’s working from home, living by the beach, or building a whole new chapter in another country. 🎧 Tune in to hear Amy’s journey — and find the encouragement to start yours. Connect with me on Instagram @theproofreadingbusinesscoach Facebook @theproofreadingbusinesscoach Or send me an email: elizabeth@elizabethjwiegner.com