Nicole's Escape Story: From Lawyer, To Tech Startupper, To Building A Nature Retreat In Portugal

"I didn't have my career mapped out, it was more following one interest after another."

Nicole Moriniere originally studied political science and then later trained as a lawyer, working to get internships, placements and fellowships at coveted organisations like the UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency), and The World Bank.

After completing these extensive qualifications and forging herself some high-profile work experiences in such a coveted career path, which shines brilliantly on paper, she started to doubt if she should pivot in another direction. Taking a step into the tech world and startups, like many of us ‘escapees’, Nicole felt that glimmer of hope that there was something else out there for her, and decided to follow a different path.

Now living in Lisbon with her husband and one-year-old daughter, we talked to Nicole about her recent shift to building an eco-retreat ('geodesic' domes included), how she made each change happen, her challenges and struggles, her advice for people in a similar situation, and what makes her get up in the morning!



Could you tell us about your previous law/politics career, and how you got into it?

I didn't have my career mapped out, it was more following one interest after another. I had never heard of political science when I started university, but there was a very popular 'Intro to Political Science' class that my friends recommended to me. I took it and then decided to major in Political Science. I was more interested in the historical, geographical and social science elements of my political science courses, but I became interested in politics more directly during the 2008 presidential elections, which was also the year I graduated university. 

After graduation, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. Most of my friends were going on to pursue graduate degrees. What I did know at the time was that I wanted to move back to the US and work in politics (I went to university in Canada). By having an open mind about exactly what that would look like, I ended up serving one year with AmeriCorps VISTA, an organisation that places young people in domestic nonprofits around the country for a year. I spent my spare time volunteering for 'Organising for America' on President Obama's healthcare initiative, and this eventually led to a full-time campaign job as a Field Organizer for the 2010 midterm elections, and then as a legislative aide in the Iowa House of Representatives. 

These combined experiences prompted my interest in public policy and my decision to go to law school. After graduating from law school and working for nine months in a traditional legal role, I moved to the UK with no job lined up, but with the goal of pursuing a career in the burgeoning legal tech industry. 

It took me about three months to complete my transition from law into legal tech, from the time I made the decision until I found and was hired at an exciting legal tech startup. During this time, I reached out to my network, did a lot of reading and attended numerous events. 

What do you do now?

I recently moved to Lisbon from London with my husband and one-year-old daughter, so I am coming off maternity leave and am in the process of seeking out my next role. I am looking for something that combines elements of my previous experiences in activism, politics, social justice and technology.

I am already involved in some local projects including Volt Portugal, is a chapter of Volt Europa, which is a pro-European political movement, as well as One Thousand Club, a virtual social-impact members club, which aims to match 500 foreigners and 500 locals to close community gaps in the city.

My husband and I have also invested in a few European startups, across a few exciting areas such as gifting, luxury regenerative real estate and a women's community called Hermanas. 

We are also in the process of building a retreat centre on land we purchased about an hour outside of Lisbon, close to the surf town of Ericeira. We bought a piece of land in 2021 and we are building a few geodesic domes where we will be hosting retreats to bring people closer to nature (you can follow the journey on Instagram, @welcometoanamcara).

What was the moment that caused you to make a change?

For me, there was never one specific moment, but instead I continually followed my interests and checked in on my values when seeking out roles or educational programmes. Now going back into work after having my first child, I am even more committed to finding work that I am passionate about and that aligns with my values.

What was the most difficult thing about changing?

The most difficult thing is never feeling like you have attained mastery and having to often be a beginner. There is also always an element of risk that comes with following a non-traditional path that you have to become comfortable with.

How did you overcome this?

1. Learn about learning, and most importantly how you are as a learner;
2. Build a network in the area you are working on that you can turn to with questions;
3. Regarding the element of risk, think about how you can minimise that risk as much as possible e.g. through savings, continually building up various skillsets. I would say also shifting your perspective regarding risk - I was let go from my tech job during Covid, which was a reminder that full-time contract roles are not necessarily more secure than going out on your own.

Looking back, what would you tell yourself in the past in your old career?

To not worry so much about what role I will have in 2, 5 or 10 years, but focus on doing an excellent job in the role I'm in now.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

My one-year-old daughter! Literally and metaphorically! But also to continue moving in the direction of adding as much value as I can, whether through work or in my personal life.

Does Nicole's story resonate with you? Find out more about our Career Change Accelerator programme, and how it could help you. build a career and life you love. Find out more here >