Goodbye Duolingo... So What's Next For Me?

Buckle up. I have things to say.

Last week, I announced on LinkedIn that I was leaving the Duolingo Social Media team after leading many Global campaigns, building push marketing and Youtube long form strategies, piloting a ton of content formats, meeting every possible mascot and more.

After a billion+ impressions, I look back and I’m so proud of my work there. I’m also eternally grateful for the opportunity to work for the twerking green owl alongside so many talented people. This job made a lot of my dreams come true.

Thank you, Duo. 💚

First, a little back story: I’ve been telling stories and creating content ever since I was 10 years old when I made a Survivor parody for my school’s closed circuit TV channel. During my career over the last 14 years, I’ve created and piloted 2 TV shows (A daily “List show” for Scripps and a late night show for E!), produced and hosted at Game Show Network and Clevver, did social for a cosmetics brand, Smosh, Crocs, and Duolingo.

Television. Creator brands. Beauty. CPG. Tech. So where to next?

MY OWN.

For the last 4 years of my career, I’ve interviewed for insanely huge roles at renowned companies. (I wish there could be an “I interviewed at” resume) Each opportunity had very similar goals: “To elevate the brand to the next level.” I’ve done the elevation evolution multiple times in my career across industries, so clearly I’ve got the skill for it. Sooooo why not do that for myself?

Across Youtube, Instagram and TikTok, I’ve already built a community of over 415k followers by being myself. I’m ready to tell my full story and create a new mold. One that is custom to me.

I’m like a hybrid Tina Fey, Mr. Rogers and social trailblazer with bright ass hair and a giggly personality. So let’s keep going.

Without the confines of a corporate ladder.

I’m not only a thought leader, I am a compassionate leader that gets shit done.

But real talk? Before I build my empire: I’m taking an actual break. A “self care sabbatical” filled with rest, doing good and having fun. I love fun!

So for now: I am not taking on meetings, clients or looking for another full time role. This industry is incredibly demanding, and I’ve had no longer than a weekend ‼️ in between high profile and highly creative roles since 2015. This break isn’t forever but it is for now.

I’m giving myself time off before I’ve run my battery too low. Simply put: I don’t want to hit rock bottom. I don’t want my hair to fall out. I don’t want to have a health scare to refocus my priorities. I don’t want to wake up and realize that the most time I’ve spent with anyone or anything was with my phone. I’m doing this for my biggest supporter: Me. To prioritize my physical health, mental health and my creative health.

I believe it’s necessary for the longevity of *motions broadly* all this. As a perpetual people pleaser, this decision wasn’t easy. This is something I’ve been plotting for years. I’m so grateful and privileged that I’m able do this.

Think of it as a system rest and upgrade. (I highly recommend listening to HerFirst100k’s podcast about “mini-retirements”)

Am I nervous for the new era? Sure. Am I excited? SO EXCITED. Am I afraid to fail? I’m not going to.

Welcome to my next chapter. I’d be honored to have you join my new journey:

See ya on the internet,

XOXO Sarah Whittle aka Lady Socialdown