The most important choices often arise in the most difficult moments

Introduce yourself in a few words..

My name is Ivelina Ruskova – a professional astrologer, chairperson of the Foundation "Dream for a Child", a person who believes in beauty, in life, and in dreams. I am a woman who has fulfilled many of her desires, guided by faith, meaning, and a desire to help. For me, life is a path to the light – and when you follow it with an open heart, it reveals itself to you in all its grace.

How would you describe your career in a few words?

My career is a natural continuation of who I am as a person. Everything I do happens with love, dedication, and faith. When you show yourself, when you don't hide your soul, but express it in your work – then things fall into place by themselves. For me, the most important thing is for a person to love what they do. When your hobby becomes your profession, then true harmony is born.

What was the most important choice that shaped your path?

The most important choices often arise in the most difficult moments. It is precisely in a crisis that a person meets themselves. For me, this choice was to follow the path of happiness – to break free from expectations, to look within, and to discover what truly makes me whole. That's where everything began – my path, my calling, my mission.

What would you like to know at the beginning of your career that no one told you?

Honestly, I wouldn't want to know anything in advance. Every difficulty, every mistake has been a lesson. True growth does not come through words or advice, but through experience. If you don't confront life, you can't understand it. And that's why I am grateful for everything – for the mistakes, for the pain, and for the inspiration.

How can a person understand which profession is right for them?

The true profession is not a matter of prestige or income. It is what brings you meaning, joy, and peace. It is the feeling that you are in the right place, that you are useful, that you contribute to something greater than yourself. For me, this is the profession where you feel at home – without masks, without effort, just in it.

Which skills do you think will be key in the next 10 years?

The most important skills will be the ability to communicate genuinely, to be flexible, creative, and intuitive. To be innovators, to be visionaries – to look one step ahead, with faith and confidence. But also to remain humane. In a rapidly changing world, the person who believes, who adapts, and who thinks with love – will always be needed.

How to build a network of useful contacts without appearing interested?

When you are authentic and pure in your intentions, people feel it. You shouldn't approach with an expectation of gain. The best relationships are created when we seek nothing – but simply share ourselves. For me, relationships are built through the heart, not through interest. And that is why they remain lasting.

What is the biggest mistake you have made in your career?

My biggest mistake is that sometimes I trust too easily. I give my heart, I believe in people, I invest myself completely. And it is precisely then that disappointments sometimes come. But that is also part of my essence. I wouldn't stop believing – because to believe, despite everything, is strength. Goodness is not weakness. Goodness is a choice.

How to recognize a toxic work environment and when is it time to leave?

A toxic environment is felt first internally – when you feel undervalued, when your values are overlooked, when your truth is not respected. I am a person of principles. I do not compromise on them, I do not bend to please. And when I see that the environment is false, untrue, different from me – I simply leave. With ease and peace.

What would you do differently if you could start over?

If I had to start over, I would remain the same person. I wouldn't change myself. I believe that even difficulties, even mistakes, are necessary. Every choice has made me who I am today. And I like this person. I like my faith, my love, my naivety sometimes – because it is sincere.

How to maintain our motivation in times of stagnation?

Motivation comes from faith. When you believe in yourself, in your path, in your dreams – stagnation is just a pause, not an end. Then you don't give up, you just humble yourself and wait for the new tide. Faith is what keeps the soul alive, even when everything outside has quieted down.

How to achieve balance between professional and personal life?

Balance is a challenge, but it is necessary. Without it, we fall apart – either we get lost in work, or we forget ourselves. It is necessary to consciously seek this balance – through inner work, through support, through self-care. This is not weakness – this is maturity.

When is it time to change our career, not just the job?

When you feel unhappy, even in a "good" position. When you don't find meaning, when you wake up without excitement, without joy. Then the problem is not in the place – but in the direction itself. True change starts from within – with the decision to choose yourself.

If you had to give just one piece of advice to people seeking success, what would it be?

Be yourself.
Do not change to be accepted. Do not be false, do not go against yourself. The more genuine you are, the more you succeed – not only in work but in life. The truth is felt. And it always finds its way.

What is your definition of a "successful career"?

A successful career for me is one where you can be yourself – with a soul, with feelings, with love. Not to be ashamed of your true essence, but to show it with pride. To inspire, to give, to leave a mark. And when the eyes of the other person in front of you light up – then you know you have achieved the most important thing.