What Is a Career Pivot You Made to Follow Your Passion?

June 28, 2024
June 28, 2024 Terkel

What Is a Career Pivot You Made to Follow Your Passion?

Embarking on a new career path to pursue one’s passion can be both challenging and exhilarating. We’ve gathered firsthand accounts from CEOs, founders, and other professionals who’ve made significant pivots, sharing stories such as transitioning from a nonprofit to career coaching or becoming a prosecutor instead of a trial attorney. Dive into the diverse journeys of thirty-three individuals as they reveal their transformative career changes.

  • From Nonprofit to Career Coaching
  • Business Management to Sustainable Floristry
  • Finance to Guitar Craftsmanship
  • IT Security to Migration Services
  • Financial Analyst to Financial Educator
  • Finance to Culinary Entrepreneurship
  • Corporate Marketing to E-Commerce Entrepreneur
  • Corporate HR to Mental Health Counseling
  • Healthcare Legacy to Digital Health Platform
  • SEO Expert to UGC Community Creator
  • General Surgery to Aesthetic Surgery
  • Corporate to Plumbing and Property Management
  • Investment Banking to Precious Metals Entrepreneur
  • HR Specialist to Neon Sign Entrepreneur
  • Operations to Web Design
  • Nonprofit Founder to Corporate Consultant
  • Finance Analyst to Tech CEO
  • Traditional Medicine to Holistic Health
  • Marketing to Real Estate Agent
  • Senior Leadership to Passionate Career
  • VP to Ethical Real Estate Firm
  • Corporate Burnout to Productivity Coaching
  • Marketing to Finance and Economics
  • Various Roles to Logistics Expert
  • Litigation Lawyer to Legal Entrepreneur
  • Marketing to Insurance Claims Innovation
  • Corporate to Real Estate Passion
  • IT to Gardening and Cannabis Cultivation
  • Engineering to Advertising Career
  • Retail to Garage Door Marketing
  • Finance to Culinary Marketing
  • Finance to Freelance Writing
  • Prosecutor to Trial Attorney

From Nonprofit to Career Coaching

A career pivot I made to follow my passion was leaving the nonprofit world behind as a Director and starting my own career coaching and career services (resume writing, LinkedIn branding, etc.) business! It was the best decision ever because I love my work now. My clients are mainly mid- and senior-level executives, and I work with them to help them land a new role or advance their careers through 1:1 or group coaching and incorporating my career services. I realized through this process that sometimes you have to take a risk to find fulfillment and happiness.

Valerie Martinelli, MPAValerie Martinelli, MPA
CEO & Career Leadership Coach, Valerie Martinelli Consulting, LLC


Business Management to Sustainable Floristry

Transitioning from a business management role to founding KetieStory was both challenging and exhilarating. My career pivot happened when I realized that my passion for flowers could be more than just a hobby. I saw an opportunity to merge this passion with my business acumen and felt strongly about offering sustainable floral solutions.

Establishing KetieStory was a leap of faith, driven by a vision to create beauty while being kind to the environment. The journey has required resilience and adaptability, but the joy of turning my passion into a thriving business is unmatched.

Ketie ZhangKetie Zhang
Founder, Ketie Story


Finance to Guitar Craftsmanship

I made a major career pivot from a stable corporate job in finance to follow my passion for music and craftsmanship. After a decade in finance, I felt unfulfilled and yearned to work with my hands and be closer to the music I love. I took a leap of faith, enrolled in courses on guitar-making, and started experimenting in my garage.

The transition was challenging, requiring me to learn new skills and adapt to an entirely different industry. However, seeing musicians use my handcrafted guitar parts and hearing the sound they produce has been incredibly rewarding. This move reignited my passion and allowed me to turn my hobby into a thriving business, making the journey truly worthwhile.

Samuel JacksonSamuel Jackson
Cofounder, Guyker


IT Security to Migration Services

Before founding KBA Global, my career as an IT security officer for a government agency provided me with a stable and secure foundation. However, deep down, I knew my true calling lay elsewhere. As an immigrant myself, I had firsthand experience of the complexities and challenges of navigating the migration process. This personal experience became the bedrock of my transition from IT security to the migration and education sector.

My journey into this new venture was sparked by my efforts to assist a few relatives with their visas. Handling their cases not only gave me practical experience but also a profound sense of fulfillment in making a tangible difference in their lives. This personal involvement highlighted the need for compassionate, knowledgeable guidance in the migration process—something I was eager to provide on a larger scale.

To solidify my shift in career, I pursued further education in the field, earning a Graduate Certificate in Migration Law from the Australian National University (ANU). This formal education was crucial—it equipped me with the necessary legal knowledge and skills while lending credibility to my new venture.

With this combination of personal experience as an immigrant, practical involvement through my relatives’ visa processes, and formal education, I was uniquely positioned to empathize with and effectively assist my clients. KBA Global was founded on the premise of offering not just migration and education services, but a pathway to new opportunities, driven by someone who had walked a similar path.

Shambhu KadelShambhu Kadel
Founder, KBA Global


Financial Analyst to Financial Educator

Early in my professional life, I found myself on a relatively secure but unfulfilling path, working as a financial analyst at a large corporation. While the work was stable, I felt increasingly disconnected from any sense of purpose or drive.

That all changed when I managed to pay off my student loans and experienced the profound impact of financial literacy. I realized my calling was to empower others to achieve financial freedom. Leaving the corporate world was daunting, but I redirected my career to launch My Millennial Guide, combining my expertise with my passion for education. This pivot has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to find alignment between work and deeper values.

Brian MeiggsBrian Meiggs
Founder, My Millennial Guide


Finance to Culinary Entrepreneurship

I was working in finance (private equity) but LOVED cooking. Fast forward twelve months into my early 30s, I took work experience as a chef in a Michelin-starred restaurant. Four months later, I came up with the idea for my business—making chef-quality ingredients available to the home cook. That was twelve years ago, and I haven’t looked back. The business blossomed; I get to work with food every day, travel the world tasting and sourcing ingredients, and speak with chefs and cookbook authors every week. It’s a joy!

Nicola LandoNicola Lando
CEO & Co-Founder, Sous Chef


Corporate Marketing to E-Commerce Entrepreneur

I initially built a promising career in the corporate world, with a focus on marketing and data analysis. Feeling unfulfilled, I chose to follow my passion for entrepreneurship and the e-commerce space. This led me to start Omniconvert, a venture driven by the idea of harnessing customer data to drive value and improve user experiences.

While challenging, the transition was immensely rewarding. The hands-on approach allowed me to innovate and develop solutions that directly impacted businesses’ growth and customer satisfaction. Founding my own company gave me the freedom to explore and implement ideas I truly believe in, marking a significant turnaround in my professional life.

Valentin RaduValentin Radu
CEO & Founder, Blogger, Speaker, Podcaster, Omniconvert


Corporate HR to Mental Health Counseling

Leaving a stable career in corporate HR to start Uncover Mental Health Counseling was a significant decision, inspired by my passion for mental health advocacy and my own personal journey. Transitioning to become a psychotherapist allowed me to address the unmet needs I observed within diverse communities, particularly people of color and the LGBTQ+ community.

My time in HR gave me valuable insight into the psychological stressors faced by high achievers. Combining this background with rigorous training in psychotherapy equipped me with a unique skill set tailored to guiding clients in overcoming systemic barriers. Founding the practice in 2019 was not just a career pivot, but a mission to foster inclusion and provide culturally sensitive, evidence-based care.

Kristie TseKristie Tse
Founder & Therapist, Uncover Mental Health Counseling


Healthcare Legacy to Digital Health Platform

Growing up, my family ran a community hospital, and living on site immersed me in the world of healthcare from a young age. Often, after school, I’d wander the halls, witnessing firsthand the dedication of medical professionals. This early exposure planted a seed of passion that blossomed into pursuing a degree in psychology.

Although my initial career path took me through Telstra and ANZ, where I tackled strategic projects and led major initiatives, the desire to increase healthcare accessibility remained a constant flame. I envisioned a world where practitioners everywhere, regardless of background or location, had access to the tools they needed to deliver exceptional care.

Fueled by this vision, I co-founded Carepatron in late 2021 alongside David Pene, our CTO. This platform is the culmination of my early experiences and unwavering dedication to improving healthcare delivery for all.

Jamie FrewJamie Frew
CEO, Carepatron


SEO Expert to UGC Community Creator

I began my career in SEO and worked in this field for eight years. However, I found myself unfulfilled while working at an SEO agency. I decided to take a step back and allow myself the freedom to explore my interests.

I discovered my passion for creating content and photography. This exploration eventually led me to User-Generated Content (UGC), and I started a UGC Creator community.

Victor HsiVictor Hsi
Founder, UGC Creator


General Surgery to Aesthetic Surgery

One significant career pivot I made was transitioning from general surgery to specializing in aesthetic and cosmetic surgery. While I thoroughly enjoyed the technical challenges of general surgery, I realized my true passion lay in the artistry and creativity involved in aesthetic procedures.

This shift allowed me to blend my background in the arts with my medical expertise, giving me the opportunity to both enhance patients’ appearances and also boost their confidence and well-being. It was a bold move, but one that has been incredibly fulfilling, combining science, artistry, and a deep appreciation for human anatomy and beauty.

David Hill, MDDavid Hill, MD
Plastic Surgeon & Medical Director, Fulcrum Aesthetics & Surgery


Corporate to Plumbing and Property Management

Several years ago, I found myself at a crossroads in my professional life. At that time, I was deeply entrenched in a successful corporate career in a completely different industry. While the work was fulfilling in many respects, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something fundamental was missing: a true sense of purpose and personal satisfaction.

From a young age, I had always been fascinated by plumbing and property management. There was a unique satisfaction in understanding how plumbing systems functioned and in overseeing the upkeep of properties. Despite this early interest, I had pursued a different path in my education and initial career, driven by other considerations.

However, the desire to reconnect with my passions for plumbing and property management became increasingly undeniable. It was a daunting prospect to consider leaving behind a stable career to pursue something entirely different. Yet, deep down, I knew that if I didn’t take the leap, I would always wonder “what if?”

With careful planning and the unwavering support of my loved ones, I made the bold decision to pivot toward the plumbing and property management industry. The transition wasn’t without its challenges; starting from scratch in a new field presented its own set of hurdles. There were moments of uncertainty and self-doubt along the way. However, my passion for plumbing and property management served as a guiding force, motivating me to overcome obstacles and strive for excellence in my new endeavors.

Through dedicated learning, gaining hands-on experience, and seeking mentorship from industry veterans, I gradually built a solid foundation of knowledge and skills. Every day provided an opportunity to grow and refine my abilities, from mastering technical intricacies to understanding the nuances of property management.

Today, as I reflect on this journey, I find immense fulfillment and purpose in my roles within the plumbing and property management sectors. The path has been incredibly gratifying, reinforcing my belief in the transformative power of following one’s passion and embracing change.

Mehdi KhachaniMehdi Khachani
Chief Executive Officer, JMK Plumbing


Investment Banking to Precious Metals Entrepreneur

After spending many years as an investment banker, I made a significant career pivot to follow my passion for precious metals. The decision was driven by my fascination with gold and its enduring value throughout history. I founded a company in the precious metals industry, which allowed me to combine my financial expertise with my interest in this unique market.

This shift reinvigorated my professional life and provided me with the opportunity to build something meaningful from the ground up. Embracing this new direction has been incredibly rewarding, as it aligns with my personal interests and has led to both professional and personal fulfillment.

Brandon ThorBrandon Thor
CEO, Thor Metals Group


HR Specialist to Neon Sign Entrepreneur

Before Custom Neon began, I was in a career I loved, working as an HR and recruitment specialist for a global fashion brand. I never envisioned myself as an entrepreneur, but I’ve continued to love every second of my changing journey.

In 2018, while I was on maternity leave, I was looking to purchase an LED neon sign for my son Jagger’s nursery. I wanted a sign that was high-quality, customizable, and completely safe to use. Unfortunately, I was unable to find a sign that met all of these requirements. I soon realized there was a significant gap in the market, and I came up with the idea to start my own business.

I started out by sourcing from a manufacturer directly and purchased LED neon signs for my wedding, with the idea to hire them out as a small maternity leave side hustle.

The business was very quick to gain traction. To test the waters, I set up an Instagram page as Neon Collective, populating it with images of the signs I bought for our wedding and images that couples had sent me of the signs styled beautifully at their weddings. The signs looked incredible, which created so much aspiration and, therefore, demand.

Within 3 months, the hire calendar was booked up for the rest of the year, and I was selling more than $5k worth of signage a week! Realizing this would be more than a maternity leave side hustle, I expanded the team. My husband, Jake, had already been getting pulled in, and he left his previous business to become CEO.

My specialization in HR and people management was really advantageous. We made great hires and were able to steadily grow at a scale where we weren’t too overstretched.

Today, our maternity leave side hustle has transformed into a global business known as Custom Neon and sits at $11 million.

The reward for me is that I have created this incredible opportunistic business with my husband. We are both incredibly family-oriented, and we can work the business around our family. Of course, we put in the hours and work hard, but if my son has his sports day, we want to be there. We have that flexibility you don’t always get when you are employed by someone else.

I want to inspire other women and moms in the same position. I had no aspirations of being an entrepreneur, but I took a chance, and our lives have forever changed!

Jessica MundayJessica Munday
People and Culture Manager, Custom Neon


Operations to Web Design

I transitioned from a traditional operational role in a different industry to the dynamic and fast-paced world of web design because I found joy in turning ideas into visually appealing and functional websites. This pivot allowed me to combine my expertise in operations with my passion for design, leading to the development of streamlined processes that improved project efficiency and client satisfaction. By embracing this change, I was able to contribute to the agency’s success in a more meaningful way while pursuing work that truly resonated with me.

Tom MolnarTom Molnar
Operations Manager, Fit Design


Nonprofit Founder to Corporate Consultant

I made a career pivot from being the founder of a children’s non-profit to a corporate consulting business, creating end-to-end employee development programs that raised self-awareness aligned with business. While the audiences are in different lifespans developmentally, self-awareness is key for personal and professional success at any age.

My success is due to these steps:

  1. Gaining clarity on how my passion would monetize my strengths.
  2. Researching the market to uncover the business need for raising self-awareness.
  3. Designing end-to-end employee development programs to ensure they understand how their culture and socialization processes inform how they see the world.
  4. Networking.

The road has not been easy. My older, wiser self would say, “Don’t quit your day job,” and, “Get support.” Yet, I know when we follow our passion to build a career, we leave the world a better place.

Melanie JonesMelanie Jones
Senior Learning and Organizational Development Consultant, BOxD and Melanie C Jones Consulting


Finance Analyst to Tech CEO

In the past, I found myself poring over financial reports as a meticulous finance analyst. Yet, the lure of the fast-paced tech domain was too compelling to ignore. Hence, I decided to leave my secure job and plunge into this exciting sphere. Every new day provided opportunities to learn a little bit more, from coding and strategic marketing to financial planning.

The swift transformation from a finance analyst to the CEO of a tech company has been akin to a roller-coaster ride. It was an audacious and daring move, but it has altered my everyday work life into a voyage of intensive learning, thrilling escapades, and opportunities for innovation.

Abid SalahiAbid Salahi
Co-Founder & CEO, FinlyWealth


Traditional Medicine to Holistic Health

In my early career, I was initially rooted in a conventional medical practice, focused primarily on traditional pain management techniques. However, as I delved deeper into patient care, I realized the immense potential of holistic treatment methods. This epiphany led me to pursue additional certifications in chiropractic and acupuncture.

Transitioning to these natural and integrative approaches reinvigorated my passion for healthcare and allowed me to make a more meaningful difference in my patients’ lives. This shift was pivotal and deeply fulfilling, marking a turning point that aligned my professional endeavors with my personal beliefs about health and well-being.

Dr. Peter HinzDr. Peter Hinz
Founder, Chiropractor, and Certified Acupuncturist, Cool Springs Chiropractic


Marketing to Real Estate Agent

I have always been interested in the world of real estate, and I knew that it was something I wanted to pursue as a career. However, like many others, I found myself in a different field for many years before finally deciding to make the leap and pivot my career toward becoming a real estate agent.

After working in marketing for over a decade, I began feeling unfulfilled and unsatisfied with my job. Despite having a successful career, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that there was something missing. It wasn’t until I started helping a friend with her home search that I realized my true passion for real estate.

Making the decision to leave my stable job and start a new career in real estate was not an easy one. But, with the support of my family and friends, I enrolled in courses to obtain my license and began networking within the industry. It was a scary and uncertain time, but I knew deep down that it was the right move for me.

I won’t sugarcoat it; starting a new career in your 30s can be challenging. There were times when I doubted my decision and struggled to make ends meet. But, with determination and hard work, I was able to overcome these challenges and learn valuable lessons along the way. From negotiating deals to handling difficult clients, every experience has helped me become a better real estate agent.

Brandon BeattyBrandon Beatty
Real Estate Investor, Ready House Buyer


Senior Leadership to Passionate Career

Long before COVID and remote working, I was in senior leadership in an industry in which, once into it, one becomes “institutionalized.” I used to describe it as being in Shawshank—once you get in, it’s hard to get out.

I’m not so sure this was much different from many other industries, but I certainly felt trapped. By the way, this career had very little to do with what I actually went to school for. It was just one of those careers one falls into and basically never leaves.

My wife and I decided to move to a new city for an upward career move for her. Once again, this was before much remote work. I figured this city change would allow me to also change careers and let me get back to my roots…something I was really passionate about. Indeed, this was just the impetus I needed to wipe the slate clean and start fresh. That was 12 years ago now, and I could not be happier! I love what I do every day now.

I highly recommend that if you’re in an industry or career where you feel “institutionalized,” take a gamble on yourself and run toward your passion.

Harry LakinHarry Lakin
Founder, Hire Capacity


VP to Ethical Real Estate Firm

I made a pivotal career switch when I transitioned from being the Vice President at a global brokerage to founding my own firm, Stance Commercial Real Estate. After a decade in the commercial real estate industry, I realized that many companies prioritized commissions over client needs. This recognition drove me to create a business that stayed true to my ethical standards and focused on what was best for the customer.

One concrete instance that propelled this change was seeing how often decisions were made for quick profits rather than long-term client success. I had guided hundreds of companies through the buying, selling, and leasing processes but felt constrained by the policies of larger brokerages. When I attempted to adopt a more client-centric approach, I knew that starting my own company was the only way to drive the change I envisioned.

Starting Stance Commercial Real Estate wasn’t without its challenges. I had to navigate all the legalities and business logistics to transition from an employee to a business owner. The experience I gained from my previous roles helped, but it was my focus on self-motivation and ensuring that I provided the highest moral guidance to my clients that sustained me through tough times. This pivot has allowed me to implement strategies that not only meet but often exceed client expectations in the real estate market.

Joe StanceJoe Stance
Owner, Stance Commercial Real Estate


Corporate Burnout to Productivity Coaching

Before I started Lifehack Method with my husband, we were both in corporate America—and burnt out.

So, we found ways to work fewer hours while increasing our productivity and improving our well-being, which quickly became our passion. When we started sharing those methods with our friends and family, the feedback was so incredible that we were inspired to quit our jobs completely and pivot to launch Lifehack Method, a productivity coaching company.

For the past five years, we’ve worked about 28 hours a week, growing our business, enjoying life, and helping others find the same balance we have.

Carey BentleyCarey Bentley
CEO, Lifehack Method


Marketing to Finance and Economics

I made a complete 180-degree career change after turning 30. I had worked for almost ten years with my own online marketing company, which had become profitable and successful, but I realized that marketing is not where my soul thrives. Instead, I found myself being drawn to economics and finance.

I started digging into the financial world step by step, taking different courses, building up my investment knowledge and personal investments. But the main pivot came when I decided to enroll in an accounting school to study accounting full-time. It’s something I had never even thought about, especially since I was so engaged with my marketing company. From the first day I went to college, I realized that the financial world was the right choice for me: numbers speak to me in a way that marketing never did.

Marcus KellerMarcus Keller
Business Owner, Keller Media OÜ


Various Roles to Logistics Expert

On good days, logistics is something that feels like my passion, but even on bad days, it’s something that I seem to have a knack for. The ability to operate in an intuitive space of understanding, even when dealing with large systems like a nationwide moving company, is something that keeps me coming back, day after day, even on the days that I’m not really feeling it.

Before finding this niche, I worked in a variety of roles, from appliance installation as an undergrad to finance as a recent graduate. For a while, I felt lost; neither the blue-collar, hands-on work I was doing to pay the bills in college nor the cerebral, demanding, lucrative white-collar work I did after graduation really felt like a good fit for me. If neither blue-collar nor white-collar jobs were the right ones for me, what did that leave?

It turns out, the answer was logistics. It’s a perfect blend of my skills, passions, and education, and it’s an incredibly broad field full of opportunity.

Nick ValentinoNick Valentino
VP of Market Operations, Bellhop


Litigation Lawyer to Legal Entrepreneur

My career pivot came after years of working in litigation, where I was often swamped with the intense, high-pressure environment of courtrooms and endless paperwork.

Despite my passion for law, I found myself yearning for a way to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of legal processes. This realization struck me during a particularly demanding case, where the sheer volume of discovery documents seemed insurmountable.

Determined to find a better way, I decided to leave litigation and founded a legal process outsourcing company. One of our first major successes was helping a law firm cut their document review time by 50%, allowing them to focus more on strategy and client interaction.

This not only reinforced my decision to pivot but also highlighted how blending my legal background with a focus on operational efficiency could make a significant impact in the legal field.

Aseem JhaAseem Jha
Founder, Legal Consulting Pro


Marketing to Insurance Claims Innovation

Making the shift from marketing to co-founding Dolphin Claims was a strategic decision based on my passion for innovation and client advocacy. I saw an opportunity to bring fresh perspectives and creative problem-solving to an industry ripe for change. This career pivot allowed me to blend my marketing expertise with a mission to enhance the customer experience in insurance claims.

Joe FordJoe Ford
Co Founder, Dolphin Claims


Corporate to Real Estate Passion

A career pivot I made to follow my passion was transitioning into a real estate career. After spending several years in a corporate job that didn’t align with my interests or goals, I decided to pursue my passion for real estate.

I took courses, obtained the necessary licenses, and immersed myself in learning about the industry. Despite the challenges and uncertainties of starting a new career, I was driven by my passion for helping people find their dream homes and invest in properties.

Making the pivot to real estate has been incredibly rewarding. I wake up excited to work every day, knowing that I’m doing something I love and making a positive impact on people’s lives. It’s a career that allows me to leverage my skills, follow my passion, and achieve personal and professional fulfillment.

Darcy TurnerDarcy Turner
Founder, Investor Home Buyers


IT to Gardening and Cannabis Cultivation

Pivoting from a corporate IT job to a career in gardening and cannabis cultivation has been a transformative journey. Nurturing plants provided immense satisfaction, which revealed my true passion. My hands-on practice and continuous learning led to the co-founding of Reefertilizer.

This new role allowed me to merge my technical skills with horticultural expertise, creating innovative solutions for growers. Educating others on indoor and outdoor cultivation and the medicinal benefits of plants became a core focus. The decision to follow my passion has been personally and professionally fulfilling. Overall, this career shift has had a significant, positive impact on my life.

Mike DrouinMike Drouin
Co-Founder, Digital Marketing Director, Gardening & Home Improvement Expert, Reefertilizer


Engineering to Advertising Career

Growing up, my father was an engineer, and he was successful in setting up his own business. So all my life, I was groomed to take over the family business. In fact, I went on to college to study engineering because that had always been the plan. I also interned at my dad’s company and was made to attend all the engineering conferences and seminars my dad did, just to ensure that I had hands-on knowledge and experience of the duties and responsibilities that would soon be required of me.

However, I developed an interest in advertising in college and since then had always wanted to work in advertising. Unbeknownst to my family, I had been secretly taking online courses to pursue my dreams.

Well, long story short, three years ago, after a year of working in the family business, I was finally able to come clean to my family and reveal my intentions to pursue a career in advertising. They didn’t take the news well, but my mind was already made up to pursue the career I wanted regardless. So, I did.

Gideon OmerutaGideon Omeruta
SEO and Content Lead, Findbyplate


Retail to Garage Door Marketing

My career pivot into the garage door industry was an unexpected detour. After years of managing a bustling retail store, I found myself yearning for a more creative outlet. I craved a role that allowed me to combine my organizational skills with my passion for design and home improvement.

One day, while browsing job boards, I stumbled upon an opening for a marketing coordinator at a garage door company. Intrigued by the challenge, I decided to take a chance. It was a leap of faith, leaving behind the familiar world of retail for an industry I knew little about.

To my surprise, I quickly discovered that garage doors were far more interesting than I had initially imagined. The blend of functionality, aesthetics, and technology fascinated me. This unexpected career change taught me the importance of staying open to new possibilities and embracing the unknown.

Adam BogleAdam Bogle
Content Editor, The Traveler


Finance to Culinary Marketing

My journey to the Director of Marketing position at a renowned restaurant group wasn’t a straightforward path. It began with a love of food, instilled in me from childhood Sunday dinners with my large Italian family. I pursued a finance degree, thinking it was the practical route. However, after a few years of crunching numbers, I felt a growing disconnect between my career and my passion.

A trip to Tuscany changed everything. Immersed in the vibrant food culture, surrounded by passionate chefs and fresh ingredients, I realized that my true calling was in the culinary world. With newfound determination, I enrolled in culinary school, eager to learn the intricacies of flavor and technique.

After graduating, I dove headfirst into the restaurant industry, working my way up from line cook to sous chef. Along the way, I discovered my aptitude for marketing, recognizing the power of storytelling to elevate a dining experience. I leveraged my dual passions to create a unique niche for myself, combining my culinary expertise with marketing savvy. This led me to my current role, where I have the privilege of sharing my love of food with a wider audience.

Alex CorniciAlex Cornici
Director of Marketing, Awesome Hibachi


Finance to Freelance Writing

Two years ago, I made the difficult decision to leave a successful career in finance to pursue my true passion: writing. I had spent a decade climbing the corporate ladder and was on track for a senior leadership role. However, I found myself increasingly unfulfilled and yearning to explore my creative side.

Making such a significant career change was daunting. I knew I would be leaving behind the stability and financial security I had worked so hard to achieve. But after much soul-searching, I realized that continuing down my current path would mean living someone else’s dream, not my own. I took a leap of faith, left my finance job, and committed myself fully to establishing a career as a freelance writer.

The transition has been challenging but immensely rewarding. Every day, I get to immerse myself in crafting stories, articles, and content that inspire and inform others. I wake up excited to start writing, energized by the opportunity to continuously learn and grow. While my income is less predictable, the fulfillment and joy I gain from finally aligning my work with my purpose is priceless. Taking the risk to pivot careers and chase my true calling was the best decision I ever made. It has allowed me to build a life and livelihood that reflects my authentic self.

Gustav NicholsonGustav Nicholson
Editor, Ampifire


Prosecutor to Trial Attorney

After spending years working as a prosecutor, I realized that my true passion lay in helping individuals and families navigate the complex legal system. This realization led me to make a career pivot and become a trial attorney, where I could use my skills and experience to fight for justice for those in need.

As I made this transition, I faced many challenges and had to learn new skills. However, my passion for the work drove me forward, and I was able to overcome any obstacles in my way. It was a straightforward decision for me—I knew that following my passion would ultimately lead to a more fulfilling and rewarding career.

Pursuing a career aligned with your passion is transformative, both professionally and personally. It takes courage to pivot from a well-trodden path, but the rewards of aligning your work with your values cannot be overstated. Embrace the challenges, stay dedicated, and understand that the journey is enriching.

Andrew PickettAndrew Pickett
Founder and Lead Trial Attorney, Andrew Pickett Law


Submit Your Answer

Would you like to submit an alternate answer to the question, “Can you describe a career pivot you made to follow your passion?”

Submit your answer here.

Related Articles