Career Transitions : Fearless Flyers

You may have read one of my previous articles on career transitioning which described how to create complementary careers for yourself. This article will introduce you to three people I call Fearless Flyers because they have taken the leap of faith that many of us would only dream of considering.

Fearless Flyer #1 worked for a big gym equipment manufacturer. In fact, she was a regional sales manager for them, doing quite well with sales, I might add. As she visited various gyms, she observed people using the facilities. She realized that people were staying inside buildings working towards their health rather than being outside and getting the extra benefits to their well-being from what the outdoors had to offer. She wanted to be outside in nature. She believed that others would, too. She left her sales management position to start her own business. She invited people to go into the natural settings in their own backyards so to speak, kayaking, doing gentle nature walks, and tai chi. She added natural products like unbleached cotton undies and socks. Today, she has a website, booths at street fairs, and buyers for her products and her vision.

Fearless Flyer #2 is a registered nurse. She has been one for more than twenty years. After some traumatic experiences, she began to paint to help get through them. She enjoyed it so much that she's decided to pursue a major in art. Recently, she applied to a local college to pursue a degree in art and has reduced her hours per week as a nurse. Her works have been in some art exhibits and she has accepted an advisory board position for an organization benefiting healthcare professionals who use the arts for health maintenance of themselves and others.

Fearless Flyer #3 worked as an engineer for several large companies in the United States. He always loved living around water, boating, fishing, and scuba diving. Two years ago, he decided to get his captain's license so he could do charters. He also started writing a fishing report for a local on-line newsletter. A year ago, he added working for a tow and rescue company on the weekends part-time. Four months ago, he retired from his engineer position and took on his own territory with the tow and rescue company. He has cut back on his charters but has quite a following of his fishing report.

These are just a few of the people I know who have made or are in the process of career transitioning. Think of how many more are out there. You can be a Fearless Flyer, too. It just takes an idea, some creativity, and a bit of courage.

Copyright 2005 Kathy Iwanowski. All Rights Reserved.

Kathy Iwanowski, a former cancer nurse and manager, creates art, speaks, and writes about creative living and work. Her articles, editorials, and reviews on art, business, creativity, and nursing subjects have been published in newsletters, ezines, and books in the United States.

To arrange for Kathy as a speaker for your next event or to find out more about her work, visit her website at http://www.kathyiwanowski.com