Can you describe a career pivot you made to follow your passion?

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.

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. Fuelled 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.

I am Mehdi, CEO of JMK Plumbing, I want to share a personal journey that highlights the importance of following one's passion and making significant career pivots to align with it. 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 towards 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 transformative, reinforcing my belief in the transformative power of following one's passion and embracing change.

One of the lessons I have learnt from following my passion, is that parents would always want their children to continue their legacy. Hence they would want them to make the same decisions they made, but only because they believe this to be what is right for their child's future, and the best road to lead them to a happy and fulfilled life. However, the truth as I have learnt, is that there is really no one way to satisfaction and fulfillment, and the fact that my parents found success and fulfillment by following a particular career path, doesn't guarantee my own success from following the same career path. Growing up, my father was an engineer, infact, he was successful in setting up his own business. So all my life, I was groomed to take over the family business. Infact, I went on to college to study engineering because that has always been the plan. I also interned at my dad's company and was basically made to attend all the engineering conferences and seminars my dad did, just to ensure that I had a hands-on knowledge and experience of what the duties and responsibilities that would soon be required of me entailed. However, I developed an interest in advertising in college, and had since then always wanted to work in advertising, and unknown 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. The truth is that they didn't take the news well, but my mind was already made up to pursue the career I wanted regardless. So, I did.

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 towards 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.

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.

Yes! I was working in finance (private equity) but LOVED cooking... fast forward 12 months in my early 30's, 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 12 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 speaking with chefs and cookbook authors every week. It's a joy!

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 improve 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.

I made a complete 360-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 finances. 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.

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 so different from many other industries, but I certainly felt "trapped". BTW, 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.

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 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.

Before founding KBA Global, my career as an IT security officer for a government agency provided me with a stable and secure foundation, but 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 of Migration Law from the Australian National University (ANU). This formal education was crucial—it not only equipped me with the necessary legal knowledge and skills but also lent 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. As KBA Global grew from a single office to over 10 locations with more than 50 employees, our core mission remained the same: to make migration and education accessible and achievable for all.

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. Thank you for the chance to contribute to this piece! If you do choose to quote me, please refer to me as Nick Valentino, VP of Market Operations of Bellhop.

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 horticulture 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.

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.

I began my career in SEO and worked in this field for 8 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 started a UGC Creator community.

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 not only reinvigorated my professional life but also 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.

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, 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 has altered my everyday work life into a voyage of intensive learning, thrilling escapades, and opportunities for innovation.

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.

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 not only enhance patients' appearances but 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.