Career change

The world of work continues to change at an ever-increasing pace. Re-inventing oneself may become a necessary talent in this environment but for many this may seem more of a threat than an opportunity. Here are a few examples of individuals who have changed career with a degree of success. 

Nick Jenkins 

Nick Jenkins was a commodity trader working for Glencore, a huge business based in Switzerland. Jenkins was based in Moscow while working for the company. He returned to the UK and set up Moonpig, which has become a highly successful on-line greeting cards retailer. 

J.K. Rowling 

J.K. Rowling worked as a teacher and researcher before writing the first "Harry Potter" book. The book was rejected by multiple publishers before finally being accepted. Rowling is now one of the best-selling authors of all time. 

Julia Child 

Julia Child worked in US secret intelligence during the Second World War, including postings to Sri Lanka and China. When the war ended she and her husband moved to France, where she discovered good food, so she trained to become a Cordon bleu cook. Her first book was a best-seller, propelling her into a successful media career.

Mary Berry

Mary Berry started as a domestic science teacher after training at Le Cordon Bleu. She transitioned into writing cookbooks and later became a household name as a judge on "The Great British Bake Off," where she became one of the most beloved figures in British cooking

Donald Fisher 

Donald Fisher started out as a cabinet-maker working for his father, then set up his own business renovating hotels. An unsuccessful attempt to buy a pair of jeans gave him the inspiration to found a chain of clothes stores known as The Gap.

Duncan Bannatyne 

Duncan Bannatyne left school at fifteen and joined the Navy, after which he did a succession of different jobs. Eventually he bought an ice-cream van and began selling ice-creams and sued the money he made from selling this business to set up a chain of care homes. He subsequently became well-known by becoming one of the first dragons in Dragons Den. 

Geraldine James 

Geraldine James started as a legal secretary but pursued her passion for acting. She trained at the Drama Centre London and has since had a successful career in film, television, and theatre, earning multiple awards and nominations

Ronald Reagan 

An actor for a long time both on film and TV, Ronald Reegan turned to politics and became the Governor of California before becoming the US President for two terms.

Nigella Lawson 

Nigella Lawson began her career as a journalist and literary editor before shifting her focus to food. She became a best-selling author with her cookbooks and gained international fame as a television chef, known for her accessible and indulgent cooking style.

Professor Brian Cox 

Cox started out as a keyboard player for a number of bands, most notably D-ream. Whilst doing so he studied for a degree in science, completed a second degree, and when the group disbanded he became a particle physicist.

These are just some examples. A survey undertaken by YouGov found that 52% of people dream of turning their hobby into a career. Food for thought. 

It has been said that if you choose a job you love you will never work a day in your life. Have you changed career? Or are you thinking of changing a career but can’t take that first step? Do share your thoughts and experiences.