One of the most significant ways to positively impact your life is a career change. According to Dr. Katie Miley, a clinical psychologist and head of the professional counseling program at Argosy University/Chicago Northwest, "often a radical life change, like a job switch, can be very freeing, so the long-term positive benefits outweigh the short-term challenges such as less income or going back to school."
"American Demographics" magazine cites a recent survey by Hewitt Associates, the Lincolnshire, Ill.-based outsourcing and consulting firm, which found that while only 6 percent of the 520 employers it polled offered sabbaticals, an additional 12 percent had such programs under consideration. "Many are taking the opportunity to reassess their direction, think about changing careers or go back to school," says John Van Cleve, a work life consultant at Hewitt Associates.
"We've seen this trend demonstrated firsthand within our system of schools for years, but it certainly has been on the upswing since 9/11," explains Jeff Abraham, senior vice president for The Art Institutes. While The Art Institutes doesn't track specific numbers of career changers, admissions directors have noticed an increase in professionals enrolling in culinary arts classes, among other disciplines, as a way of reassessing their careers.
For some students at The Art Institutes -- a tuna boat captain turned chef, an accountant turned fashion designer, and a lobbyist turned interior designer -- the decision to switch careers had an overwhelmingly positive impact on their lives. According to a recent article in "American Demographics," these individuals reflect a growing trend to take time out from a busy career to recharge, renew, and reinvent.
Here are a few career changer profiles:
Tracy Walker: Having worked for 15 years as a private yacht captain, Walker decided to pursue another love -- the culinary arts -- as a full-time student. Enrolled in culinary studies at The Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale, Walker ultimately wants to combine his love of cooking with his love of the sea by becoming a chef on a research vessel in the North China Seas or the Galapagos Islands.
Cathy Simpson: A former political lobbyist and fundraiser, Simpson was experiencing professional burnout and determined that after 13 years in Washington, she was ready to try a new career as an interior designer. "For me, 9/11 reinforced a decision I had already made. I was doing the right thing by pursuing a career that would make me happy," she said. She now attends The Art Institute of Washington in Arlington, Va.
Shannon Higgins: As a young single mother, Higgins had devoted five years to working for the postal service, and she decided that was enough. She's now enrolled in a culinary arts program at The Art Institute of California - Los Angeles, and while now she's working twice as hard without the benefits, she's sure she made the right choice for herself and her son.
Jay Prewett: Photography has always been Prewett's first love, so after 10 years as an electrical engineer, he decided it was time to make a switch. "I hated going into work, and said to myself 'this is no way to live,' so with the support of family and friends, I went back to school and have never looked back," he says. Prewett is currently enrolled at The Art Institute of Atlanta.
Joe Rios: A former manager of a retail shop located on the Plaza Level of Building Two of the World Trade Center, Rios was extremely affected by the events of 9/11, having lost a 22-year-old employee that day. Cooking for Rios has always been therapeutic, and enrolling in the culinary arts program of The Art Institute of New York City (formerly The New York Restaurant School) to become a pastry chef has become an important part of his healing process.
Paul Seagle: A former CFO for several fast track companies, Seagle was taking no satisfaction in his job or its monetary rewards. He always loved cooking, and while 9/11 didn't directly influence his decision to pursue a culinary career, Seagle says "I see that life is a gift that can be taken away without warning very suddenly and I am glad I will be spending what is left of my time here doing something I love and that brings others enjoyment." Seagle attends The Art Institute of California - Orange County.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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