All articles tagged with #career change
After years of applying to 100+ entry-level jobs and juggling multiple gigs, the author pivots from journalism to public policy, deciding to pursue a master’s degree abroad in France with a scholarship to boost competitiveness and focus on women’s health, while continuing to network and volunteer with nonprofits.
Kun Chen, a former Microsoft engineer, used a simple monthly self-check—'What did I do this month that I couldn't last month?'—to gauge whether he was still growing. After six years at Microsoft, he realized he wasn’t, prompting a move to Meta to seek new challenges and growth, before returning to Microsoft on a fresh project; he argues ongoing growth matters more than promotions, especially amid rapid AI-driven changes in software engineering.
A 36-year-old American who moved to Shenzhen in 2016 lives with his wife and two kids in a three-bedroom about $1,000/month rent, roughly $100/month groceries for a family of four, plus $29 internet, $100 electricity and $90 healthcare—roughly a quarter of his U.S. costs. He initially earned about $4,000/month teaching English, then pivoted to a marketing role paying around $3,500/month plus about $1,200/month from side gigs; Shenzhen’s tech-forward, safe, family-friendly environment with cheap transit and multilingual schooling has made the move feel like a successful, future-ready life in China.
In The Hollywood Reporter’s Life After Hollywood feature, veteran writer/producer Nick Morton details his pivot from a decades-long Hollywood career to a hands-on construction life after industry strikes and layoffs upend his work. Starting with a gut renovation overseen for his brother-in-law, he confronts a steep learning curve, language barriers, and grueling early days at Home Depot and on site, eventually earning a promotion and finding real value and respect in the tangible work. After six months, he’s slimmer, sleeps better, and isn’t sure he’ll ever return to Hollywood, feeling more fulfilled by a life built with his own hands.
The DOGE-driven downsizing purged hundreds of thousands of federal workers and contractors, shrinking the federal workforce by about 10% since January 2025 and leaving many with financial hardship, health challenges, and emotional strain. OthersPivoted to new careers, moved across the country (with significant cross‑state moves), joined local or state government roles, started volunteer work, or pursued advocacy, signaling a sweeping talent redistribution even as public service persists in new forms.
A woman about to be fired from her job at a London listings magazine is invited to a decadent 90s bar launch by a colleague, which leads to her discovering a vibrant social scene and ultimately finding her true career as a journalist, thanks to the memorable night and the people she met.
A 31-year-old former tech executive takes a part-time ice cream scooping job to make ends meet amid a tough job market, finding community and grounding in the experience despite missing full-time benefits and stability.
Former chefs share their reasons for leaving the culinary industry, citing low pay, lack of benefits, physical and mental health issues, burnout, and the desire for a better work-life balance, with many expressing frustration over industry practices and toxic work environments.
Alfie Whiteman, a Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper with a unique personality and limited playing time, has retired from football at 26 to pursue a career in photography and filmmaking, driven by a desire for fulfillment beyond the insular world of professional football.
Joe Friend, a Microsoft veteran with over two decades at the company, was laid off in May, disrupting his retirement plans and leading him to decide against returning to Big Tech, citing a loss of trust and a desire for meaningful work outside of large tech firms.
Ashley Parker Angel, former member of O-Town, left his music and entertainment career after 20 years to become a fitness trainer, citing mental health struggles and a desire to make a bigger impact in people's lives. He now focuses on coaching and personal development, sharing his journey of overcoming depression and addiction, and encouraging others to pursue their true passions.
Jordan Wilmore, a 7-foot-3 former professional basketball player, chose to leave his basketball career behind to pursue his passion for policing, driven by a desire to help others and make a difference in his community.
Molly Qerim announced she is leaving ESPN at the end of the year after hosting 'First Take' since 2015, despite being offered a new contract, and hinted at upcoming news about her next move.
Donna Farizan, a contributor to the 'Today' show for 12 years, announced her departure to pursue new opportunities inspired by her personal growth journey and her 'Own Your Power' series, marking a new chapter in her career.
Julie Sweet, CEO of Accenture, emphasizes that Fortune 500 companies can survive and thrive in the AI era by embracing full reinvention, fostering humility and continuous learning, and making bold strategic shifts, including organizational restructuring and technological adoption. She highlights the importance of agility, transparency, and a proactive approach to AI and future technological developments like AGI, asserting that reinvention is essential for long-term success and relevance.