After living though years of long hours, stress, and burnout, many older professionals want a more balanced existence. A front-page article in the July 9 Boston Sunday Globe featured doctors who made career switches. They gave up their massive incomes for new careers in software development, venture capital, health-career counseling, and other professions. Giving up money, status, and professional identity is never easy, but many people find it to be worth the sacrifice. He was able to trade a job with ridiculous hours for a less stressful position managing a hospital research department.
Some people change careers in order to turn hobbies or serious interests into profitable businesses.
Paul was one career changer who left a secure, professional position at a major corporation to follow his long-term interest in fireworks. His computerized method of accurately timing fireworks is now very much in demand by major event sponsors. Antique dealers are also often latecomers to their field. After collecting for years, they move from buying to selling and enjoy new friends, along with the real tax benefits of business travel. A Changing World View Maturity often brings about a change in values.