Rush-ed Photos, Belated Careers

Who would be willing to hire you in a new field, or for a new type of job?

Major League Pitcher Randy Johnson was a photojournalist for his school newspaper as a college student. That would have been his profession, except he happened to have a left arm that allowed for him to throw a baseball 100 mph. He pitched until he was 45 and after retirement, he . Notably, as a tour photographer with the rock band Rush, Bruce Springsteen and Kiss (as well a number of heavy metal bands whose names I have no intention of learning.) Randy Johnson completely reinvented himself.

Forbes Magazine investigated how seasoned professionals reinvent themselves and uncovered 4 strategies:
1. Prove Your Worth - Shake up the misconception that people our age aren't adept online. A robust LinkedIn profile helps as well as proficiency on Twitter, Instagram and even a blog site.
2. One Step Back For Three Steps Forward - When an investment banker quit to raise her family and then took a new job at an environmental non-profit, it was a big step back. But she became a coveted speaker at major conferences which leapfrogged her to a new career instigating energy efficient investments.
3. Leverage Your Unique Background - When an Army helicopter pilot became an executive at a top consumer goods company, his skill overlap gave him an advantage: His leadership experience during challenging times added great value.
4. Develop Your Narrative - Sometimes the benefits of a broader experience aren't always clear, so draw it out for people. After many years in the Hospitality Industry, an ambitious retired bartender pursued her passion for real estate investment. Attention to detail, networking skills and gut instinct all served her well as she grew a successful investment firm. And now she's writing this blog.

Leslie Kalk
Senior Portfolio Manager
Top Shelf Assets, LLC
[email protected]