All About You
Mid-Life Career Change
Not everyone picks the perfect profession first time. These women show why it's never too late to tap into your true talent.
"I fell in love and found my calling"
Leona Watson, 43, culinary entrepreneur
I was known for throwing fabulous dinner parties, but never thought it was something I could do full-time. I was a marketing manager, convinced I would be that forever, until I went on a sailing trip around France. To my surprise, I fell for a sailor onboard. After much soul-searching, I quit my job and followed him to the Whitsundays, where he was working on a charter yacht. Coincidentally, there was a role for an onboard chef, and I signed up. It was the best decision I've ever made, and it reawakened my passion for cooking. When my contract ended, I completed a cordon bleu course, and launched Cheeky Food Group, which offers interactive cooking events. It's about to expand overseas - and all because of a summer holiday! Visit www.cheekyfoodgroup.com.
"I turned a hobby into a global brand"
Renée Griffith, 35, perfumer
I first came across bespoke perfume houses while travelling through Europe
in my early 20s. I was so inspired that when I arrived home, I bought a book on perfume making and began developing fragrances. It was a perfect creative outlet compared to my dry job in real estate. I didn't see it as more than a hobby until my wedding in 2002, when I designed a scent for the female guests. The response was so overwhelming that, after a year of planning and saving, I quit my job and trained as a perfumer, before spending a year blending perfumes in my kitchen and designing packaging. My risk paid off, and today my range of candles and fragrances is stocked everywhere from Melbourne to Moscow. Going to work is no longer a chore!
Visit www.renee.com.au.
"Getting sick gave me a new perspective on life"
Shannah Kennedy, 38, life coach
I was a successful sports sponsorship manager working seven days a week - and loving it - until, at 29, I fell ill with chronic fatigue syndrome. Stuck in bed for six months, I reflected on my 60-hours a week job, and realised that the part I loved and was talented at wasn't sponsorship-related; it was giving support to athletes, who were constantly asking me for advice on everything from relationships to finance. Then, I read about life coaching and something clicked. I began studying coaching part-time and, after two years, opened my consultancy, which, six years later, has 40 clients. Today, I earn twice as much and I'm more fulfilled. Visit www.shannahkennedy.com.
Leona Watson, 43, culinary entrepreneur
I was known for throwing fabulous dinner parties, but never thought it was something I could do full-time. I was a marketing manager, convinced I would be that forever, until I went on a sailing trip around France. To my surprise, I fell for a sailor onboard. After much soul-searching, I quit my job and followed him to the Whitsundays, where he was working on a charter yacht. Coincidentally, there was a role for an onboard chef, and I signed up. It was the best decision I've ever made, and it reawakened my passion for cooking. When my contract ended, I completed a cordon bleu course, and launched Cheeky Food Group, which offers interactive cooking events. It's about to expand overseas - and all because of a summer holiday! Visit www.cheekyfoodgroup.com.
Renée Griffith, 35, perfumer
I first came across bespoke perfume houses while travelling through Europe
in my early 20s. I was so inspired that when I arrived home, I bought a book on perfume making and began developing fragrances. It was a perfect creative outlet compared to my dry job in real estate. I didn't see it as more than a hobby until my wedding in 2002, when I designed a scent for the female guests. The response was so overwhelming that, after a year of planning and saving, I quit my job and trained as a perfumer, before spending a year blending perfumes in my kitchen and designing packaging. My risk paid off, and today my range of candles and fragrances is stocked everywhere from Melbourne to Moscow. Going to work is no longer a chore!
Visit www.renee.com.au.
Shannah Kennedy, 38, life coach
I was a successful sports sponsorship manager working seven days a week - and loving it - until, at 29, I fell ill with chronic fatigue syndrome. Stuck in bed for six months, I reflected on my 60-hours a week job, and realised that the part I loved and was talented at wasn't sponsorship-related; it was giving support to athletes, who were constantly asking me for advice on everything from relationships to finance. Then, I read about life coaching and something clicked. I began studying coaching part-time and, after two years, opened my consultancy, which, six years later, has 40 clients. Today, I earn twice as much and I'm more fulfilled. Visit www.shannahkennedy.com.
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MY PASSION IS INCENSE,, I HOPE ONE DAY I COULD MAKE A LIVING OUT OF IT.
My new employer chose me for the job because of the many transferable skills I would be bringing with me into the role.
I write this as offering hope to other women who are moving towards 60. Belief in oneself, attitude and self esteem are the keys to success at any age.
I intend to continue learning and training. I believe that I can inspire and coach other women on to their goals, so, from 2009 I am doing further study in career and life coaching. Within 12 months I am planning to start building my own business in coaching.