Next Exit: Rerouting Your Career

Marketing Manager turned Project Manager turned Dietitian

Sometimes the journey from one career to another is a quick exit from one road to another, but most times there are detours along the way that need to be managed and navigated with little direction or advance notice. Kim Knipe graduated with visions a career in human resources, but as happens too often, her career took a different, unplanned route. She was a working mother bouncing around corporate America from one job in tech to another: consultant, technical writer, tester, project manager, marketing manager, etc. While those jobs paid the bills, they weren't fulfilling. Due to happenings in Kim's personal life, Kim became interested in becoming a registered dietitian because she wanted to have a positive impact on the community around her. This required her going back to college while raising three and five-year-old daughters. In the end, Kim offers insight, recommendations, and maybe a tinge of regret for how she made her journey; making for a very realistic story.

School Teacher turned Nurse

A number of the people that I've interviewed have had a helpful advantage that has made their career transition a bit easier - a spouse or partner who they can rely on for financial support or health insurance; that's not the case with Megan Boyle. She’s gone through a number of career transitions since graduating college; her most recent going from teacher to nurse. It's hard enough to transition when you have someone to fall back on, but in Meghan's case, she studied for nursing all while she worked as a teacher full-time. It's a great inspiration for anyone who thinks they can't.

Restaurant Owner turned Pilot

Susan Laskos had two careers that she loved; first, as a restaurant owner, a career that involved her love of food and entertaining and introduced her to friends that she has to this day. She studied in France, came back to the United States, started a family and then owned a successful restaurant in Philadelphia. Then she was introduced to flying and journey from the kitchen to the cockpit began where the view is “so much better” than a basement kitchen. We talk about the journey began, how buying a car started it all off, and how a broken ankle helped her find her way. We also discuss the pushback she faced for being a woman in a “man’s” world.

How to get health insurance if you're self-employed

If you live in the United States and you're self-employed (an entrepreneur, freelancer, or business owner) then health insurance is a major consideration when thinking about working for yourself. Fact is most people get covered through their jobs and when you’re the boss, you have to figure this out for yourself, but just because you’re responsible for making this decision, doesn’t mean there isn’t help for you out there. Marta Rusek is a concerned citizen and digital storyteller that founded the Get Covered Philly campaign, which works to connect people to resources on health insurance. This interview is chock full of links. Please got to the website for a complete listing of those helpful resources from the interview. [](http://www.nextexit.site/health-insurance…-business-owners/)[](http://www.nextexit.site/health-insurance-self-employed-entrepreneurs-freelancers-business-owners/)[Health Insurance Episode - Show Notes](http://www.nextexit.site/health-insurance-self-employed/) * [Get Covered Philly](http://getcoveredphilly.com)[](http://getcoveredphilly.com) * [Marta Rusek](https://www.martarusek.com)

International Marketing Executive turned Jeweler

Nicolas Estrada escaped the violence of Medellin, Colombia to earn a business degree in the United States. When he returned to Colombia, he used that degree to great success but not great satisfaction as an international marketing executive. While visiting his sister in Barcelona he found his true calling and through education, dedication, and sacrifice has become a renowned jeweler whose work can be found in galleries around the world. You can see Nicolas’ work at the following places: Instagram: [](https://www.instagram.com/nicolasestradajeweler/)[](https://www.instagram.com/nicolasestradajeweler/)[@nicolasestradajeweler](https://www.instagram.com/nicolasestradajeweler/) [](https://www.instagram.com/nicolasestradajeweler/) Website: [www.nicolasestrada.com](www.nicolasestrada.com) Also - here's the info I provided in the intro [Suicide Prevention Lifeline](https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org) 800-273-TALK (8255)