Choose Your Own (Career) Adventure

Choose Your Own (Career) Adventure

No matter their age or background, Cincinnatians are making career changes to pursue forgotten passions, utilize their talents, and find new purpose.

By Emma Balcom, Brianna Connock, Tyler Easterday, Jaclyn Youhana Garver, Claire Lefton, Aiesha D. Little, and Madelyn Stewart

Illustration by Amelia Flower / Folio
Photography by Jeremy Kramer

Edited by Emma Balcom and Brianna Connock

Second Career Success Stories

Paul Picton

From: Mechanical Engineer
To: Chocolatier

Paul Picton
Jimmy Longbottom

Jimmy Longbottom

From: Craft Beer Buyer
To: Bird Rescuer

Nicole Phillips

From: Stay-at-Home Mom
To: Firefighter

Nicole Phillips
Brandon Reynolds

Brandon Reynolds

From: Salesman
To: Conservationist

Vanessa Melendez

From: State Social Worker
To: Design Director

Vanessa Melendez
Michael Burns

Michael Burns

From: Secret Service Member
To: Small Business Owner

Robin Wood

From: Radio DJ
To: Florist

Robin Wood
Yvette Simpson

Yvette Simpson

Politics, sales, law, business, wine—she’s done it all.

Start Your Career Journey

Never Too Late to Learn

Whether picking up a new skill, furthering your education, or preparing to apply for new jobs, Greater Cincinnati has the resources for it all.

Making the Career Change

A professional job coach offers advice to later-in-life employment seekers.

Get Networked

Whether you're in the market for a new career or are just looking to make professional connections, these groups can help.