FIRST CAREERS OF FAMOUS PEOPLE
If you’re experiencing some vocational unrest and are worried you’re unqualified for anything other than what your university degree directly prepare you for, don’t discredit the possibility of a career shift.
Switching jobs and even industries is becoming more common due to new economic conditions and the increase in adult and continuing education programs. You don’t need to have been a part of the field for 30 years to become successful or a high-profile leader, either. Just look at some surprising first careers of influential figures, including presidents, entertainers and entrepreneurs.
Walt Disney, newspaper ad designer: Walt Disney experienced a lot of failure on his way to becoming one of the most successful entertainment entrepreneurs in the world: He was rejected by the army and struggled to find work after WWI. He finally got a job working as a designer for newspaper, movie theater and magazine ads at an art studio. Disney only worked as a temp, and after struggling to start his own business, he began studying animation at a new job for another ad company.
Sheryl Crow, music teacher: Upbeat but soulful singer, songwriter and guitarist Sheryl Crow has enjoyed a long-lasting career that incorporates all types of music genres and often rewards her with high-profile collaborations and honors. And while the Missouri native was always interested in music — she wrote her first song when she was only 13 — Crow chose to teach music to autistic children after graduating from college before moving to LA to join the industry.
Stephen King, teacher: Just imagine if your teacher was going home at night and writing horror novels and screenplays? It might make you turn in your homework on time, or stop passing notes, at least. Stephen King — the legendary writer behind Carrie and The Shining— taught high school English in Hampden, Maine, writing during the weekends and in the evenings.
Ronald Reagan, movie star: Considered one of the most influential and widely revered presidents in U.S. history, Ronald Reagan won over the American public long before he got into politics. First working as a radio sports announcer after college, Reagan joined the movie business in the late 30s after appearing as an announcer in a film. In all, he acted in over 50 films, the last of which was released in 1964.
“No man ever reached to excellence in any one art or profession without having passed through the slow and painful process of study and preparation”
( Horace)