New Career Case Studies

It used to be that work was what happened to you when you were busy making other plans (climbing Everest, floating the Nile). No longer. A new generation is finding ways to turn their passion into a rewarding career. Here are 10 career-switching case studies of people who made it happen—and how you can, too.

Land Your Dream Job

By Kate Siber

Eleven years ago, Chad Mihalick had just completed his degree in business administration at Pepperdine and was searching blindly for an entry-level position at an action-sports company. Frustrated by how difficult it was to even figure out who was hiring, Mihalick hit upon a solution: a combination job board and news site.

No Work and All Play

OK, maybe a little work, but when you're having this much fun, it's hard to tell the difference. No matter where you are or where you've been, you can still tack in a new direction and do something you love—and make a living. Just ask these folks, from Jack Handey to mountain-town mayor Dana Williams to rock star Ben Harper.

How Did They Get That Job?

Seven people with the sweetest jobs around share their secrets on how they got the gig, including underwater archaeologist David Choate ("I think about it every time I come to the surface: how lucky I am"), field camp medic Kristin Peterson ("I'm kind of a gypsy"), and wine director Richard Betts ("I read and tasted everything I could").

6 Careers in Adventure

By Kate Siber

Presenting the hottest adventure industries to turn your passion into a paycheck. Reach consumers with stories instead of straight-up ads as an adventure-content producer. Use entrepreneurial strategies to solve social and environmental problems. Or work in the fast-growing green-jobs sector as a sustainability coordinator.

Will Work for Good

At a time when we're supposed to feel lucky just to have a job, why are so many employers supporting our addiction to travel, helping us get fit, and inviting our dogs into the office? Because it's good business, that's why. These companies are successful precisely because they support a proper work-life balance.

Emancipation Occupations

Profiles of 10 ascendant careers to free you from the cubicle, from a landscape architect (create natural settings—parks, waterfronts, campuses, parking lots—that are pretty and functional) to a resort host (make sure the guests have fun) to a libations professional (the high-end craft-beer and craft-spirits industries are growing).