SWITCHING GEARS

income children who lived in poverty. It was such a thrill to watch those kids with so
many challenges learn basic things like their primary colors or learn how to read.”
Health issues prompted Lynn to take an early retirement, but she knew she wanted
to stay active. It was a chance encounter with a friend that helped put her on the road to
her new career.
“My friend Robert [Painter] was opening the new Iguana restaurant, and he asked
if I would do some paintings for him,” Lynn remembers. “I got busy and never looked
back. From that day on, I never missed teaching. In fact, I sort of felt I should have followed
my passion years earlier.”
Today, Lynn has an active life. She has paintings for sale at Iguana, the Deep Fork
Grill and Guthrie’s Blue Belle Saloon. She also does paintings by commission and loves
every minute of her work.
“Sometimes I will paint until 2 a.m. and not even be aware of the time,” Lynn says. “I
really did love teaching, and knowing I made a difference. But now it’s my time. I get to
do what I am passionate about.”
NEWS REPORTER TO THE FACE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT
Some folks still recognize Mark Myers as the “news dude” from his days as a television
reporter for KOCO Channel 5. During a decade under the bright lights, he realized the
glitz of TV really isn’t all that glamorous. In fact, a reporter’s life isn’t what he originally
envisioned at all.
“At age 18 my dream job was to become a physical therapist,” Mark says. “In high
school I suffered a torn knee ligament playing football, and as part of rehab I was
just so impressed with my physical therapy team. The ability to see someone come in
physically broken, and help them progress back to 100 percent healthy, I felt was an
amazing career.”
Mark spent much of the ’90s at Channel 5. It was during the last few years there that
he began thinking of switching gears.
“News just wasn’t ‘news’ anymore,” Mark says. “The platform had started moving
toward what I call ‘info-tainment’ and a bit of ‘fear-casting.’ I understand the whole ratings
thing, but how many
vacant house fire reports,
and running around
doing live shots scaring
viewers because it’s
raining outside can you
do before reporting on
them isn’t fun anymore
I think a lot of news folk
burn out after a while.”
His years as a reporter
had helped him make
some good contacts, so
Mark says the transition
to a new career was virtually
seamless.
“I had been a crime reporter, and Oklahoma County Sheriff John Whetsel had been
looking to bring in a civilian to lead his public information office, and some people
had recommended me,” Mark says. “I believe anyone thinking about changing careers
should first think about what will make them happy and what talents or skills they have
that will transition well.”
Embarking on a new venture was a life-altering decision, but Mark says he had no
fear whatsoever.
“My new job made me feel rejuvenated by the opportunity to represent a law enforcement
agency full of people who do incredible, heroic acts, and I get to tell their stories.
I felt like the foundation for my new career could be based on the things I loved about
being a news reporter.
“I just seized the opportunity and ran with it,” Mark says. “The pay is better, and I actually
have holidays off now. The only regret I have is that I didn’t make the move sooner.”
WHAT NOW
WHAT NEXT
WHERE TO
The recurring theme from Leslie,
Matt, Mark and Lynn is “I followed
my passion.”
So where do you start A lot of
mid-lifers ask that question, and
the answer from the experts is
almost always the same: trust your
gut instinct.
A simple internet search reveals
hundreds of pages on tips and
guidelines for those thinking of
making a change.
“Each individual is different,”
says David Ferguson, president of
Oklahoma City’s Career Executive
Options. “When someone is unhappy
with his or her job, then it is time to
make a change. And I recommend
doing it before it starts affecting
your health.
“When the people you train start
to move up and around you, then
you know it is time to find another
company,” he says. “You are on the
wrong corporate ladder.
“If you think ‘I am too old for
sales,’ then become the purchasing
agent and purchase the products
you have been selling. Just move to
the other side of the desk.”
Also look at the particular skill
sets associated with a job, not necessarily
the title.
Starting over later in life may
cause a few butterflies, but those
who have done it say it is definitely
worth it. Certainly an income is
needed, but so is peace of mind.
January is here, and the dawn
of a new year is upon us. Today
may just be the perfect time to
make a fresh start and decide what
you want to be now that you’re all
grown up.
JANUARY 2015 // SLICE 35