Career Changers

We love a good list of people who have made amazing pivots in their careers. Check out some of these inspiring career changers, who didn’t let age or circumstance hold them back.

Antonie van Leeuwenhoek (1632-1723)

Leeuwenhoek was a Dutch scientist and businessman who is widely considered to be the father of microbiology. He is best known for his pioneering work in developing and improving the microscope and using it to make groundbreaking discoveries about the microscopic world. However, he spent most of his life working as a cloth merchant. It was natural curiousity that led him to develop the microscope while he was in his thirties and forties. He was largely self-taught and self-funded.

Using his microscopes, Leeuwenhoek made numerous discoveries about the microscopic world, including the first observations of bacteria, protozoa, and sperm cells. He also discovered the structure of red blood cells and observed the circulation of blood in capillaries.

William Moulton Marston (1893 – 1947)

William Moulton Marston was a Doctor of Psychology who developed the 1928 DISC emotional and behavioral theory and was instrumental in the invention and commercialisation of the polygragh, lie detector test.

His career took a large pivot when he created the “Wonder Woman” comics in his late forties and then continued to work on, into his fifties.  

Wonder Woman comics have been a significant part of popular culture for over 80 years and continue to be a source of inspiration for readers and viewers alike.

Bryce Courtney (1933 – 2012)

Bryce Courtenay began writing novels in his mid-50s and became an instant success with his debut novel, “The Power of One,” published in 1989.  This book alone sold millions of copies world wide and was adapted into a film.

Courtenay went on to write several more best-selling novels, including “Tandia,” “Jessica,” “The Potato Factory,” and “Tommo & Hawk,” among others. His novels often dealt with themes of perseverance, overcoming adversity, and the power of the human spirit.

He was a prolific writer and continued to produce novels up until his death in 2012.

What a great example of acheiving success after a career pivot later in life.

Kris Jenner (1955 – present)

What would a list be without a Kardashian or a Jenner on it?

Kris was 52 years old when the Kardashians TV show began. Prior to that she had ran clothing stores and of course was a busy mum to her large family. To be honest putting your family in the limelight on a reality TV show is a huge risk, but it has more than paid off for Kris.

You would be hard pressed to find anyone that didn’t know the their name/brand thanks to Kris Jenner.