After years and very good pay in the medical industry, Pam DiMuccio of St. Petersburg finally had to answer her lifelong true calling: Becoming a personal chef.
She got her first kitchen knife at age 12. She waited another thirty-eight years before making it her profession.
“At 50, if I didn’t do it now, I’d never do it,” said DiMuccio. “Giving up everything to go into personal chef-ing, it’s a huge risk.”
More Americans have quit their jobs this year since 2001 to chase their dreams.
Pam’s company, Home Plate, does everything from cater dinner parties to sell ready-made picnic baskets. It is a great example on how to make a smart job transition.
There is always some risk whether you are starting your own business or making a career switch. There are ways to make smart decisions before doing anything rash:
- Talk to friends, family members. “I talked to my wife,” said DiMuccio. “That was the first thing, because it’s a family affair.”
- Long-term financial planning. Talk to adviser, lawyers. “What can we spend every month and what can we avoid spending every month,” said DiMuccio.
- Research, especially with people “who have done it before,” said DiMuccio. She met with personal chefs, caterers and restaurant owners.
- Social media is a great resource. Not just for research, but also a free way to test your brand.
- Visualize your new schedule, especially if you’re becoming your own boss.
Here are four resources you can use when deciding whether to change jobs:
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How to change jobs: www.wikihow.com/Change-Jobs
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Entrepreneur Collaborative Center: www.hillsboroughcounty.org/locations/entrepreneur-collaborative-center
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1 Million Cups: www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-tampa/local-shark-tank-making-business-dreams-come-true
- Factors to consider before changing jobs: www.monster.com/career-advice/article/thinking-about-a-job-change
