Tag Archives: new directions

How Side Projects Became Mike’s Next Career

Posted by: Mark Franklin on January 30, 2015 10:16 am

mike“On the road there’s a lot of off time,” former touring-musician, Mike Kirsh, told Career Buzz listeners (Dec. 31, 2014), and that’s when his side projects began to fill the gap. After shooting video during the day, Mike, the bass player, said, “I picked up the camera and just started editing on the bus. I’d create whatever I wanted like a fun little tour blog.”

When his band, The Midway State, folded, Mike said he worked productively with a career counsellor who helped him intentionally explore video editing as a career possibility. A ‘field research’ meeting with a contact led to a first contract with Lightbox Video where Mike is now happily employed on the SessionsX series. How do the clues apply to you? The seeds of your next career move are likely already planted — in your side projects. Mike said, “I didn’t think I could make a career out of my hobby,” but he did. Look at your side projects — whether it’s knitting or kite boarding or cycling or gaming — and ask yourself, ‘What are the clues in this activity that may lead me in new directions?’ Then, take inspired action and follow the clues!

Hear the whole interview also featuring Sean Fitzpatrick on the three kinds of employee engagement, and Wendy Woods on emotional intelligence in the workplace.

Need help moving in new directions in 2015 for you or someone you care about? Get started with an exploratory consultation! Tell Jennifer you read this edition of Watch for Clues and save 20 bucks on an exploratory consultation that you book in January.




*The views expressed by our authors are personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the CCPA