Hey there, Career Flippers! I’m so excited to share today’s story, which is a fantastic example of how taking a leap of faith can lead to an unexpected and rewarding new life. Today, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Natalie, an old colleague who made a bold career flip that left a lasting impression on me.
The Bold Leap
Four years ago, Natalie made a huge decision: she left her high-powered corporate job to pursue a completely different path. When she first shared her plans in a Slack message, I remember thinking, “Wow, how cool and brave!” I even messaged her privately to tell her how amazing I thought her decision was. Natalie’s journey was either going to be seen as incredibly brave or, as she puts it, a little crazy. Fortunately, it turned out to be the former—though a bit of craziness definitely played a part!
From Corporate Ladder to Coral Reefs
Natalie describes herself as a “corporate dropout turned coral nerd.” Her story is one of transformation, not just in career, but in life. Growing up in Southern California, Natalie was a classic overachiever. She felt a deep responsibility to honor her immigrant grandparents and parents, who had worked hard to give her opportunities. This drive propelled her into the corporate world at just 21, where she thrived in marketing and communications.
She spent years climbing the corporate ladder, eventually running international retail and trade marketing for a sustainable food technology company. Despite loving her work, she found herself burnt out by the relentless travel and the pressure to perform. The hustle culture had taken its toll, and she realized she needed a change.
A Love Story with a Twist
Around this time, Natalie met her now-husband, who was also on the corporate fast track but had a side gig as a scuba instructor. Their shared love for the ocean rekindled Natalie’s childhood fascination with marine life. What started as a chance to get some free scuba lessons from a “hot guy” quickly turned into something much more. They began dreaming of opening a dive shop on a remote island, where they could combine their passions for the ocean and conservation.
Natalie and her husband turned their dream into a reality with a lot of “dream planning,” which involved weekend sessions at local brew pubs, research on potential locations, and even “site visits” disguised as dive trips. In 2020, a trip to Roatan, Honduras, turned out to be life-changing. They fell in love with the island and eventually bought a small beachside dive shop through a WhatsApp video. Fast forward to today, they’ve built one of the most reputable dive centers in Roatan, a hub for ocean lovers and conservationists alike.
The Realities of a Career Flip
Of course, a major career change like this doesn’t come without challenges. Natalie faced plenty of doubts and fears along the way, especially when it came to leaving the security of her corporate job. “There was a fear of failing,” she admits, but she kept asking herself, “What’s the stronger feeling—fear of failure or the disappointment because you didn’t try?” Ultimately, she knew she had to take the risk.
The response from others was overwhelmingly positive, and Natalie discovered that many people had their own dreams tucked away. Talking about her journey opened up conversations with others who were inspired to consider their own career flips.
Finding Balance and Setting Boundaries
While Natalie’s new life is full of excitement and purpose, it’s not without its own challenges. Initially, she found herself falling into old habits, working long hours and struggling to set boundaries. “Even bosses have to set their own boundaries,” she realized. Moving to an island didn’t magically free her from the pressures of work.
Over time, Natalie and her husband made changes to improve their work-life balance, including restructuring their dive shop’s schedule to a five-day workweek, giving both themselves and their employees more time to recharge. This shift not only aligned with their values but also made their business more sustainable in the long run.
Wrapping Up
Natalie’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to chase your dreams, even if it means taking a calculated risk. “The path will rise to meet you most of the time,” she says, and if it doesn’t, you can always pivot and try again.
If you’re feeling stuck in your current career, take a page from Natalie’s book. Whether it’s planning a dream on weekends or taking a leap when the time is right, remember that your passions can lead you to a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Connect with Natalie
Go diving: https://sundiversroatan.com/
Follow under the sea adventures on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sundiversroatan/
Thanks for reading this story on The Career Flipper Podcast!
Every week, I, Jenny Dempsey, chat with folks from all over the globe about their amazing career flips. I dive into stories from every industry imaginable—big flips, small flips, and everything in between, whether they were by choice or circumstance. Sharing these journeys makes me feel less alone in my own career flip from customer service manager to furniture flipper and podcast host, and I really hope it does the same for you.
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