As a kid, I dreamed of becoming a singer. Many hair brush microphones later, I took guitar lessons and was in a promotional band for the Fender Guitar Museum. However, I was always told that music isn't a career path, it's what you do for fun. Go to college, they said. Get a real job, they said.
Roy is a colleague of mine in the customer service industry. I've seen him speak at conferences and he's a big community builder. When I learned about his past in music, listened to his songs, I was so intrigued and I knew I had to have him on to talk about his career flip from being a full-time musician in the 70s and 80s, opening for the likes of Don McLean, to running his own IT consultancy business, Clifton Butterfield. It seems like a story that would go in the opposite direction, but after hearing him share, I can totally see why he made the pivot when he did.
A surprising shift
Roy's journey started with a deep love for music from a young age. Growing up, he was drawn to guitars and the soulful sounds of blues and rock. Despite his initial passion for music, his path took a different turn after college. He pursued a degree in English Lit and Philosophy, setting music aside temporarily.
However, music called him back. At 24, Roy took the plunge into a full-time music career. It wasn't easy—early days were spent in humble settings, like the Mill Street home for wayward boys, a bare-bones apartment that sheltered artists like himself.
Music success and technological curiosity
Roy's talent and dedication paid off. He became a local legend, winning awards and sharing stages with renowned artists. Amidst his musical journey, Roy's fascination with technology grew. From tinkering with early personal computers to creating databases for fan newsletters, he saw the potential of tech in music management and promotion.
The decision to pivot
As the music industry evolved with MIDI and digital instruments, Roy's interest in technology deepened. By his mid-forties, he set a deadline to transition to IT, recognizing a new career path beckoning him. Leaving behind full-time music wasn't easy—he understood that stepping away meant risking loss of skill honed over years.
Navigating the transition
Roy's pivot to IT wasn't just a leap—it was a calculated move. He stopped taking music contracts a year before his deadline, focused on applying for entry-level IT jobs. His strategic approach paid off with a role at the Institute for Global Ethics in Maine, where he modernized their computer systems and delved deeper into Macs and IT consulting.
Embrace change and community
Throughout his journey, Roy emphasizes the importance of adaptability and community. Whether in music or IT, building strong connections and seeking support were crucial. His knack for community building served him well in both fields, from nurturing fan relationships in music to networking and consulting in IT.
Advice for career flippers
Roy's story offers valuable lessons for anyone considering a career pivot:
Follow your passion: Don't be afraid to pursue what excites you, even if people don't want you to do it, even if it means switching gears later in life.
Plan strategically: Set goals and deadlines. Roy's decision to transition by 45 shows the power of setting clear milestones.
Seek support: Whether from mentors, coaches, or peers, seek guidance and feedback from those you trust when making big decisions.
Embrace technology: In today's world, tech skills are invaluable. Roy's early adoption of technology in music management paved the way for his successful transition to IT.
Connect with Roy Atkinson
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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