Welcome to the 3rd article in my Career Transitions Series. For those readers who aren’t familiar with this series, the idea is to interview people who both interest me and have found a fulfilling career. My current job path is the one area of my life I am not entirely happy with, so basically I am looking for both ideas and inspiration to help me change it!

John Wesley, as I’m sure many of you will know, is the founder of PickTheBrain (PTB). What you may not know, however, is the full story behind him changing careers earlier this year - an event that also led to me becoming editor of PickTheBrain.

Peter: Earlier this year you switched careers and began working for a company called PeopleJam. Can you tell me about PeopleJam and your position there?

John: PeopleJam is the new home for personal growth online. Our goal is to bring experts in different areas (health, fitness, personal relationships, etc.) together with the people that want to learn from them. In addition to traditional experts, we also want to incorporate web2.0 personal growth experts like successful bloggers.

On the site, users can ask questions, post confessions, and even create their own blogs. We’re also creating top-of-the-line video content.

My job at PeopleJam is head of online marketing. Basically, I’m responsible for getting the word out, be it through blog posts, social media, or plain old word of mouth.

Peter: I recall in an article you wrote for PTB you distinguished between having a job and having a career. Can you tell me what you were doing prior to working for PeopleJam, and why you believe you had a job instead of a career?

John: Prior to joining PeopleJam I worked as an engineer, doing statistical analysis on flight systems for the U.S. government. I always saw this as a job (rather than a career) because I never felt emotionally attached to it. It was clock in, clock out. I didn’t see myself in that line of work for the rest of my life.

Peter: When we first started to discuss the possibility that I would become editor of PTB, you did not yet know you would be working for PeopleJam. In fact, I believe initially you planned to sell PTB because you contemplating accepting a job in the finance industry that would require you to work longer hours, ie you would have little to no time for blogging. Can you tell me what was going through your mind during this period? Was there a little voice in your head telling you not to take the job in the same industry that would entail longer hours?

John: That was a very tumultuous time in my life, and it really could have gone either way. At the time, I thought I wanted to move to NY to become a banker. Finance appealed to me much more than engineering, and it seemed a lot less far fetched than working in the internet industry. I needed a change, no matter what.

Looking back, it was a blessing that I came into contact with PeopleJam and didn’t become a banker. I think many of the issues I had with working at a large engineering company would have been just as bad (if not worse) at a major bank.

Peter: I read an interesting comment you made that your current position did not exist 5 years ago. How then did you find this new career?

John: I think that’s the nature of the web. We live in a very exciting time. There was no head of social marketing 5 years ago, because there was no social media. I think the job found me. I developed a passion for writing and the web, worked hard at it for a year, and without even realizing it, became an expert on the cutting edge of media.

Peter: In many ways, your new career carries with it a number of risks. First, you had to pack up your life and move to a new city. Second, you are working for a startup. In making your decision to work for PeopleJam, did you take these risks into account? And if so, how did you justify to yourself that these risks were worth taking?

John: I’m fortunate to be in a position where I can take big risks. I don’t have anyone else to support or any big obligations to tie me down. It was definitely a risk to move cross country and take a less stable job, but there are also big risks involved with staying put. To me, the risk of chasing my dreams and doing what I love, is far less than the risk of staying with a safe life that doesn’t fulfill me.

Peter: Would you agree that PTB was, in effect, your resumé for attaining your position with PeopleJam? If so, can you offer any advice to people who want to follow a similar path?

John: There’s no doubt of that. I never even showed them a resumé. A blog is a fantastic way to help your career because a) it helps people find you and b) demonstrates expertise. For people hoping to do the same, I recommend starting a blog around your passion and taking it seriously. Not to say you can’t have fun, but I doubt pictures of your cat will inspire potential employers. The biggest benefit doesn’t come from the blog itself, but from all the skills you develop in the process. (writing, marketing, design, networking, etc.)

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If you would like to know more about John’s new career at PeopleJam, he has kindly offered to answer some reader questions in the comments section below. So don’t be shy - if you have something on your mind ask away!

Tags: Career //