Jimmy Carter is an American hero, but he never planned to become President of the United States. His journey to the White House and beyond is a wonderful road map for anyone who fears that changing one's career path might forever derail their dreams. In fact, James Earl Carter is a career change role model for success.
Carter enlisted in the Navy when he was young and had planned to make it a lifelong career. However, after a decade of hard work towards that goal, Carter left the Navy. His father died in 1953, and he was needed to return home to take over the family peanut farm.
Carter became quite wealthy as a result of his farming efforts, but felt the pull of public service. He served on local boards and eventual decided that he was well-suited to politics. Within a few years he was elected to the Georgia State Senate. He then ran for Governor and won in his second attempt.
In 1976, Carter stunned many pundits by winning the Presidential election over Gerald Ford and becoming the President of the United States. Not bad for a former naval officer turned peanut farmer turned politician.
Carter served only one term in the White House and then opted to once again change career paths, leaving politics behind and becoming an author. He has written over 20 books covering a variety of subjects, from poetry to public policy. He has also devoted a lot of his later life to Habitat for Humanity, a charity that helps build houses for low-income families.
Carter is also very much sought after for public speaking engagements and continues to serve his country in a diplomatic role when the opportunity arises. For his efforts in promoting peace around the world, Carter was awarded the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize.
Carter has proven time and again that one need not stand still in the same job for years on end in order to continue to grow and have an impact on one's community. In fact, it is precisely because of his diverse interests that he is able to adapt to whatever life has to throw at him.
Changing careers can be a very stressful time, but it by no means a return to the starting line. President Carter knows how to approach career change and how to tweek that professional resume. Perhaps you might be taking a step back initially by switching lanes in the middle of the race, but with hard work and dedication, Carter proves you can still reach the finish line in first place.
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