9 Career Change Success Stories That Will Seriously Inspire You

If you've ever dreamed of changing careers, you're certainly not alone. (I myself have made the switch a time or, um, three.)

So have these nine professionals. So, instead of feeling down about heading back to your not-quite-a-dream-job tomorrow, get inspired by their stories and their new gigs (everything from a copywriter to a rum distiller!), then check out our action plan for making a change of your own.

1. Career Remix: Why The Jane Doze Quit Their Jobs to Take the Stage

The Jane Doze is one of the most buzzed-about electronic music DJ duos of the year, but they're also some of the most normal people you'll ever meet. That's because, until recently, they were cubicle dwellers like us.

2. Why I Left a Steady Gig to Be a Freelance Writer

This data analysis professional loved writing, but she never saw it as more than a hobby. So when the opportunity to be a full-time freelancer presented itself, she wasn't sure she could take the plunge. But she did—and it's paid off in big ways.

3. Why I Quit My Job and Rowed Across 3 Oceans

Ocean rower Roz Savage shares her journey from working a desk job to being the first woman to row across the three major oceans—and tells us what she's learned along the way.

4. From Control Room to Cubicle: How I Switched Industries

Know you want to make a career change, but not sure where to start? Learn from this professional, who seamlessly moved from financial journalism to marketing.

5. From Social Media to Creative: How I Made an Internal Move

This social media associate wanted to be a copywriter at her company, but was told she could never make the change. Well, let's just say: Never say never.

6. A Truly Noble Experiment: Leaving Finance to Open a Rum Distillery

Whether you're interested in the distilling industry or thinking of quitting your job to pursue a passion, Bridget Firtle has some advice for you.

7. How I Became a Supreme Court Correspondent: Fox’s Shannon Bream

Former lawyer Shannon Bream took a risk and ultimately landed her dream job as Fox’s Supreme Court Correspondent. Read on for her story.

8. From Office Manager to Freelance Writer: How I Built My Career

Ever thought about becoming a writer, but not sure how to get started? This full-time freelance writer shares her story of learning, networking, and writing her way to a new career path.

9. A Sweet Career: From Day Job to Desserts in Jars

Food blogger Shaina Olmanson shares how she turned a "just OK" job into a successful food blog and now, a delectable dessert book. For anyone who's wanted to be a writer—or change careers—see what lessons she's learned along the way.

Have you heard a great career change success story? Share it in the comments section!