Tell me about your career transition?

I got an email last night from someone in my industry. We're on different job tracks, at different stages, and he was suggesting we collaborate occasionally. He mentioned he's sat in my shoes and decided to change into his specialty.

I replied saying I'd keep him in mind for future projects -- and turned around the email to ask him for an impromptu career counseling session!! Not sure why I did it, but he seemed experienced and friendly, and he's in a track I've been wanting to know more about. So I fired back this message:

Thanks, I will consider you as a resource!

By the way, if you don't mind my asking, how did you like 'switching sides'? I've heard of a lot of people doing so in these tough times, but I don't personally know many who did. Totally TOTALLY off the record, is it exciting? rewarding? was it an easy transition?

I'm curious because I'm about to finish graduate school, and wondering if I should keep up this specialty or maybe try my hand at yours...

Feel free to disregard if you don't want to discuss your career path over email. I would totally understand.

take care,
La Roxy

I promised confidentiality, so of course I can't tell you what he said. But he did reply -- minutes later -- with a lengthy and very frank expose about his field, how he got started, the work-life balance, even a salary guideline. Sooo awesome!

Thanks!!