Need motivation for a career change? 6 success stories that prove it's never too late.

Perhaps you've been thinking about making a career change, but just haven't been able to take that leap of faith. Change is always unsettling, particularly when it's something major, such as entering a completely different profession. But if you're thinking about it, chances are you're probably more passionate about it than what you're currently doing. There's only one way to find out whether it's going to pan out—and that's to do it.

To help you muster up the courage to pursue your dream, here are six inspiring success stories that prove it's never too late to change your career path.

 

1. Grandma Moses

Anna Mary Robertson Moses, or more commonly known as Grandma Moses, was a housekeeper and farm laborer until she began what would be a prolific painting career at the advanced age of 78. Her works have been featured on greeting cards and a wide range of merchandise in the US as well as abroad. Moses' paintings of simple farm life and rural countryside can be found among the collections of many museums. In 2006, one of her paintings entitled "The Sugaring Off" was sold for US$1.2 million.

 

2. Vera Wang

A former figure skater and Vogue editor, Vera Wang became an independent bridal wear designer at the age of 40. Her huge career change paid off, as she is currently one of the world's most renowned women's designers. Her wedding gowns and evening wear have been worn by many celebrity figures, including personalities such as Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, Victoria Beckham, and Michelle Obama, and even at red carpet events.

 

3. Martha Stewart

Now a household name amongst families worldwide for her recipes, DIY crafts and home decor tips, Martha Stewart started out as a fashion model for Chanel until her mid-20s, when she entered the world of Wall Street as a stockbroker. It wasn't until her mid-30s that Stewart turned her love of gourmet cooking and creative presentation into a catering business, which set the wheels in motion for her subsequent business ventures, culminating in what is now Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. The company was recently valued at over US$400 million.

 

4. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson

You might not be aware of this, but the muscle-bound hunk who made his blockbuster movie debut in The Mummy Returns (2001) and The Scorpion King (2002) used to be a backup defensive lineman on the University of Miami football team. Ditching his football career for the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has proven to be the right call, as it catapulted him to stardom and made him "the most electrifying man in sports entertainment" as well as a world-famous TV and movie actor.

 

5. Sara Blakely

Before Sara Blakely founded Spanx—her innovative line of slimming footless pantyhose—she sold fax machines door-to-door for seven years. After Spanx launched to success in 2000, Blakely left her sales job to focus on the business full-time. Today, Blakely is a billionaire and as of 2014, was listed as the 93rd most powerful woman in the world by Forbes.

 

6. Arnold Schwarzenegger

Best known for his massive box office success in the Terminator franchise, Arnold Schwarzenegger has made not just one, but two major career changes in his life. The first was his transition from being a world champion bodybuilder in his 20s to an award-winning actor in his 30s, and the second when he became the Governor of California at the age of 56. If he can take those huge leaps of faith, we're sure you can too.   Naturally these are stories of extreme success —they tend to be the most inspiring, after all. Change of any kind is always daunting at the start, but the point is, you won't know what you're truly capable of achieving unless you take a chance and believe in yourself.   Follow our Facebook page for more fresh insights into career hacking and the latest employment trends.

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