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Public Employee Press
Media Beat: Video Review
Women, work and non-traditional careers In her video
Shifting Gears, Jocelyn Riley captures the stories of 19 women who
embraced mid-life career changes. Each woman in the 15-minute film shares the
story of what she did before, how she switched gears, and how she likes her new
career. Along the way, they offer advice that adds up to: If you
have to work for a living, let it be something that you really enjoy.
The film includes life-altering transitions to blue-collar, professional,
and civil service jobs, each in a nontraditional career for a female,
meaning that less than 25 percent of the workforce is made up of women.
Photos show the women at work on jobs such as Police Officer, Firefighter, Civil
Engineer, entrepreneur, electrician, machinist, welder and more. Gina
Rae, owner of her own company, Ginas Pies Are Square, explained
her transition: I loved my job as an aide in an elementary school, but I
realized it probably wasnt my career. I was good at it and loved it, but
I wanted a little more. News clips highlight the videos theme,
Women redefining their dreams in the prime of life. Their reasons
for making these major changes start with never being able to bring home an adequate
income. One woman tells how moving from two low-income jobs to one job
with a good salary let her spend more time with her kids. Other reasons include
feeling bored and dissatisfied on the job and wanting a challenge, the thrill
of learning new skills and the pursuit of dreams delayed. Shifting
Gears is part of the Her Own Words series of videos on women
in nontraditional careers produced by Jocelyn Riley. These videos are available
in the DC 37 Education Fund Library, Room 211.
Jane LaTour
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