High profile Australians who made career changes – and how you can too
Thinking about a career change? You’re not alone. It takes careful planning, but as many high-profile Australians have shown, with the right preparation around finance and skills, a successful transition is well within reach.
Career Coach and Founder of the Career Success Program, Jane Jackson and Career Coach and Director of Relaunch Me Leah Lambart, agree that there are critical steps to take before making the leap.
“Depending on your situation, making a career change can take time,” Jackson says.
“It typically takes someone in a mid-management role 3 to 6 months to make a transition depending on the seniority of your role and the industry you are targeting.
“Exactly how much money you should put aside for a career change will depend on factors like whether you have a mortgage, your family situation and your lifestyle expectations.”
Jackson advises Australians to have at least 6 to 12 months of expenses saved before making a career move.
“This buffer provides an element of comfort so you don’t have to take on a role that may not be the right one for you simply to pay the bills,” Jackson says.
“Career changers do need to be mindful that their superannuation could be affected if they are out of the workforce studying, or if they need to take a step back financially to facilitate the career change.”
Career changes for high-profile Australians aren’t rare — many well‑known people have stepped out of the spotlight to pursue new pathways. Their examples show that with planning and a professional exit, reinvention is achievable.
1. Ryan Moloney
Ryan Moloney played Jarrod “Toadfish” Rebecchi also known as Toadie in Neighbours from 1995 to 2025. He disappeared from the spotlight to live a completely different life. He is now a Beekeeper and Honey Producer for Beach Box Honey, alongside a shift to sustainable living in regional Victoria.
2. Nikki Webster
Nikki Webster, who is best known for her role in performing at both the 2000 Sydney Olympics opening ceremony and as a pop singer, is now a performing arts teacher. She now owns and operates Dance @ Nikki Webster studios in Sydney. Webster used her skills as a performer to help teach the younger generation.
3. Mark Holden
Mark Holden was one of three original judges on the television series Australian Idol. He was also a well-known pop singer in the 1970s. These days, Holden has made a major career change. When his TV stint ended, he decided to finish his law degree. He is now working as a Barrister in Victoria.
4. Gavin Wanganeen
Gavin Wanganeen, the 1993 Brownlow Medallist and 2004 Port Adelaide premiership player, was the first Indigenous player to win a Brownlow Medal – aged just 20. These days, he’s gone on to become a respected Indigenous artist and has started his own coffee pod company, JooJu.
5. Lara Worthington
Lara Worthington, an Australian model and media personality, gained early recognition through her involvement in the 2006 Tourism Australia advertising campaign and her iconic slogan “Where the bloody hell are you?”. Now based in New York, Worthington (nee Bingle) lives a quieter life. She is a Beauty Entrepreneur, launching The Base and relaunching into Ommage Beauty.
6. Craig Wing
After a 12-year, 256-game NRL career that included a premiership win with the Roosters and representative caps for NSW and Australia, Craig Wing has made a successful move into the world of real estate and wealth creation as a buyer’s agent.
Lambart says self-assessment is the first step when considering a career pivot.
What is the right type of career for you? What are your goals? Are you looking for more work-life balance?
Lambart says you should consider your natural strengths, think about what really interests you and learn how you can leverage your transferable skills.
“Research is key. Ask yourself if you have the appetite for study or retraining and figure out what you need to do to develop new skills,” Lambart says.
“Talk to people actually doing the job you want to pursue or someone who is in a similar position.”
When changing careers, experts say employees should always exit on good terms.
HR Specialist and Founding Director of Employii, Ella Burke says resigning is a fact of life, and employers know this.
“But it’s how you go about it that can either open new doors or burn that bridge (and connected bridges) forever,” she says.
“You can’t control how someone else acts, but you can control how you respond.
“This doesn’t mean you can’t provide an honest exit interview – plan what you’ll say in advance, stick to the facts and again, communicate it professionally.”
Considering a career change? Here are 5 key steps for a successful transition.
1. Financial review and buffer
Assess your finances and save six to twelve months of expenses. This buffer provides security, allowing you to choose the right role without financial pressure.
2. Research prospects and salaries
Investigate your target industry, job availability, growth, and salary expectations to ensure feasibility and set realistic goals.
3. Leverage transferable skills
Identify and highlight skills from past roles that apply to your new career, facilitating a smoother transition and potentially maintaining income.
4. Network actively
Connect with professionals in your desired field for insights into roles, challenges, and workplace culture.
5. Plan strategically
Develop a phased plan, perhaps studying part-time or gaining experience while still employed, to manage stress and ensure a well-resourced career evolution.
