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, “Gina’s Pies Are Square,” explained her transition: “I loved my job as an aide in an elementary school, but I realized it probably wasn’t my career. I was good at it and loved it, but I wanted a little more.”

News clips highlight the video’s 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