“I was 40 years old when I figured out what I wanted to be when I grew up.”
Kevin LeGrow is speaking from his office, a small building surrounded by 103,000 acres of west Texas desert. It's a world away from his former life as a mortgage banker in Austin.
He works as a wildlife technician at Black Gap Wildlife Management Area. On any given day he may be monitoring a herd of bighorn sheep, fixing equipment or checking the wildlife water guzzlers. He spends a lot of time outside and can go long stretches without seeing another human.
He lives onsite with his dog, Pancho. “It took a little bit of getting used to, but I enjoy it,” Kevin said. “No traffic, no crime. I like being out here by myself.”
Back when he worked in a cubicle, he dreamed about being outdoors.
“I didn't hate that life, but it wasn't fulfilling. Finally, I decided to take matters into my own hands.”
He started researching careers and found a Wildlife Biology program at Texas State University. It took him a year to pull the trigger.
Then he was all in.
He joined the Texas Wildlife Society and jumped on volunteer opportunities. He did two internships with Texas Parks and Wildlife. Eventually, he got hired on full-time.
LeGrow's dog Pancho.
LeGrow's dog Pancho.
His advice to others dreaming of a career change? “Don't be afraid. Have a plan and break it into steps to make it less daunting. Don't focus on reasons you shouldn't do it. Even if you end up not liking it, you'll gain some new skills.”
Being older can be an advantage, sharpening your focus.
For example, Kevin knew the importance of making connections: “Every person I met along the way has been a mentor, willing to help me in my career.”
Kevin now works among quail, deer, bobcats and black bears. “I pinch myself just about every day when I walk outside.”
Dreaming of a fresh start? It's never too late to be the person you might have been. Explore career opportunities on our Jobs website, connect with us on LinkedIn, or dive into our Volunteer programs to start making a difference.
