Andrew Moffatt

Age at time of shift

25

Gender

Male

Education level

Postgraduate

Universities attended

Nottingham; Birkbeck

Shifted from

Architectural Assistant

Location

?

Salary

£0-£20,000

Years in old career

4

Shifted to

Trust & Corporate Fundraiser

Location

?

Salary

£20,000-£30,000

Years in new career

6

Year of shift

1991

What was your role in your old job?

I worked in an architectural firm helping with drawings.

What is/are your new role(s)?

It was raising money for a HIV/AIDS charity from charitable trusts and companies.

Why did you change?

Wanted to do something worthwhile, especially in an area that I was interested in. Something more meaningful.

Are you happy with the change?

Yes.

What do you miss and what don't you miss?

It's 15 years ago since I made the shift so I can't remember if I miss anything!! I think the voluntary sector is more open to different people and often more innovative.

How did you go about making the change?

I volunteered at the charity I was interested in as well as working part time in another one to get some money. I managed to create a role for myself by raising enough money through volunteering to make a new trusts and corporate role possible, which I applied for and got.

What was the most difficult thing about changing?

I wasn't and still am not the most politically correct person you're likely to meet! Sometimes the vol sector can be a bit too politically correct.

What help did you get?

Support from friends.

What have you learnt in the process?

That the more responsibility and freedom you encourage people to have the more creative they will be. Many of my colleagues through the years have done amazing things.

What do you wish you'd done differently?

Nothing.

What would you advise others to do in the same situation?

Take the risk and enjoy it. The satisfaction from doing a job you really like and which is worthwhile is fantastic.