“I wanted my life to have purpose and meaning.”

What work were you doing previously?

I have a background in journalism and communications. 

Before I changed career, I spent a decade working as a PR Director for luxury fashion magazine brands including Harper’s Bazaar, Esquire, ELLE, PORTER and The EDIT, based in London. Prior to that I worked in comms for BBC World News.

What are you doing now?

Mostly photographing wild elephants. 

I run my own consultancy in Kenya, working as a content and media specialist for Save the Elephants, the Elephant Crisis Fund and other clients. I spend a lot of time in Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya with wild elephants. 

I also offer my services as a local producer for international film crews, linking them up with local Samburu guides and talent. 

Why did you change?

The change happened as a result of two terrible family tragedies. 

They both made me realise how short our time is on this planet and how important it is to live your best life. I enjoyed my work in fashion – the designer clothes, the buzz, the travel – but I felt like it wasn’t quite me. I felt I was destined for other things. 

I wanted to tell stories and be creative like I had during my journalism days, and take on new challenges. I wanted my life to have purpose and meaning. I wanted to have adventures and I wanted to inspire others.  

I also wanted to study photography, a hobby that helped me through the dark days. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine it would become my career, and I would end up working with and photographing wild elephants in Africa!

When was the moment you decided to make the change?

There wasn’t really a moment. 

It was a gradual realisation that I wasn’t doing what I really wanted to do, I only had one life and if others could follow their dreams, why couldn’t I? 

I used to keep a scrapbook of stories about inspirational people doing amazing things with their lives, and I wanted to be one of them, but I was afraid to leave my comfort zone. 

I didn’t really know what was in store – I had a vague plan – but I felt like I was on the right path. 

How did you choose your new career?

It kind of chose me.  

I started taking on odd jobs in charity PR in London which opened my eyes to endless possibilities and began to soothe my soul. I was also studying photography at night school and during the weekends. 

The day I resigned from my fashion job, I won a photographic competition in the Daily Telegraph. A week later I was offered the opportunity of a lifetime to intern as a photographer with Save the Elephants in northern Kenya. So it felt like doors were opening for me. 

I was completely blown away by Save the Elephants, Samburu, the culture, the people, and the elephants. I decided to take the plunge and move to Kenya, carving out a career as a comms expert, content creator and wildlife photographer. 

Now I have a mission, a purpose; I’m using my skills and creativity to help protect wild elephants across Africa. 

Are you happy with the change?

It’s the best thing I've ever done with my life. 

I’m living a dream. I feel truly blessed and I’m so grateful I found the courage to make the leap.

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

Although I have made amazing friends in Kenya, I do miss those friends and family who know me so well. 

I don’t miss, however, the loneliness of living in London. Even though I was surrounded by people, I felt there wasn’t a sense of community like there is in Kenya. Kenya has space, wildlife and beauty, and the people are super friendly. 

They have a real can-do attitude and I know who my neighbours are! It reminds me of New Zealand in many ways, minus the elephants and the giraffe and the lions …

How did you go about making the shift?

It took me seven months to make the leap.

I did a lot of soul-searching, read lots of books and blogs, hired a life coach, wrote down endless lists about the ‘what ifs’ and even attended a course in Italy called “F**k It – Do What You Love’ before I actually plucked up the courage to resign.

I had no idea how to drive a DSLR camera so that was the first thing I focused on. I studied the technical side of photography at night school. At weekends I went to safari parks in the UK to practice photographing elephants and other wildlife. 

I also did workshops with renowned wildlife photographers in the UK and messaged all my photography friends asking endless questions. They were all so patient with me! 

I felt a bit of a fraud coming into photography so late, but it also felt like a calling. It was something I had to do.

What didn’t go well? What wrong turns did you take?

I was probably a little over enthuisastic, fast-paced and impatient when I first arrived in Kenya (a hangover of having lived in London for 13 years).

But I quickly learnt to go with the flow.

What was the most difficult thing about changing?

Leaving behind everything I knew including friends and family to start a new life and a new career, in a foreign country in my late forties. 

At the same time, it was the most liberating!

What help did you get?  

People in Kenya – expats and locals – are so willing to help out and point you in the right direction.  

I was really grateful for their help. 

What resources would you recommend to others?

The book ‘F**k it – Do What You Love’ by John C Parkin.

What have you learnt in the process?

I’m a lot more resilient than I realised.

I definitely belong in wild, open spaces.  

When I lived in London I was always traveling, I could never keep still, always had big FOMO. Now I can spend hours staring at elephants in awe and silence in the middle of the reserve. 

What do you wish you'd done differently?

If anything, I wish I’d gone on this journey when I was much younger. 

But really, everything came at the right time. I followed the sign posts and I believe I’m where I’m meant to be.

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

It’s never too late to make a change. 

It will be daunting but be brave. Make sure you have a plan, do your homework, ensure it’s the right move for you and only you, and ask for help when you need it.

To find out more about Jane's work, visit www.janewynyard.com

What lessons could you take from Jane's story to use in your own career change? Let us know in the comments below.