Christine Wetherell attends the 2021 EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin
For many aviation professionals, the decision to change course within their career doesn’t happen overnight. It takes months, even years, for some. It usually begins with a quiet, persistent sense that something isn’t quite right.
Maybe you’ve outgrown your current role, lost passion for the work, or work-life balance is a struggle. For me, it was a mix of all of these.
For many years, I put my family first, often at the expense of my career. Though I held a range of roles across several aviation organizations, I finally came to a realization. I wasn’t fully using my skills or experience—and I could feel it. My work no longer energized me, and I began to imagine a different future—one where my work aligned with both my values and strengths.
I realized it was time to make a major shift.
Making the Shift
Successfully changing course in your aviation career can feel daunting, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Prior to joining API a few years ago, I took a bold leap to reinvent my path.
Here’s why the shift was worth it—and how it shaped the journey that followed.
The Leap
The hardest part was recognizing that I wasn’t starting over—I was building on everything I’d already learned. That mindset shift made all the difference.
I took inventory of my transferable skills: communication, problem-solving, project management, and the ability to learn quickly.
All of these are tied to my passion for aviation. I identified where I needed to grow, and I filled the gaps through online courses, mentorship and networking.
The Process
Deciding to change course in my career meant letting go of familiar “benchmarks” of success. Titles and salaries no longer guided me. Instead, I followed my curiosity and my desire to make an impact.
I updated my resume to highlight relevant experience and tailored my story for a new role. Networking became essential, so I sought out people who were already doing what I aspired to do.
During the process, I faced setbacks, moments of self-doubt and rejection. But I also grew. One new opportunity led to another, and I broadened my skills and experience along the way.
Each step, even the awkward or uncertain ones, helped me clarify what I wanted and what I was capable of.
The Reward
Eventually, I landed my role here at API that felt like a true fit. It combines my love of aviation, experience as a professional pilot and natural mentorship mindset. All of it comes together in a meaningful position.
Now my work has a purpose, I’m aligned with the company culture and the team values my contributions.
In Closing
I know I’m on the right path because I wake up feeling motivated. Most importantly, I know that I have the resilience and adaptability to navigate change—skills that will serve me for the rest of my life.
Changing course within an aviation career is not just about finding a new job. It’s about rewriting your story, trusting your instincts and pursuing what truly aligns with your goals—even if the path isn’t the most obvious one.
Change can feel risky. But it also brings growth, fresh possibilities and a renewed sense of purpose. Reinvention is never easy—but it’s always within reach.
Christine,
Well said! Thanks for sharing your experience on the risks and rewards of changing course to where your work aligned with your values and strengths.