Focused 165: On the River, with Chris Upchurch
Nov 22, 2022
Chris Upchurch, a former metropolitan transportation planner turned whitewater rafting guide, shares his inspiring journey of career transformation. He discusses the push and pull of pursuing passion versus financial stability, shaped by a life-changing Grand Canyon trip. Chris dives into the challenges of this new path, from rigorous training to emotional support from friends and family. He also reveals innovative tools like Obsidian to enhance job searches and task management, blending personal growth with a focus on the adventurous life of a river guide.
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Financial Considerations
- River guiding is not a lucrative career.
- Chris's financial stability allowed him to prioritize other factors over maximizing income.
Prioritizing After Career Change
- When making a career change, address immediate needs first.
- Chris prioritized informing his boss and arranging training before anything else.
Training and First Job
- Chris pursued guide training, wilderness first responder training, and swift water rescue training.
- He secured a job on the Rogue River in Oregon, navigating challenging rapids and managing guest safety.
