“Changing careers allows you to break out of a rut, challenge yourself, and feel a greater sense of personal power and accomplishment.”
Scott Swanay
President and Chief Sherpa
Sherpa Fantasy Sports
What was your previous career?
I worked as an actuary in the property-casualty insurance industry for 17 years.
What was an average day like?
I’d get into the office between 8-9am, work on accounts at my computer most of the day, then leave between 5-6pm.
What is your new Career?
I’m a fantasy sports consultant: I provide customized advice to people who play fantasy football and fantasy baseball via my subscription-based websites. I’m like a financial advisor for those who play fantasy sports, advising them on which players to include on their teams and which ones to avoid.
What is an average day like?
I often start the day by attending an early-morning networking event to promote my business. I spend a lot of my day reading reports from a wide variety of sources to make sure I know of any changes (e.g.- injuries, trades) that would affect my player projections. A lot of time is spent networking, social networking, answering e-mails and phone calls from customers, and managing projects with vendors.
Why Change?
Changing careers allows you to break out of a rut, challenge yourself, and feel a greater sense of personal power and accomplishment.
How did you make the leap?
I was at a natural transition point because I’d just been laid off for a second time. I decided there would never be a better time than the present to take a chance, and that if I didn’t take a chance, I’d spend the rest of my life regretting it.
How did you fund your business?
I had been saving money into a career-transition account for four years before I made the change, and I used that money to pay my bills and fund my venture.
Silliest thing about your former occupation?
That I stayed in it for almost 15 years after I first realized I wasn’t happy in that career.
Misconceptions about what you do now?
That I’m just sitting and watching ESPN all day – nothing could be further from the truth!
How do you stay motivated?
I’m not anywhere close to accomplishing my ultimate goals for my business – there’s so much left to do!
How do you deal with Jealousy?
Recognize it for what it is, usually an expression of someone else’s personal frustration that has little, if anything, to do with me. Fortunately, I haven’t had to deal with that too often.
How have you dealt with failure as an entrepreneur?
Just remind myself that the difference between those who are ultimately successful and those who aren’t is that those who are pick themselves up off the floor one more time than those who aren’t. Maybe this will be the time you pick yourself up and achieve a breakthrough!
What would you say to those who believe they need a formal education to change careers?
Depending on what your desired new career is, you may. However, if there’s no formal education requirement, desire, creativity, and networking can often fill in the gaps in your own knowledge/experiences.
If you could share 1 brief nugget of wisdom, what would it be?
Many people have a romantic notion of entrepreneurs, but the reality is usually quite different from that. Be prepared for a huge investment of time, energy, and often money, before you begin to achieve the results you’re seeking. In the meantime, decide what you’re willing to give up to achieve your goals – if you decide that ahead of time, it will be easier to stay the course during the inevitable difficult periods.
Any resources or links that you think would be helpful to others looking to change careers?
Help a Reporter Out (HARO) has a wonderful free newsletter that’s filled with great PR opportunities – anyone can sign up. Also, Business Network International (BNI) is a great way to network, help your own business, and help others at the same time.
How can we learn more about your business?
Visit my websites: www.FantasyFootballSherpa.com and www.FantasyBaseballSherpa.com. I also have a free blog on each site.
