Next Chapters: Career Pivots and Life Changes

Glenn Rumfellow
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The road from who you were to who you're becoming is never a straight line. Host Glenn Rumfellow sits down with people who have navigated the "messy middle" of significant life transitions, digging into the "how" and "why" behind career shifts, lifestyle transformations, and the milestones that change everything. From bold career pivots to profound personal shifts, we explore what it takes to close one door and open the next. If you’re standing at a crossroads — or looking for the spark to start your own next chapter — these stories of reinvention and resilience are for you.

Episodes

  1. Sep 26

    Jennifer Ritter: From Music to Counseling and Back Again: A Winding Road to Ikigai

    In this episode of Next Chapters, host Glenn Rumfellow sits down with longtime friend Jennifer Ritter, whose career has taken more turns than most people manage in a lifetime — orchestra director, school counselor, tech-industry DEI consultant, and now "retired" private strings teacher busier than she's ever been. Jen's story is a masterclass in reinvention, resilience, and figuring out — sometimes the hard way — what actually fits. In this episode, we discuss: The First Job That Started It All: How a teenage gig at a music store, and a loan her mother made her co-sign for her own cello, shaped Jen's work ethic and launched her into professional orchestras by age 16.Falling on the Sword: The ethical line in the sand that ended Jen's decade-long career as an elite orchestra director — choosing to protect a student instead of her own reputation.Burnout, By the Numbers: Jen's 22 years as a school counselor across middle school, high school, and leadership roles, and the repeated cycles of burnout, transition, and recovery that came with it.A Late-in-Life Diagnosis: How getting diagnosed with autism at 50 reframed Jen's understanding of her career struggles, her ethical intensity, and her clashes with administrators.Full Circle: How "retirement" led Jen back to the one thing she'd wanted to do since college — teaching private Suzuki string lessons — and why it finally feels like the job fits. Key Takeaways: Don't Throw Bombs on Your Way Out: Why leaving every job with grace and discretion — even when you're leaving for a serious reason — keeps doors open for later.Plan for the Pause: Jen's case for always saving enough to step away from work for a season, because everyone eventually needs the time to heal and reassess.Finding Your Ikigai: The Japanese concept of a "reason for being" — where what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you're paid for intersect — and why it often takes decades to get there.Join us for a conversation about ethical courage, burnout, neurodivergence, and what it looks like to finally build a career around who you actually are. Follow Next Chapters to never miss an episode on career pivots and life changes.

  2. May 12

    Doug Lubey: From Access Databases to Agile Pods

    In this episode of Next Chapters, host Glenn Rumfellow sits down with Doug Lubey, a veteran of the software industry with 30 years of experience in the Baton Rouge community. Doug shares his journey from working as a computer instructor at a Boys and Girls Club to his current role as a Software Engineering Manager at Tyler Technologies, where he leads teams through complex Agile development processes. Doug dives deep into the evolution of his career, discussing: Early Days in IT: Upgrading systems to Windows NT and the lessons learned in the research labs of Albemarle. Building a Legacy: His long tenure at Alliance Safety Council, where he developed a database that supported the organization for over two decades. The "Aha" Moment: The challenges of career stagnation and the difficult decision to pivot when long-held professional plans began to shift. Modern Management: Insights into the "pod" system of engineering and why the "people side" of the job is just as important as the code. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting your own "next chapter," Doug’s reflections on persistence, creativity, and the reality of the senior job market offer valuable takeaways for any professional.

  3. Apr 8

    Paul Brown: Miracles, Badges, and Business Systems

    In this inaugural episode of Next Chapters, host Glenn Rumfellow sits down with longtime friend Paul Brown to explore a life defined by radical pivots and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From a childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian to a miraculous health recovery that uprooted his life, Paul’s journey is anything but predictable. In this episode, we discuss: The Miraculous Pivot: How a sudden healing from chronic kidney disease led Paul to abandon his plans at LSU for a ministry internship in Illinois. Life in the Trenches: Paul’s 13-year career as a Baton Rouge police officer, spanning from the North Baton Rouge night shift to the SWAT team and armed robbery investigations. The "Operating Mode" Shift: The humbling transition from the high-stakes, life-or-death world of law enforcement to a career in construction safety and systems. Redefining Success: Paul shares his philosophy on "reconstructing" faith during personal hardship and why he believes in pursuing what you are good at over what you are passionate about. The Multiplier Effect: Paul’s current role in building a unique business model focused on creating 400 owners rather than just 400 employees. Key Takeaways: Be Less Wrong: Why acknowledging you rarely have the full picture is the key to better decision making and a higher quality of life. Winning the Argument: How to shift from "being right" to resolving disconnects. Fire Prevention: The importance of looking past the immediate crisis to build systems that prevent the next one. Join us for this deep dive into what it means to evolve, excel, and honor others through every stage of life. Follow Next Chapters to never miss an episode on career pivots and life changes.

  4. Season 1, Episode 1 Trailer

    Prologue

    A brief introduction to the Next Chapters podcast

  • 1 Trailer
    3 Episodes

Trailer

About

The road from who you were to who you're becoming is never a straight line. Host Glenn Rumfellow sits down with people who have navigated the "messy middle" of significant life transitions, digging into the "how" and "why" behind career shifts, lifestyle transformations, and the milestones that change everything. From bold career pivots to profound personal shifts, we explore what it takes to close one door and open the next. If you’re standing at a crossroads — or looking for the spark to start your own next chapter — these stories of reinvention and resilience are for you.

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