From Web Design to Artistic Expression Downshifting from Webmaster for Peet’s Coffee and Tea to artist was a slow process for Melissa A. West ’80. The hardest part, says West, “was just doing it.” She weaned herself from her full-time job over three years, adding safeguards along the way. West continues to work part-time to maintain health benefits, but the majority of her time is spent painting and printmaking. She also followed a dream, one begun in an art-history course at MHC, to walk an ancient pilgrimage route from France to Spain. The trip gave rise to a series of woodcuts, and West says, “I am beginning to feel like I understand and am meeting my artistic vision.” West’s change in lifestyle brought approval and support from many in her life. She even believes many “wish they had the option to step outside of the mainstream as well.” Her downshift has not resulted in less work. On the contrary, she says, “I have never worked harder in my life, but just about every minute of it is a pleasure.” See Melissa’s work at www.mswest.com. Right: Melissa West depicts the end of her walk across Spain in Following in the Footsteps of Generations, surrounded by the ghosts of previous pilgrims.
Horses No Longer a Hobby
To p : M e l i s s a We s t
The benefits of doing what she loves are balanced with the discovery that competitive riders can be brutal as they vie for students and recognition. “There is no human resources [department] in the equestrian world,” she says, which leaves professionals to navigate the waters of ethics and standards on their own.
A da m McCauley •
Hilary K. Moore ’04 worked full-time for the Washington Post Corporation before leaving her newspaper career for a complete change in lifestyle and to follow her dream—being on the Olympic equestrian team. Far from a reduction of hours, Hilary’s change demands a sevenday workweek. She is training and teaching six days a week, with chairing fundraising events and freelance writing filling the rest of the hours. Although Hilary had to leave behind an excellent healthcare-benefits package, she says “I am outdoors, enjoying the fresh air, moving around all day. Not only have I never been more fit in my life, but I no longer have chronic back problems or frequent colds.”
Hilary recommends saving enough money for a safety net in case your change doesn’t work out. Downshifters also need to cultivate support, Moore says. The more your family and friends understand your goals and motivations, she says, “the more they can help support you when the road to your goals gets bumpy.”
Mou n t Ho lyo k e Al u m na e Qua r t e r ly
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