Special Report
Second Acts
Edited By Mark Lewis and Michael NoerIn these perilous economic times, even people who still have jobs fear that they may soon have to scrounge up a second act for their careers. Fear not: It can be done, and done very well. Here we feature seven people who at some point in their lives managed to segue from Plan A to Plan B and find fulfillment along the way.
Featured

The Late Bloomer
Kathryn JoostenI took up acting at 42 and segued from desperate housewife to "Desperate Housewives."
Profiles

The Archaeologist
After 24 years in the Navy, Wayne Abrahamson retired to launch a new career.

The Chef
Allan Levine was an unhappy geophysicist who yearned for fulfillment and found it in the kitchen.

The Harvard Fellow
Bob Whelan made his pile on Wall Street. Now he's retooling himself for public service.

The Mystery Novelist
Annette Meyers set out to write books, but was diverted to Broadway. Then the plot thickened.

The Photographer
Judy Reisman wasn't looking for a second act. But when a good one came along, she pounced.

The Ski Instructor
Alan Mayfield retired to the golf course, but it didn't take. So he went back to work--as a ski bum.
In Pictures

Celebrity Second Acts
Nicole PerlrothEver feel like ditching your boring day job and chasing a dream? It worked for these now-famous movie stars and musicians.

Second Acts
Nicole PerlrothLaid off? Fear not. It's never too late to start over with a second career.

When I Grow Up: Kids' Dream Jobs
David M. EwaltKids may fantasize about becoming firefighters, but wait until they find out what the job pays.

The Dream Life
Murder, She Wrote
Novelist Annette Meyers used her Wall Street years as the foundation for her mysteries.
Stockbroker Turns Screenwriter
How Karen Lutz jumped from stocks to writing popular comedies.
Poll
