AFTER nearly four decades of dedicated service in the Queensland Government, Kevin Adcock found himself at a crossroads.

Having worked in various roles including clerical, staff training, communication and marketing, community education, project management, business consultancy, and information technology, he decided to trade in his desk job for ski boots in a career pivot that would change his life.

“I guess everyone dreams of walking away from the rat-race, but we don’t all have the resources (or bravery) to do it," explained Kevin.

"I was fortunate to be in that position so took a deep breath, held my wife’s hand, and we jumped.”

In late 2005, Kevin and his wife discovered a passion for skiing during their first trip to the slopes in their 40s.

Enthralled by the snow, they decided to make skiing a permanent part of their lives.

This dream began to take shape in 2007 when they purchased farmland in Tawonga to relocate their horse stud.

However, as often happens with grand plans, life had other ideas, and they didn't make the move until early 2017, a decade later.

Upon arriving and finding that farm construction had not yet begun, Kevin saw an opportunity.

"I decided to try out for a ski instructor role in winter 2017 since the farm wasn’t ready for construction, and I’m not one to sit around doing nothing," he recalled.

The transition from a government career to the slopes wasn't entirely smooth.

Just weeks into his first season, Kevin suffered a severe knee injury, rupturing his ACL and tearing his MCL.

This setback, however, only fueled his determination.

"I worked really hard on rehab and was determined to come back to instructing in 2018," he said.

This tenacity marked the point when Kevin realised that ski instructing was more than just a stopgap - it was his new passion.

His extensive background in education and training, coupled with his managerial experience, proved invaluable on the slopes.

His ability to negotiate, communicate effectively, and manage a schedule seamlessly translated into his new profession.

"Having skills in training, education and consultation transfer directly to the role of ski instructor," he explained, highlighting how life skills from his previous career enhanced his teaching techniques.

The reaction from family and friends was overwhelmingly supportive.

"Everyone was very happy to see me follow my dream of moving close to the snow and finding a role doing something that I was passionate about," Kevin said.

This encouragement was crucial as he navigated the fear of further injury upon returning to the slopes in 2018.

A typical day for Kevin as a ski instructor is a blend of preparation, instruction, and continuous learning.

His day begins at 6am, checking his roster and the weather, followed by a series of lessons and training sessions, concluding with a well-deserved rest.

"Most evenings I light the fire, have a hot bath and a cup of tea, followed by dinner, a short rest, maybe watching a ski video or studying a bit, then off to bed by 9.30pm ready to do it all again,” Kevin said.

The routine is demanding but immensely rewarding.

"By far the most rewarding part is the smile on people’s faces when they are having a great time," Kevin shared.

The joy of helping clients, regardless of age, progress in their skiing abilities is what keeps him motivated.

"It’s a constant journey of learning for both me and my clients," he said.

For those contemplating a similar career change, Kevin offers simple yet profound advice, "what’s stopping you? If doing this won’t leave you economically vulnerable, then why not give it a go?".

Reflecting on a pivotal moment early in his government career, he recalls a manager who encouraged him to embrace challenges despite his fears.

"She looked me straight in the eyes and very calmly but firmly said 'feel the fear and do it anyway.' That is how I live my life," he said.

Kevin’s journey from a government career to the snowy peaks of Falls Creek is a reminder that it’s never too late to make a bold career change, regardless of age.

For him, the move to the slopes wasn't just about a switch up of scenery; it was about finding a new purpose and joy in helping others discover the thrill of skiing.