Have you ever sat at your desk, surrounded by all the markers of success, and felt like you were still living an unfulfilling life? Experiencing that disconnect between what looks good on paper and what actually feeds your soul? This feeling was what ultimately led me to leave a lucrative Wall Street career and start working in travel, starting a long journey that led me to where I am today.
This is not an uncommon path into our industry. One advisor who can relate is GTN Top Producer Jerzy Poznar of Up Close Travel. On a recent episode of The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, he shared how he made the change from working in Manhattan banking towers to crafting dream journeys for luxury travelers. His story captures that moment when we realize our achievements aren't aligned with our authentic desires.
The Pull Toward Something More
Jerzy spent years switching between corporate roles, searching for that elusive sense of fulfillment. Sound familiar? Sometimes we need to acknowledge that the disconnect isn't coming from the specific job or company; it's the path itself.
In 2014, he walked away from corporate banking to become a travel advisor, sparked by watching his aunt thrive in the travel industry. He had no safety net, no guaranteed income, just a pull toward something that felt more aligned.
I won't sugarcoat it, starting from scratch can be brutal. Jerzy built his client base one person at a time, learning through trial and error. Those early years test everything - your resolve, your finances, your belief in the vision. This is where most people quit. They hit the wall of uncertainty and retreat to familiar territory.
Successful reinventions only happen when we stop trying to force quick wins and start playing the long game. Jerzy discovered that sustainable growth came through genuine connections, not aggressive sales tactics. He found his rhythm by joining forces and building relationships with other travel industry professionals who could guide his growth.
The evolution from booking mainstream cruises to curating luxury experiences didn't happen overnight. It emerged naturally as Jerzy refined his expertise and attracted clients who valued personalized service.
During our conversation, he shared the story of a client who dreamed of visiting Antarctica but felt paralyzed by fear and family concerns. Rather than just brushing off her concerns and booking it, Jerzy became her advocate and guide, working closely with suppliers to address every worry. She returned transformed by the experience, validating everything about his career change.
Essential Wisdom for Aspiring Travel Entrepreneurs
His advice for aspiring travel advisors reflects hard-won wisdom: don't go solo. Find mentors. Join communities. Build your financial cushion before jumping. These aren't just practical tips; they're acknowledgments that transformation requires support systems.
Another big consideration when taking a leap like this is the inevitable lifestyle shift. While corporate life offers predictable boundaries, entrepreneurship blurs the work/life balance line. But just because the 9-5 schedule is what we are used to doesn't mean it's right for us. Yes, Jerzy takes calls on Saturday nights and works from Miami beaches. But for him, the flexibility to structure work around life, rather than the reverse, makes the irregular hours worthwhile.
Finding Your Own Definition of Success
I love sharing stories of career pivots like Jerzy's because they show how powerful it is to listen to our guidance system and let go of what is no longer serving us. These moments remind us why we do what we do.
Jerzy's journey from Wall Street to world travel challenges our assumptions about success, reminding us that our careers don't have to be linear progressions toward someone else's definition of achievement. We're taught to climb ladders, accumulate titles, maximize earnings. But what if success means something entirely different? What if it means waking up excited about your work? What if it means helping someone to overcome their fears and explore the world?
Career reinvention isn't just about changing jobs. It's about honoring the voice inside that says, "This isn't it." It’s about having the courage to admit what isn’t working and choosing a path that aligns with who you’re becoming. It's about trusting that your unique combination of skills, passions, and experiences points toward something meaningful, even if you can't see the full picture yet.
The question isn't whether you can make such a change. The question is whether you're willing to embrace the discomfort of growth to create a life that genuinely reflects your values. That corner office might look impressive, but if it doesn't fit who you are, maybe it's time to find a different view.
If you love hearing stories like Jerzy's, tune into The Travel Business Unpacked podcast!
Each episode dives deep into the real stories, practical strategies, and transformational moments that turn travel dreams into thriving careers. Listen and subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and check out Jerzy's full episode here.
Subscribe to Jerzy's YouTube Channel here.
