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John Louis’ story is not unlike many facing a tough job market: laid off and looking to reignite their career with a lifelong passion.

A chemist in the pharmaceutical industry, he found himself out of work at age 44 with a decision to make about his future. He needed to keep working, but what kind of work would he seek out?

“All things being equal, I realized I would rather teach than find another job in industry,” explains Lewis in his first-person essay published in the Chronicle of Higher Education. A footnote explains that the byline is "the pseudonym of a chemistry instructor at a state university in the East."

Lewis carved a new role for himself first as an adjunct faculty member teaching chemistry at a local community college and eventually as an assistant professor at a university.

Read his story here.

Are you interested in becoming an adjunct faculty member at a local community college? Want to figure out what training you need to break into higher education? Visit the Encore Colleges section of this site.