THE SWITCH

From family firmto ski instructorFor Peter Docherty, the family

business has always been anoption. "Our company has

been producing curtains since the1930s; it's supported our family forthree generations," he says.

Although he initially took adifferent path, a diagnosis ofbipolar disorder meant theflexibility that came with workingfor family became more appealing.

"I started to be useful wherever Icould, managing the paperworkand doing deliveries, [while]managing my illness," he says.

Docherty soon discovered hisskills improved the family business.

"I put in different systems to givemy parents a much firmer month-to-month knowledge of financialprogress," he says. "They'd alwayshad a reputation for quality andhave some very famous clients -but hadn't had the time or expertiseto put into that side of it."

While family support was his"saving grace" during the worstperiods of his illness, when hefound the right treatment for himDocherty began to explore oldpassions again, including skiing.

"I realised that doing somethingI really love helped with my illnessand [that] that's where my lifeneeded to be," he says.

At age 40, Docherty decided totrain as a ski instructor. "I'm what'scalled a back-to-back skiinstructor," he says. "I do theAustralian season [at Thredbo] andthen one overseas; I've just gottenback from Germany, from a resortcalled Garmisch-Partenkirchen onthe southern border with Austria."

He spends nine months a year onthe slopes and couldn't be happier.

To train for his new career,Docherty headed to Big White,Canada, where an 11-week course

helped him pass his first-levelexams. "It's exhausting," he says.

"I remember falling asleep at thedinner table a couple of times. Butyou're also having a fantastic time;you're living on the hill but you areworking really hard."

Aldiough the physical aspect iseasier now his muscles areconditioned, the training neverstops. "You are constantiy going forthe next-level qualification," saysDocherty, who is a level 2 instructor.

Ski instructors enjoy a blend ofwork and play. In New South Wales,most live off the slopes in Jindabyneand car pool up the mountain earlyto train or ski before work.

"On training days I leave at6.30am," Docherty says. "When thehill opens I ski and check themountain for my clients [before]work at 9.30am."

Docherty teaches a series oftwo-hour classes during the day.

"The biggest responsibility is tomake sure clients are safe andhaving fun," he says.

"That first lesson is reallyimportant to put people at ease,keep them motivated and actuallyteach them something. I consider[it] one of me most important jobson the hill."

As an older worker in a youngperson's field, Docherty wasn't surethe age gap would suit him.

"I knew most people would be20 years younger than me. But ageis not a factor and some of thedearest friendships I have are with[far younger] people."

Although he values thefriendships it's the job Dochertyenjoys most. "I'm not the best skierin the world but I love teaching somuch," he says. "It makes yourwhole life happier."

SUE WHITE

SALARY $60,000WORK-LIFE BALANCE "Therewas lots of flexibility. I have myown apartment in the housewhere my parents live but theworkroom is attached to it, too."HOURS About 40 hours. "It'sdifficult because it's at home;you're always there."

Cool change... Peter Docherty workedin the family curtain-making businessbefore becoming a ski instructor.

SALARY $24.95 an hour (as alevel 2 instructor). "You're notmaking a fortune."WORK-LIFE BALANCE"Fantastic! I travel the world andhave a ball, it's just great. I knowhundreds of people and havewonderful friends. Most days arean absolute joy."HOURS Six hours a day, six daysa week.MISS "I miss my dogs. I miss myfamily, too, but I speak to themevery day - you can't do thatwith your dogs."CHALLENGES "To alwaysremain physically fit. I've neverhad a job before where physicalfitness is a requirement."

LINKSsnowskool.com.au

MyCareefiDxom.au

For salary advice, seemycareer.com.au/salary-centre.