How One Former Ad Exec Found His True Calling in Nature: Jared’s Journey from the City to Alaska’s Wilderness
In today’s fast-paced world, making a career shift is often daunting but can lead to incredibly rewarding outcomes. For Jared, a former New York City advertising executive, the journey was exactly that—trading skyscrapers for glaciers and client meetings for educating the public on the natural wonders of Alaska. Here’s how he made the switch from city life to the great outdoors and found his passion in helping others connect with nature.
From the Concrete Jungle to Alaska’s Wilderness
Before his career change, Jared spent two years in the bustling world of advertising in New York City. Fresh out of college with a degree in advertising, he was on a well-trodden path, working as an account executive at a major global agency. However, while he enjoyed aspects of the work, the disconnect from nature was always a challenge. Weekends were his solace, as he frequently escaped to snowboard, mountain bike, and immerse himself in the outdoors.
“As I’d take the train back into the city each weekend, I’d feel this deep sense of despair about disconnecting from nature to get back to the grind,” Jared recalls. This contrast sparked the realization that his passion lay far beyond the city limits.
Finding a New Direction
The turning point came when his company mandated a stricter return-to-office policy post-COVID, reigniting his desire to be closer to nature. When his NYC lease expired, he knew it was time for a major life shift. His first step? Pursuing seasonal work that allowed him to try something new and stay connected to his love for the outdoors.
Jared’s initial role was as a trail builder in Colorado, an entry-level job that enabled him to work directly in nature, helping create outdoor spaces for others to enjoy. Despite the physical challenges of that role, it opened doors to new opportunities. Soon, he moved to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife department as a grant administrator, helping build trails without the physical strain of trail work itself. This experience led him to the U.S. Forest Service, where he discovered his current passion as an interpretation ranger at Chugach National Forest in Alaska.
The Challenges of Letting Go
Making the transition wasn’t without challenges. Jared admits that leaving a “highly sought-after” job with good pay was intimidating, especially after investing 4 years in school and 2 years career. The fear of “throwing away” those years was real, but he realized that he learned so many valuable things in that time that apply to many other aspects of his life and current career.
Life as a Forest Service Ranger
Now, Jared spends his days narrating glacier tours, engaging with visitors, and educating both children and adults about Alaska’s natural landscapes. What he loves most about his new role is helping others connect with nature, fostering respect and appreciation for public lands, and supporting recreation opportunities that suit each visitor’s interests.
“It feels amazing!” he shares. “I get to help out with the recreation and trail-building teams, learn about their projects, and connect with so many aspects of land management. It’s a dream job, and it keeps me close to my long-term goal of promoting outdoor access.”
Advice for Others Considering a Career Shift
For anyone hesitant to make a change, Jared’s advice is simple yet powerful:
“If you know what you want to do but are afraid to leave your current job, rip it off like a bandaid! It’s worth it!”
If you’re uncertain about your next steps, he recommends reflecting on the ultimate goals of your work. For Jared, the realization came when he thought, Do I really want to help companies sell stuff? Instead, he found purpose in helping people access and appreciate the outdoors. His journey shows that by aligning your work with your values and long-term goals, you can find a fulfilling path—even if it means venturing far from what you originally planned.
Jared’s story is a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected shifts lead to the greatest satisfaction.
📸 Follow Jared: https://www.instagram.com/jrubin_/
