After many years as a union carpenter, Nathan Michaelson decided he needed a change. "Construction is a feast-or-famine business,” Nathan said. “Some years, you're making great money. Other years, you're just waiting for the next paycheck."
Nathan came to Metro Transit focused on creating a better future for his family.
That first year, his pay was a step down from what he had made in construction. But as the years went on, his salary increased, and with it, his confidence in the decision. "By the third or fourth year, I was making more than I ever did in construction,” Nathan said. “It was worth it.”
While his career change began with long hours and weekend shifts, with time he found balance and the ability to spend time with his wife and children.
“My son was young when I started, and at that age, kids don’t know the difference between a Saturday and a Tuesday,” he said. “So, we made it work.”
And three years into his newfound career, he learned that he could move into different positions. After earning a role as a relief instructor, he discovered his new calling.
“The more I worked with people, the more I realized I enjoyed helping others succeed,” he said. “When you help someone improve, it feels like you’ve made a real difference.”
After 13 years at Metro Transit, Nathan looks forward to finding other positions to help his fellow operators succeed, like a full-time instructor or a garage coordinator.
“I’m just waiting for a few retirements, and I’ll be there,” he said. “It’s a good place to work. The pay is solid, the benefits are great, and it gives you a future. This is where I see myself retiring.”
As he plans his next step at Metro Transit, he reminds us that it’s never too late to change course to discover a new path. “I didn’t expect it, but it’s become the right fit,” he says. “The stability, the support, the opportunity to grow—it’s everything I needed.”