Corporate conversion

The Quincy resident, 44, discovered that he could parlay the leadership skills he used in his former job as senior manager of organizational development into a new career in clinical social work. So, he returned to his alma mater, Simmons College, where he plans to graduate with a master's in social work on Friday.

Kronenfeld, who hopes to land a job in a hospital, said while the job market is stronger for social work, the pay will probably be about 18 percent of his previous $200,000 salary. But the single father of two is not fazed by the pay cut.

"I would tell my children to do what you love, not worry about the money," he said. "If I was going to give them this message, I would have to do it as well."

Job training specialists say some careers geared toward doing good - rather than doing well - have recently seen this kind of corporate conversion spurred by frustration, job availability, and a desire for change. As a result, they say, social work, teaching, and nonprofit sectors have become popular among individuals exiting corporate America.

Suzanne Sankar, assistant dean for student affairs at Simmons College, said 3 percent of Simmons social work students now come from a corporate background, a transition that has occurred for a variety of reasons. Sankar recommends that those considering the transition speak with a social worker, sit in on classes, and attend an information session. They can also go to the National Association of Social Workers' website at www.socialworkers.org for job descriptions and opportunities.

"There are a number of people who find it's just not working for them in terms of making a difference or connecting with people," she said. "They got diverted into the field, but never really felt it's the right match for them."

The Boston Teacher Residency, a 13-month teacher training program, has received five times the number of applicants this year, said recruiter Carolyn Chen, an increase she credits to outreach and job market changes.

"I think we have seen a lot of people who are switching careers because of instability in the workplace or because they've been laid off," she said.

Take Michael Phaneuf, 33. He joined the Boston Teacher Residency program after quitting his management position - and $70,000 salary - at Professional Staffing Group in June. This ended a 10-year corporate career, a choice he said he made after feeling that "something was missing."

"Making that decision to become a teacher is the best thing I ever did," he said. "It's who I am."

It was a logical transition, said Phaneuf, who was always interested in education and is now teaching at the Mildred Avenue Middle School in Mattapan. As a teacher, he will earn less than half of his former salary. But the financial and work culture adjustments have not discouraged Phaneuf: "I feel like myself now," he said.

Amy Bauman can relate to that. In 2001, Bauman was laid off after 12 years working as head of 401(k) development, 10 years at Fidelity then two years at a Waltham-based start-up. The layoff, she said, left her facing a massive home renovation, a lot of free time, and frustration toward wasteful resource use. The result: She started greenGoat, a nonprofit dedicated to reusing building materials.

"Like with so many people, frustration can lead to a very productive business idea," Bauman said.

Far from financial services, Bauman's new role pitted her against environmental unfriendliness. Among other projects, she has worked to reduce wasteful resource disposal at the Boston Children's Museum and recycling rusted shutters into set pieces at the American Repertory Theater.

"I think it illustrates the point that it's only trash if you call it trash," she said.

In founding greenGoat, Bauman left a $100,000 salary for three years of no income. She funded the Somerville-based nonprofit by refinancing her house, using all her savings, and cutting back on personal spending.

When faced with the layoff, Bauman "decided to make lemonade out of lemons," she said. To ensure a smooth transition, she suggests leaving the previous job on good terms, being realistic, staying in touch with employers, and being creative about your next step.

"If you really didn't thoroughly enjoy the job you've been asked to leave, maybe it is time for a new direction," she said.

Kronenfeld is happy he changed courses. While he has not found a post-graduation job, he said he looks forward to the flexibility and opportunity available within clinical social work. It will take time for his financial situation to recover, he said, but he has no plans to turn back.

"I may not be taking an airplane to work, but I've never been happier," Kronenfeld said.