Duncan MacDonell, a 52-year-old laid-off systems analyst, traded spreadsheets for stadium shows this summer. After months of searching for a job in his field, he pivoted to a role that aligns with his passion: working as a guest-services representative at the RBC Amphitheatre in Toronto.
MacDonell will earn $17.50 an hour as an usher for concerts by artists like Paul Simon, Lorde, and Wu-Tang Clan. His role is part of the HITS Team ("How is the show"), where he acts as a goodwill ambassador, ensuring concertgoers have the best experience.
His hiring story is as unique as his career shift. Acting on a tip, he showed up unannounced at a job fair and impressed recruiters by mentioning his history in Toronto's indie music scene. As a co-founder of Wavelength Music, he booked the first Broken Social Scene show in 2000—a band that will perform at the venue this August.
MacDonell's decision to prioritize quality of life over a long commute led him to choose the west-end venue over another location. He walks or bikes to work, embracing a lifestyle that values flexibility and fulfillment.
"Even if I land a day job, my evenings and weekends for the rest of my life will be spent ushering at live music shows," he says, embodying a career pivot that proves it's never too late to follow your passion.
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