From Paramount+ to the slopes: A career pivot in Colorado

Craig’s transition began in June when his position was eliminated during the lead-up to the Skydance-Paramount merger. Despite receiving interest for several high-level roles in New York and Los Angeles, he and his wife reassessed their definition of success. With their three children grown, the couple chose to abandon the relentless pace of executive life for a quieter, more purposeful existence in the mountains.

He now teaches at Arapahoe Basin, earning a fraction of his former salary. While the pay cut is significant, Craig describes the shift as a necessary alignment of his career with his personal values. His wife, who works in the local school system, shares this commitment to a simpler rhythm. By trading corporate emails for outdoor instruction and summer work at an aerial adventure park, Craig has found a sense of freedom he previously lacked. He notes that the relief of not feeling the "rot" of returning to a demanding office environment has confirmed that his decision to prioritize health and community over status was the right move.