From stocks and bonds to rocks and ponds

Taking the road less traveled

By Karen Tina Harrison | Special to amNewYork

July 30, 2007

Marti Newman. (Photo by Chris Pagano / July 29, 2007)

The Big Career Switch: From New York investment banker to New Mexico adventure guide

Who Pulled It Off: Marti Newman, 45

What She Does: Newman is a recreational guide with Santa Fe Mountain Adventures (www.santafemountainadventures.com)

What She Used To Do: Newman was a managing director of Merrill Lynch on Wall St., selling corporate bonds to institutional investors and hedge funds.

Why She Switched: "After 20 years, it was time for a change. I wanted to work outdoors while I still could. And my family had fallen for Santa Fe."

How She Did It: "I quit my job and we moved last August. I'm an avid hiker and biker and got certified as an adventure guide. My husband does his Wall St. job living in Santa Fe, and we kept our apartment in Jersey City."

What An Adventure Guide Does: "I lead half-day and full-day trips, mainly hikes, mountain biking, and geo-caching treasure hunts you do with GPS. My groups are usually 4 to 8 people. I meet them at their hotel and drive them to the destination, never over 90 minutes away. I lead the way, watch out for everyone, and talk about the terrain's nature and history."

Who Does This Job Best? "An adventure guide must love people and be patient and understanding. You should be enthusiastic about the outdoors and in good physical shape. You need to know CPR and how to deal with storms, sprains and participants who complain and fall behind. And you have to keep learning about New Mexico."

How's The Dough? "I work a few days a week. I'm not doing this for the money; I'm getting paid to do something I love. But you can make a living at this and start your own adventure outfit."

What About Perks? "It's wonderful to work outside in such a beautiful place. My fitness plan is built into the job. And I meet great people, including many New Yorkers, who love to visit Santa Fe."

What Else You Should Know: "This guy who showed up for a hike had been my banking client my whole career. After a good laugh we did a lot of catching up."