Sometimes the career we try to avoid finds us anyway.
For local meteorologist Mike Witcher, the path began with dreams of becoming a pilot but eventually led him in another direction — one that put weather at the center of his professional life. Today, Witcher owns an independent weather company and is using his experience for something bigger than simply telling people whether to expect sunshine or storms.
Witcher recently sat down with Jonathan Palk to talk about the twists and turns that shaped his career, including what it is like to feel limited in a job while knowing you have more to offer.
His story is one many people may recognize: You have a plan for your life, circumstances change the route, and eventually you discover that the unexpected road may have been leading somewhere worthwhile all along.
Witcher shares how his original desire to become a pilot eventually gave way to a career in meteorology and, ultimately, ownership of his own independent weather company.
But the story goes beyond a career change.
For Witcher, weather has become a platform for building community — connecting with people through something that affects every one of us.
In this edition of Above & Beyond, Palk talks with Witcher about that journey, the challenges along the way and what he has learned about following opportunities even when they take you somewhere you never expected to go.
Watch the conversation with Mike Witcher: YouTube video.
This column highlights organizations, businesses, and individuals who go Above & Beyond through exceptional service, community involvement, and a commitment to making a difference. Know someone whose story deserves to be shared? Email news@knoxtntoday.com with your nomination.
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