Suzette Banzo
Hometown: Queens, N.Y.
I worked in telecommunications for 16 years making $70K as a budget analyst and was downsized during the recession.
Ever since then I've tried to reinvent myself. Besides working as a plus-size model, I have a part-time job as a marketing support specialist for a financial planner.
It doesn't include health care, but it is closer to home than my previous job was. I made considerably more money before, but spent so much of it on gas and maintenance for my car.
Supportive friends tell me "The money will come, the important thing is that you are healthy and happier now." I have faith that they are right about the money, because there is no doubt that I am actually happier at work now than before.
NEXT: Mark Garrett
Last updated February 18 2011: 8:13 AM ET
