Gerard Butler is probably best known for his leading role (and jaw-dropping abs) in The 300 and being romantically linked with Jennifer Aniston and Cameron Diaz. But did you know that this movie star and sex symbol also escaped from Corporate America (okay, it was Corporate Scotland in Gerard’s case)?

I read Gerard Butler’s inspiring story in the latest issue of Men’s Health and couldn’t resist featuring it here on the blog (and not only because it would give me an excuse to post a shirtless Gerard Butler photo to pretty up the site).

You see, Butler was president of the University of Glasgow Law Society and thought he had made it when he landed a position at a prestigious law firm after graduation. Unfortunately, he was miserable as a lawyer. “I was drinking constantly. I hated my life,” he told Men’s Health.

It wasn’t until Butler saw a production of Trainspotting in 1995 that he suddenly felt alive and certain that his true calling was acting. Others might have dismissed the idea as impractical. Butler gave his notice at the law firm and moved to London a week later to pursue an acting career.

Everyone he knew thought he was crazy, but that didn’t stop him. After a year of studying, Butler landed a role in the same production of Trainspotting that had originally inspired his career change. That role soon led to parts in high-profile films including Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life, The Phantom of the Opera, and 300. Next up is Guy Ritchie’s new film, RocknRolla, and leading roles opposite Catherine Zeta-Jones and Katherine Heigl.

Butler’s story provides some valuable lessons for career changers:

1) Sometimes misery really is opportunity. “If I hadn’t been so lost and insane, I’d still be a lawyer,” Butler said. “Misery is a sign that someting is wrong, that your life is in need of some big changes.”

2) Forget about what other people think. “Everybody was laughing at me,” Butler recalled of his decision to quit his job. “Everybody was thinking that I’d just messed up my whole career.” I don’t suppose anyone is laughing at Butler anymore.

3) Make a commitment and work hard. Butler believes that “once you make a decision to do something, the universe starts to help you.” He also stresses that talent alone is almost meaningless unless you’re willing to work hard.

I wouldn’t recommend Butler’s impetuous approach to changing careers for most people. As tempting as it may be to quit tomorrow and move to London, you’re probably better off doing a bit of preparation first. Sure, Butler was able to make it work without much of a plan, but most of us are not quite as genetically blessed as he is (see photo above).

However, if you’re feeling as miserable as Butler was during his lawyer days, you owe it to yourself to start thinking about a change in direction.

Read the profile of Gerard Butler in Men’s Health.