Talk about a ballsy move.
Gwen Dean didn't just quit her job, — a daunting task in itself — she quit her job on live national television. During the Super Bowl. In a GoDaddy ad. To become a full-time puppeteer.
The 36-year-old Yonkers, N.Y., native was a former machine engineer and member of the U.S. Coast Guard, but had had a passion for puppets her whole life. When she stumbled across an inquiry for people who were already intending to quit their jobs, she jumped at the opportunity and applied.
See also: Super Bowl 2014 Commercials: Watch Them All Here
Within months, Dean was chosen from a pool of 100 to star in a GoDaddy ad to air during the largest marketing circus of the year.

"I've threatened [to quit my job] and kept inching closer and closer to getting off that jumping point," Dean told Mashable. "I clicked the ad and, all of a sudden, I was cast in, not only, an ad, but a GoDaddy Super Bowl ad. I was floored."
Dean was not allowed to tell anyone about her plans to leave her engineering job ahead of time — except her 72-year-old father.
"I didn't want him to have a heart attack," she joked.
After the 30-second spot aired, Dean said her first step was to send her official resignation letter to her boss.
"My boss texted me," says Dean. "He was stunned, but incredibly happy. He was laughing and laughing. He couldn't have been happier for me."
The GoDaddy ad is quite the departure for the brand, which has become known for an overtly sexual depiction of women in its previous ads. The website domain provider is now focusing its marketing on small business growth, as well as "smart and successful" women.
"Gwen is a ‘spot on’ example of the customers we serve … the go-getter who wants to turn their passion into a thriving business," GoDaddy CEO Blake Irving said, in a statement.

Image: Mashable Christina Ascani
While the switch from engineer to puppeteer may seem drastic to some, for Dean, it seemed like a seamless transition.
"In my heart there's a pull," says Dean. "It's not a fad or thing I'll get over, and I know my engineering skills will serve me well."
Her first memory of puppeteering comes from her father who used to do voices using a teddy bear. She says she found it "enchanting." Years later, a friend asked her to help out with a puppet show, and from there, Dean dived head first into teaching herself the artform — including building her own puppets — through books.
Dean eventually launched her own site FunnyPuppetShow.com (now PuppetsByGwen.com) in 2008.
"The site grew and grew, [the] only thing that held me back was the time to devote to my day job," says Dean.
Now that she's quit her machine engineering job — in front of millions of viewers — there's no turning back for her, or her puppets.

Image: Mashable Christina Ascani
Mr. Frank, the bright blue puppet who appeared alongside Dean in the GoDaddy ad, had a few thoughts on the Super Bowl.
"I was in it for the Seahawks, birds of a feather, you know," says Mr. Frank.
And he has a message for another GoDaddy celebrity, Danica Patrick: "I was promised a date with her."
Perhaps, Mr. Frank, you should ask her out in next year's Super Bowl ad.
Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.