Dear Valorie,
I am in a career that I don’t enjoy. I am pretty good at it, but I get depressed thinking about having to do this for a living for the next 30 years. I invested many years in school and will be paying back student loans for eight more years, so it would be irresponsible of me to decide now that I want to do something else. I’m 33 and it feels like I am too far along to start over. Is it better to just stick it out?
You are not alone – and you are not too far along to make a change. The key is to create a plan for change and then move forward in the right timing. Assess your strengths, passion and financial needs. What kind of work would bring you fulfillment? What skills from your existing line of work could be applicable to a new career? What are your income considerations? How much time would you need to make a smooth transition? This last question is particularly important. Making a change that sets you up for future success may mean exercising patience while you acquire new skills, develop contacts or boost your financial savings while you prepare to transition. Thirty years is far too long to “stick with” a career you don’t like. Plan your work, then work your plan!
Valorie Burton is a professional certified coach and author of several books, including How Did I Get So Busy? (Broadway Doubleday, $12.95) due out December 18th. Subscribe to her free, weekly e-newsletter at www.valorieburton.com.
