Career Chaos

CAREER CHANGE AT WARP SPEED

I've been reading a very interesting book, "Re-imagine!" by Tom Peters. It's particularly interesting since it was published in 2003. I know that's only two years ago, but you have to realize that this book is all about change and it even makes predictions for 2005 that have come true!

Here's a quote to whet your appetite:

"White-collar employment as we've known it is dead. The transformation may be Ugly. And painful. But it's on... with Unimaginable Fury.

All of our organizations will be reinvented - completely - in the next 25 years. All of our careers will be reinvented - completely - in the next 25 years. All job security, as we have known it over the past three or four generations, is over. Over and gone."

Author Tom Peters is an international bestselling writer, master of business reinvention, and management guru. I suggest you get this book - even if you borrow it from the library - and read it, over and over. We're in for an amazing change!

YOU KNOW IT'S TIME TO CHANGE CAREERS WHEN...

Are you overworked, stressed-out, and just plain tired of juggling work and family responsibilities without any time for yourself? If you are, you're not alone. In fact, a recent study found that over 1/3 of Americans are overwhelmed with their jobs and are at risk for major health problems.

What can you do to get out of this mess? Consider changing careers! That's what I did. On the eve of my 7th anniversary of starting my own business, I reflect on what my life was like before I put on my entrepreneurial hat and hung up my corporate coat.

One symptom of my overwhelm, fibromyalgia, has been in remission since I discovered how to work my passion. My migraines are gone, too. Don't get me wrong - there's a lot of work involved in running your own business, but since it's the kind of work I enjoy, I am happy! My family is happier, too, knowing that I now love what I do.

You can be happy, too. Be bold. Take the first step to choose the right career for yourself. Life is too short to be imprisoned by a career that doesn't meet your needs.

CAREER CHANGE OVER 50+

The news is full of features about retirement planning. As a card-carrying AARP member, retirement is starting to occupy my thoughts these days. Retirement planning includes much more than financial planning - for most of us, it includes how we will live our daily lives.

Believe it or not, many in their 50s and 60s consider changing careers instead of stopping work altogether. Who wants to lose the feeling of being productive? Not me! One of the reasons I started my own career coaching business was so no one could ever tell me when to retire.

I found an interesting website that explores all aspects of retirement. "Too Young to Retire: 101 Ways to Start the Rest of Your Life" is the book by Marika and Howard Stone. Take a look if retirement is on your mind, too. Discover new and different ways to add meaning to your llife.

CAREER CHANGE FOR ENTREPRENEURS

While reading my April issue of Entrepreneur Magazine (not yet available online), an article caught my eye - "In Full Boom." Author Mark Henricks briefly summarizes a new book by economist and New York Times bestseller, Harry S. Dent, Jr. - The Next Great Bubble Boom: How to Profit From the Greatest Boom in History: 2005-2009 (Free Press).

According to Henricks, Dent claims we're entering a new, bigger boom that will be bigger than the one in the 1990's, to be followed by a "bust rivaling the Great Depression." Well known and highly respected, Dent has been right on target in previous predictions, though has also missed a few times, too.

As an entrepreneur, I'm all for the boom, but that bust sounds a little scary. Is there another career change in my future? Hope not. This is one book I'm going to have to get!

FUTURE CAREER TRENDS

Stay on Top of Future Trends in the world of work with this website. What ideas do you get here for deciding on what's next for your career? I love this crystal ball approach to figuring out hot careers.

COMPREHENSIVE CAREER BLOG

Are you ready to expand your horizons and read another career blog? I found one that has gobs of resources and great articles. BostonWorks.com has a job blog that really merits your attention. Just don't forget to come back here for more career change news!