by Susan Liddy

Do you feel 'stuck' in a career that you don't necessarily enjoy, but you do it because it's practical?

You're not alone. According to a study published in Inc.com, 50% of workers surveyed in 2007 reported that they disliked their jobs.

Many people stay put at jobs that don't excite them, don't challenge them, and don't inspire them. In many cases, the job is "what they know," or what they went to school for, or what their parents wanted for them. Now they've been in it so long that they fear rocking the boat of their security by going after their true passion. Hey, it pays the bills... right?

Do you have a picture of the "ideal career" in your mind? Pull it out and take a close look.

What do you do at your dream job? Does it have something to do with your talents, or your hobbies... things you love to do, and are good at? Maybe you're a budding artist or crafter. Wouldn't it be wonderful to make your living by creating?

What are your surroundings at your dream job? Maybe you enjoy the great outdoors. Does your job allow you to commune with nature? Perhaps your dream is to work from a home office. Wouldn't it be wonderful to conduct business with your family close by?

No matter what the ideal profession looks like to you... chances are, you're far away from where you want to be! So let's look at what's stopping you from pursuing that dream career of yours.

Many people who are unsatisfied at their current jobs are actually stuck at a crossroads. Are you one of them? Perhaps deep down, you know that it's time to move on -- but you struggle with letting go of the comfort, predictability, and of course, the security of doing what you've always done. The new job looks great in your mind. But will it guarantee food on your table and a roof over your head?

Most people take the safe route. They choose a career that seems profitable versus one they feel passionate about because it may not pay as well. If this sounds like you... have you considered:

• Being unhappy in your job increases stress -- which takes its toll on your health and well being.
• Feeling unfulfilled at work prevents you from performing to your full potential - and keeps you from landing that raise and/or promotion.

(Maybe you hate your job so much that you don't even WANT the promotion -- and that's REALLY a neverending cycle of stagnation and misery!)

Sure, your current job may give you a sense of financial security -- and the fear of losing that will continue to grow as long as the economy is in a recessive period. But ask yourself:

• What about the insecurity felt of not doing the best job you know how because you're bored at work?
• What about the insecurity of knowing that you aren't using your full skills and talents to bring your unique purpose into the world?
• What if who you really are inside is so far from the "role" you play at your job every day... that it eats away at you all of the time?

People who are generally unhappy will spend money to feel happier. This often creates a cycle of needing to make more money to spend it to feel happy.

(But how are you going to make more money if you already hate what you're doing now? Do you see what a trap it is to be in a job that you can't stand?)

Believe it or not, many people who have made "financial sacrifices" to pursue their true professional calling actually feel LESS of a need to "spend for gratification." Why? Their personal satisfaction comes from doing what they're meant to do -- and that's a feeling that money can't buy!

Think about this. Everyone who ever embarked upon the career of their dreams had to start somewhere. Perhaps they needed different training, or a bank loan, or a support system, or all of the above. But even if they met with challenges... they learned how to overcome them! They took the less traveled path, and are all the happier because of it.

What's the difference between people who are successful and fulfilled, versus those who merely "tolerate" their lives and jobs? Successful and fulfilled people refuse to give up on their dreams!

Some Myths About Embarking on a New Career:

Myth 1: You must quit your first job before embarking on another.

Myth 2: You cannot get a new business up and running without a "stash of cash" saved up.

Myth 3: You can't afford to go back to school.

Myth 4: There's no one out there to help you grow professionally, and no one to lean on!

Can you begin a new career by way of a hobby... to learn and grow, and put together a plan to shift from one job to the other?

Changing careers is indeed a process that requires careful thought and planning. That may feel overwhelming at first, but consider this...

If you don't start now, five years from now, you'll still be where you are today.

Empowering belief: When we are doing what we are meant to do on this planet, we will be good at it and the money will come.

Reality Check

Do you dread getting up each day to go to work?

Do you watch the clock while at work?

Do you wish you had chosen a different career?

Do you fear that this other career isn't practical or safe, and "pooh pooh" it?

Fearless Integration

1. What are the elements of your dream career?
2. Take some time to research the various careers that include these elements.
3. Talk to people, take people to lunch who may be able to provide information and inspiration...
4. See if you can engage in this career activity in your spare time (yes, a passion is worth your free time).
5. Research your chosen career.
6. Devise a practical plan to shift over.

About the Author:

Susan Liddy, MA, PCC, CPCC is the founder of AspireLifeCoaching.org, a women's coaching organization whose mission is to empower women to aspire fearlessly. Susan's unique and groundbreaking life coaching programs teach women how to break through the fear and disempowerment that block them from who they are and accomplishing their goals.

To learn more about Susan Liddy and AspireLifeCoaching.org visit AspireLifeCoaching.org or call (408) 835-9908.

©2008 Susan Liddy, AspireLifeCoaching.org, All rights reserved.

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