Dear Career Doctor:

I'm feeling like I'm at a career crossroad, and am wondering what to do about it! I am 32 and have been working at a computer company for 5 years. I'm not getting younger, I'm not in love with my job, and yet I work all of the time! I think I need to revisit and reset my priorities.... In other words, I don't want to wake up 5 years from now, in the same position.

So, let me know if you have any ideas on how I might best move forward.

Cathy

Dear Cathy:

One of my favorite questions to ask people is, "If there were no limits on you -- if you didn't have to worry about what your parents or love would say, if you didn't have to worry whether the job would pay enough or whether you were properly trained, etc. etc. etc....if you weren't worried about sounding unrealistic or crazy, what would you do and how would you live?

I've been asking this question for years. Usually people tell me things they think are impossible to achieve, but when we really look at their aspirations, usually we can figure out a way to achieve the dream. Even when I am told things are impossible, we can usually get them somewhat close to their dream job, or at least get them some of their dream benefits they want and are missing.

So, I would advise you to start by writing down the first thing that comes into your head when you think, "If there were no limits on me, what would I do and how would I live?" Then take that answer seriously and figure out what you have to do to get as close as you can to doing just that.

The Career Doctor