Dear Surfer:

So many people are feeling the end-of-summer-blues! Even the Career Doctor is having withdrawal symptoms now that her local beaches have closed for the summer. But this isn’t about me, it’s about you, so here are some suggestions:

If you really love beaches, is there any way you could relocate to work near a beach – or live near one? That may seem like a simplistic question, but you would be surprised how many people come in to consult with me, never having seriously considered how they might achieve their dream life style. There are many major employment centers near beaches – even NYC has beaches like Rockaway within commuting distance.

If it is not realistic to change jobs or homes, how about deciding you are going to work/save so you can eventually own a beach house and retire there? This might give you the positive incentive you need to get back to work.

Regardless of which plan you pursue, make a list of the 10 things you LIKE about your job and begin concentrating on those rather than fantasizing about the beach. For now, confine your beach fantasies and research to after work hours, or you may end up involuntarily becoming a beach bum!

The Career Doctor