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Summer 2009
Vol. 53, Number 2
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Careers planning the second time around



—NUTSHELL:
Are you at a crossroads in your career? It might be time to think about doing something different. Here are some things to consider before embarking on a brand new path.


—SNIPPET:
Do you dream about what you want to be—even though you’re all grown up? If so, embarking on a second career may be for you.

People change careers for a number of reasons. Some want to do work that they find more meaningful or that makes better use of their skills than their current job. Others might be acting on a long-deferred dream or in pursuit of new interests. And for some, it’s less a choice than a necessity: They may find themselves heading in a new direction after facing a layoff or other job loss.

If you’re considering changing careers, either by choice or by necessity, keep reading. The pages that follow offer tips on assessing your current situation: evaluating the career you have, identifying your motives for wanting to change it, and knowing whether your personal finances allow for taking such a step. You’ll also learn how to assess yourself for career fitness, including your values, skills, and interests.

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Last Updated: June 10, 2009