The road less traveled requires some leaps and planning.

Here are 10 points to help you if you are making a career transition and are looking for encouragement and direction.

1.There is a reason why you have discomfort in your current line of work and have a desire to do something different...respect that and use it. Questioning is part of the process and so are the hurdles.

2. Remember that many people will not take the road less traveled and will continue to stick with what they know...it takes courage to move forward and do something that you feel called to do.

3.The sooner you can be involved at some level in what you want to do and build your skill level the sooner opportunities will come your way. Start somewhere soon!

4. Sometimes the passion you have will open a new door that you didn't know existed had you not originally started on your path.

5. Recruiters are in general going to see you in the field you are from...you will often need to use other job search techniques to be effective in landing.

6. Make sure all your marketing material including your resume, linkedin, 30 second commercial, transition phrase and other info supports where you want to go...not where you have been. Make it easy for someone to see you in your next role.

7. Look at ways to transition gracefully...examples would be doing consulting assignments, or having a side business while you continue to work at your current job. It could also include asking for leads from previous companies or contacts. It could also be working part-time at your old job while beginning to get your feet wet with your new endeavor.

8. Surround yourself with people who are in the field you want to be in and that can support, challenge and educate you. Who we hang out with...is who we become.

9. Having an open discussion with your family about how to make the career transition and handle the finanical aspect is critical to long term success and less misery in the future. There may be times when your dream job must be done in small bites because the timing is not quite right...but don't give up...keep working at it.

10. There is a process to career transition and once you begin to do the work, the universe will conspire to help you with serendipitous meetings and opportunities. There is no greater joy than doing the work you love and were meant to do.

Best of luck...Carpe Diem!

TWAS THE DAY OF THE INTERVIEW

'Twas the day of the Interview, I had prepared
Though I still felt a bit nervous and slightly scared
My accomplishment statements were written with care
And I had my best suit cleaned and ready to wear

My resume had been simplified and revised
I even got rid of the typos and the lies
Key skills were highlighted to my targeted job
I done my prep and was clearly no blob

I ran out the door, and thought… I will do my best
I sprang into my car and drove toward the west
Arriving at the company’s site in a flash
Spit out my chewing gum and threw it in the trash.

The receptionist ushered me in with a smile
Do you want coffee? You’ll be here for quite a while
Actually what I really wanted was a beer
I replied no, and hoped someone would soon appear

The HR director came in, smiled and said hi
I knew in the moment I was their woman/guy
Though the many interview questions they came,
She queried and paused and even called me by name

"Tell me about yourself? What did you do? How long?
Why did you leave? What have you done since you’ve been gone?
Hmm, Who do you know? Ohh, Why should we hire you?
Now again from the top what do you want to do?

As my voice began to squeak and mouth became dry
I reinforced the real reason behind the why
I had been so successful throughout my career
It was my strengths and skills I wanted her to hear

And then, out of the blue I heard her clearly proclaim
You would be great, lets see if others think the same
My mouth fell open, and I almost shrieked with joy
Down the hallway she led me to the boss named Roy

Dressed business casual with Cole Hahn loafers on his feet,
Said he was really pleased to have the chance to meet
And that there were a “bunch of monkeys” on his back,
What could I do to get him on the success track?

His eyes, they twinkled, as I shared my plan
He nodded when I told him, I know that I can
He chuckled when I asked him for the position
After all that was my intention and mission

He told me what to expect in the salary range
The tables had turned and this was a positive change
I had researched the position and was ready
Quietly, I sat there and held his glance steady

You’re making me an offer on the job,? I asked
Then sat and played cool keeping my emotions masked
Negotiations began and I kept my wits;
We established base salary then benefits

He spoke the words I had waited so long to hear
”I’d like to offer you the job for the New Year”
I shook his hand and told him yes, said that was great
It was a great day one that would guide my fate

I left the office feeling a sense of relief
It does really work if you have the right belief
Working your strategy is what you have to do
I GOT A JOB AND MUCH SUCCESS TO ALL OF YOU!

Written by Chief Career Strategst-Heather Wieshlow 2003
www.aturningpoint.com/

A Poem for the Job Seekers Journey

In your job search there’s no need to despair

Just remember who you are and prepare

Know what you want and be willing to share

Everywhere, everywhere, I do declare