This self-exploration could lead to a new discovery that may include creating a new career through freelance or entrepreneurial ventures, rather than looking to companies to provide it. This prospect could be risky for many, however. Johanna Haney, a mentor and author at www.DreamJobsToGo.com responds, “I know a lot of freelancers in various fields such as writing, Web design, and PR, who are taking a rather desperate approach to finding immediate full-time employment. These freelancers fear a recession and are searching for a steady source of income.” Haney believes that there has never been a better time to freelance. Her book “How to Get Started as a Freelance Editor” states, “One of benefits of freelancing in this economy is that companies are looking for economical ways to finance things like an editing budget. One way companies do this is by hiring freelance editors rather than in-house editors.” Haney suggests that when you hear a company is going to downsize, send them your marketing materials right away.

All of this falls in line with what many life coaches believe. Candace Hammond of www.personalpowercoach.com puts it like this: “People have been scared and have seen that life is precious and fragile. It reaches deeper than work, people fear not living consciously fulfilled, meaningful lives.” Many do not know where to begin.

Career coaches offer many services that help people find what they need, to begin a career that adds to their quality of life instead of drawing from it. There are also other services out there that help you search for careers that might be right for you, and one is www.acinet.org. It offers several resources from career diagnostic testing to career updates and information. For those who know what they are looking for but don’t know how to get started, www.DreamJobsToGo.com may be solution. This site has ebooks on getting started in various unique careers and it offers a free mentor message board, where you can have your career questions answered by author experts.

Ultimately, career coaches believe Americans have choice. If career changes are viewed as an opportunity rather than a crisis, then we are more likely to bounce back effectively.

Amy Crawford is a writer who specializes in career and employment topics. She runs the free Dream Job Mentors discussion group at http://www.DreamJobsToGo.com.

4. Pick out most meaningful, attractive qualities you wrote down in #2 and use them to write a description of yourself. This will be first part of your classified ad or listing. The length of description will depend on where you are placing ad.

5. Write a detailed description of type of relationship you want.

6. Would your ideal partner in #1 want same type of relationship? If not, start over. If yes, what would appeal to him/her most? What words could you use to describe essence of relationship you envision?

7. In second section of your ad or listing, make an offer specifically targeted to your ideal partner. Incorporate items from #6 into your offer. For example, if you think clear communication would be appealing to your ideal partner, and it is something you both want and are able to give, your offer may sound something like, "In this relationship you can have best communication of your life."

8. Finish your ad or listing with a request to contact you, in a way appropriate for medium you are using.

---------------------------------------------------------------- Steps for clarifying who you are seeking for a relationship: ---------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Write down qualities of your ideal partner. Be as specific as possible.

2. What type of person would your ideal partner be attracted to? Looking through your ideal partner's eyes, make your best guess and write it down. Don't automatically assume all of qualities will describe you. Be as specific as possible.

3. Does list in #2 describe you? If not, are you willing to grow and change so that it does? If not, go back and rewrite your description of your ideal partner and describe a person who will be attracted to qualities you have.

4. Write a detailed description of type of relationship you want.

5. Would your ideal partner in #1 want same type of relationship? If not, start over. If yes, then you now have an effective description of who you are seeking for a relationship.

6. Do not engage, date, or be intimate with people who do not fit your ideal description.

The above steps are an effective way to actively attract your ideal mate. Follow these steps to get very clear about what you want in a mate and in a relationship. You will also get clear on what you need to be willing to give. This is kind of vital information that you need in order to attract your ideal partner.

Your Relationship Coach, Rinatta Paries www.WhatItTakes.com

(c) Rinatta Paries, 1998-2001. Do you know what it takes to be happy and fulfilled in your relationships? Relationship Coach Rinatta Paries can teach you skills and techniques to attract and sustain long-term, healthy partnerships. Visit www.WhatItTakes.com where you'll find quizzes, classes, advice and a free weekly ezine. Become a "true love magnet(tm)!