If you can relate to that description, you probably recognize that midlife career change is both easier and harder than starting out in world of work. Change is easier because you have resources to grease rails. You have savings, equity in your house, and a retirement fund. More important, you have acquired skills, contacts and networks. You may be able to use resources of your current employer to develop new skills.

On other hand, change is hard because you have invested in your career identity. In my relocation book, Making Big Move (New Harbinger 1999), I emphasize that moving is stressful because identity is interrupted. The change is equally stressful when you relocate your career.

Often people focus on skills and activities they want to incorporate into their new careers, but ignore impact on identity. Yet I have seen people falter and give up on new careers because they were uncomfortable with new way they had to define themselves. Just saying, "I am…" creates a new reality.

With state of our security and economic times cracking beneath our feet, what are Americans thinking about their current career positions? Torn between building job security in a low-risk environment and pursuing a career that adds to their quality of life, will Americans be sure about which way to jump if bottom falls out?

Since terrorist attacks, career choices have been challenged in a few ways. “Being a career makeover coach,” says Shana Spooner, www.shanaspooner.com, “I’m finding two things – either people are keeping their heads down and hoping not to be laid off or they are re-thinking their career choices to do something more meaningful.” The full impact of terrorist attacks and slowing economy will not be know for some time, but many travel-related fields are sure to be affected along with most tourism industries. Regardless, this attack has Americans thinking about their job security. Those who are laid off are forcefully given choice to get back to work doing something they view secure, or they can take this opportunity to get started doing something that holds more meaning.

Those who choose to stay with a less fulfilling job, for security, may take it over risking their financial stability. “For some, security is becoming more important and people are deciding not to make any changes at this time,” says Sandy Kaiser a life coach for McNeill Group in Dallas, Texas. On other hand, Rachelle Disbennett-Lee of www.coachlee.com says, “My clients on east coast are having a more difficult time with career decisions than my clients on west.” She expects, that now, fewer people in east are willing to give up who they are for their job.

Michael Stratford, a life coach for Center for Creative Development in Norwood, PA believes, “Some people now fear a high-profile career will put them in an unsafe location.” He says, “Many people seem to be re-visiting their values and what’s truly important to them. This tragedy has been a wakeup call in so many ways.”

Many coaches did say, that for those planning a career change either willingly or unwillingly, should not rush decision. Maria Marsala, a life coach at www.coachmaria.com, says, “Emotions are very high. It is best to make changes based on values and needs and not on an emotional whim.”

For those struggling with their career path, here is a list of things to remember: