Mid-Life Perception: It’s Your View That CountsWritten by Craig Nathanson
This is third in a ten-part series exploring “Ten P” model developed by Craig Nathanson, The Vocational Coach, to help mid-life adults discover and do what they love. When Murray and Heather Rand of Canada sold their St. Thomas, Ontario, home and moved permanently aboard their sailboat, lots of people – including their children – thought they were crazy. The fact that they’d never sailed before, prior to buying 16-foot craft that fueled their adventure, didn’t bother them a bit. Murray and Heather loved sailing. They decided that sailing mattered most. So after several intensive sailing lessons, they were on their way. They agreed: If it’s your dream, go sooner rather than later. Life can change at drop of a hat, they thought, and life was too precious to be wasting precious time heeding other people’s disapproval. When former software engineer Bonnie Vining was told by her boss to stop smiling so much at work because it was a sign of weakness, she decided that it was definitely time to leave her job and follow her dream. Bonnie wanted to own her own coffee shop, where folks could gather and enjoy each other’s company and, without being self-conscious, smile as much as they liked. Like Murray and Heather’s family and friends, Bonnie’s co-workers thought Bonnie was being too much of a dreamer. But she didn’t let naysayers stop her. Today people can visit Bonnie in Tucson, Arizona, serving up a cup of Joe at her own place, Javalina’s Coffee and Friends. And then there’s Japanese national Tamah Nakamura, who reached mid-life with an established position as a tenured university professor. Other people thought position was just right for Tamah. But there was only one problem: Tamah didn’t agree. She soon left walls of academe to follow her heart. Today, she teaches courses on how dance and music can help people honor and care for their bodies. Perspective and our work Throughout our working lives, we get “privilege” of hearing what other people think about us. Comments are often focused on our work and how we perform. Usually our performance evaluations are a reflection of “What have you done for me lately?” syndrome.
| | TAKE THIS CAREER AND SHOVE IT -- IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION!Written by Ann Baehr
TAKE THIS CAREER AND SHOVE IT -- IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION! Are you listening to that little voice in your head telling you how much you dislike your job? If not, you may become angry with those around you, when in fact, you'll be angry at yourself for failing to taking necessary steps to change your career -- or job within same industry. Career change is not always easy. For some, simple task of deciding what to do is often hardest part. For others who know what they want to do, they often feel it will take too long to achieve their career goals when there are bills to pay. It is even more difficult when those around us do not understand our "crazy ideas" because they are too practical to make sacrifices for sake of happiness. So what should you do to steer your career in right direction without upsetting family and draining your bank account? Here are a few suggestions to get you on right career track to job fulfillment. Work for yourself Don't quit your day job just yet. Launching a business is a challenge in itself. Regardless of size, any worthwhile business takes a lot of planning, development, and maintenance to compete and stay in business. The key to successful business ownership begins with a passion to do something you enjoy, followed by a financial investment that depends on business. Sometimes it is minimal, requiring a small space and general office equipment. For larger ventures, a business loan from a bank or SBA might be necessary. Still, it takes time to turn a profit right away. So, if you can, start small while working full time and gradually build your business until you feel secure enough financially to leave that steady paycheck to take your business to next level. You can always hire part-time employees, student interns, friends, and family members to help you in beginning and in long run. Attend college or vocational training school You don't always need to attend college full time. If you took a few classes each semester, you'd be amazed how happy you'd be just knowing you are working towards your goal. And, it doesn't always need to be a four-year college. Maybe there is a vocational school that offers type of academic training you need to make a career change in a shorter period of time for a fraction of cost. Other options include distance learning programs where you can study in comfort of your own home at your own pace.
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