America, on other hand, was built on self-reinvention, and today’s economy demands it. Those born before 1946 are less likely to have changed careers or even worked for more than one employer during their lifetimes.

Today, many employees outlive lifespan of companies they work for, and average worker can now expect to have at least three or more careers, with up to six different positions within each of those careers.

Hardly a week goes by without hearing of corporate takeovers, mergers and corporate downsizing. As a result, thousands of seasoned employees are facing burnout from increased responsibilities or being laid-off and replaced with younger, lower-paid employees. Many are looking for a different means of earning a livelihood.

For first time in history, employees must learn to manage themselves and take responsibility for their own employment. Even word “career” is taking on new meaning, as a new generation of employees is moving in and out of multiple careers during their lifetimes.

Keep in mind that a career change is not same as job advancement within a specific career. Most are either lateral or a step down in income until you gain experience and expertise in your new career. Be prepared to downsize your lifestyle.

Think of choosing a new career as an opportunity to bring a fresh outlook and revitalization to your life, as new experiences will stimulate your thought processes.

The most importance part of selecting a new career is also most obvious, . . . deciding on what you want to do. Often this is a natural offshoot of a previous occupation(s). Reinventing yourself often involves a unique merging of your old talents with your new skill set.

PORTLAND, OR: Hollander Consultants promoted Vicky Ewing to Deputy Director of Training from her previous position as Training Supervisor. The duties of position Ms. Ewing has ascended to consist of: scheduling clients of Hollander Consultants for training, ensuring all materials in training academy are up-to-date and easily accessible, providing classroom supervision, and conducting mobile delivery of Hollander Consultants’ services.

Charles Mann, Director of Training for Hollander Consultants, said, “Vicky Ewing is perfect for this position. Not only is she a professionally interned training supervisor, she also has 10 years of experience as a bookkeeper, many years running a private school with over 250 students, and a degree in animal health technology. Her combination of life experiences makes her uniquely qualified.”