LOOK BEFORE YOU CAREER LEAP!

Are you bored or bummed at your present job?

Considering a complete and total career change?

Before you make that career leap, look at this list:

1. Don’t mistake hating your current job with hating your career. Analyze if it’s your present company or boss that you hate -- or the skillsets required from you.

2. It’s only your business what business you should be in. Never switch a career due to peer, spouse or parental pressure.

3. Be competitive only with yourself -- about being your best self. Never switch careers out of jealousy -- due to your thinking someone else seems so successful and happy doing this other kind of work. Remember: all that greener grass you see on the other side could turn out to simply be false Astroturf when you get there!

4. Never make a career change simply for the dollars. It’s true: money won't buy you happiness. The only thing that extra money might buy you are anti-depressants and therapy sessions – which you might desperately need when you discover how much you hate your new higher-paying, unfulfilling career.

5. Be ready to put in a lot of work to get the right work. Always take the necessary time to do the right research, gather good contacts, network, join organizations, understand your finances, learn the pros and cons of your new career goals, and sign up for any required education and training. Be honest with yourself that a career change could take many, many months. Be boldly realistic about timing and planning.

6. Interview yourself before you go for any job interviews! Be prepared to talk easily and glowingly about your greatest skills, values, interests, loves, and strengths. Fully know thyself -- and be jazzed up about yourself -- before you ever take a step through that interviewer's door.