A.  "I've been downsized (or right-sized, or laid off)."

  If so, ask about resources available from your employer to help you in finding new employment or changing careers.  Assistance may include outplacement services, severance packages, educational or tuition assistance, and access to employer resources when job seeking (office space, telephones, computers, copiers, etc.).

B. "I'm bored with my chosen field (or just ‘burned-out')."

  More often than you may realize, people tire of their chosen profession or decide the field they prepared for in college no longer meets their needs or interests in work.  Be sure to identify likes and dislikes about your current job before making a change.  Itemize the work activities of the job you do that you like as well as the skills you like using.

C. "I'm facing early retirement.  Is a second career right for me?"

  Over the past thirty years, we've seen an increase in the number of people able to retire early and then explore new opportunities.  Oftentimes this situation results in a person's ability to pursue a dream job or an alternative career that may be low in compensation but high in personal satisfaction.  Remember to identify your skills, interests, and values as well as imagining what the ideal job would be for you.

D. "I'm returning to work after ‘stopping out' for family (or personal) commitments."

  Raising a family, caring for aging parents, or handling other family or personal responsibilities may mean you haven't worked in some time or have become "rusty" in your work skills or experiences.  Be sure to identify your skill sets including those transferable (functional) skills you've developed through working in the home or caring for others.  You'll also need to determine if brushing up on job-related skills is advantageous (e.g., updating your computer skills, enhancing your content knowledge of your field with current trends and developments, etc.).

E. "I'm a ‘trailing spouse' (or partner) looking for a new opportunity."

  The United States continues to be a highly mobile society with changes in geographical location a reality for many families each year.  If you're in this situation, learn about the services your spouse's employer may offer in finding employment in the new locale.  You should also check to see if your current employer has a location in the new city or state.  You can also use the resources of the Ball State University Alumni Association's Career Alumni Network in identifying alumni to network with.  This may also be an ideal opportunity to try that new career you've been thinking of.

F. "I'm an ‘empty nester' and looking for something new to do."

  If responsibilities for family care are behind you, now may be the right time to pursue employment in your chosen field or seek out a new career opportunity.  Know your skills and experiences and determine if you need additional training or brushing up.

G. "The poor economy has affected my job and career."

  As the global economy continues to grow, economic decisions sometimes have dire results for employees.  Now is the time for you to evaluate whether these changes are long term (indicating a need to retool or re-career) or simply a small blip in the bigger picture that you can endure with a little bit of patience.  Keeping current with trends in your career field and in the national and local economies will help guide you in your decision-making.

H. "The changing nature of jobs and work in general impact what I do."

  Rapid change in work continues to be the norm, often impacted by the application of new technologies and new discoveries in science, telecommunications, and computing.  Just as the horse-drawn-wagon maker of 100 years ago had to quickly learn about the new horseless carriage, people working in today's economy must stay current with trends and new developments in the general nature of work as well as in their specific occupational fields.  Many organizations make annual forecasts about job growth, including the highly respected Occupational Outlook Handbook prepared by the U.S. Dept. of Labor.  Stay current with developments and trends.