Hi Laura,

Thanks for writing to us and congratulations on being cancer free! It sounds like your company has gone through a lot of change and it's great that you're thinking critically about what you want to do if you are no longer passionate about your work. Your job sounds very important to you so it's great that you're taking the time to think through your next move. I have sent your question over to our coaches who will be in touch soon.

In the meantime, here are some resources to help you start thinking about a career change:

- Finding Meaningful Work: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/exploring-your-options/finding-meaningful-work
- Exploring Your Options: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/exploring-your-options
- Free Resume Review Service: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/resume_reviews/new
- Additional Looking for Work resources: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work

I hope that this is helpful, our coaches will be in touch soon!

Best,
Sarah, Manager of Programs, Cancer and Careers

Hi, Laura,

I smiled when I read your post because the story you tell is one of a person who has moved past her cancer and it dealing with the expected, though challenging mid-life question of purpose. That's good news!
It sounds like you have made a wonderful life of satisfying work and friendships that relate to that work, but that you have outgrown that safe place in many ways. That is a place where many of us find ourselves at mid-life, a place where we reflect, regroup and find new challenges and relationships that can carry us into our next exciting stage of life. The fact that this disjointed sense of "what's out there for me" is normal, does not always make for smooth sailing. But, it does portend something that can resonate with your spirit and your skills more deeply that where you are now.
Although I am not sure of the details of your current job or skill set, here is what I recommend in general for those in the midst of a mid-life career transition:
* Take time to reflect. Draw a mind map or keep a journal to capture your thoughts as you reflect on what matters to you, what you value, and what is no longer working for you in your current situation. Also focus on what excites you as you explore and think about your future. Do you see yourself in a completely different role? What about location? Different relationships?
* Take stock. What are your current skills and strengths? What do you do so well that you do it like breathing? What do others turn to you to do because you are the best at it? Which of your skills seem most marketable in today's economy?
* Explore your options. Consider your financial and personal needs as well as your desire for change and a realistic view of your tolerance for upheaval. How much do you want to tackle now or if not now, when might you be ready?
* Put your toe in the water. Check into volunteer experiences, informational interviews with those doing what you might want to do, and or part time exposure to the field and locations you are considering. Baby steps can go a long way to helping your make decisions about what is right for you.
* Prepare the way. Once you have made a decision based on the facts you gathered about yourself, your targeted field and location, get ready by preparing a self-marketing plan including any required coursework or certificates, resume, LinkedIn profile etc. Prep for potential interviews by crafting your story (Short, to the point and powerful.) and answers to potential interview questions.
* Dive in. Begin your search in earnest only after a period of preparation, so that you will be able to handle the rigors of the search with skill and confidence.
The Cancer+Careers "Looking for Work" section has much to offer to walk you though each step of this process. Take advantage of our webinars, resume review services and articles in addition to talking to trusted advisors within your circle.
Soon you will find yourself energized by the prospects that you develop along the way.
Wishing you health, an exciting focus for your future, and work that gives purpose and joy to your days!
Warmly,
Kathy Flora
Career Coach

Thank you for the reply! It gave me a couple things to think about, specifically how much upheaval can I deal with at once. That is a question I've been pondering. True is, I probably can't handle the amount of change I want. It is hard since I feel I have wasted a lot of time in my position, I was diagnosed at 24 with the precancerous cells, and at 29 I got cancer. So I want to get moving on life now at 33.

thanks again, Laura