I found the below tips very insightful as I think about the next chapter in my own life. I wanted to share this with you:
How To Start A New Chapter In Your Life At Any Age
By Dr. Miriam Reiss
Fed up with your job, wanting to try something new or different, or ready to finally go for that career you've been dreaming about? Stop daydreaming and start going for it. But, before you do, benefit from these tips from career reinvention coach Dr. Miriam Reiss:
1. Start a new chapter for the right reasons.
Take a good look at why you want to leave your current job or career. Do you have a pattern of running when you get bored, tired, burned out, sick of politics or afraid of bigger challenges? If that's so, get support and shift that pattern before you move on, or you'll drag it with you into your next chapter.
2. What are you telling yourself about starting a new chapter?
"I'm too old." "It's not that bad, at least I've got a job, benefits, etc." "I don't have a clue what else to do." "I'll follow my passion when it retire." "I don't want to have to go back to school." "Things will get better at work." These are common things we tell ourselves when we consider new career turf. Be sensitive to statements that sound oh-so rational but effectively keep us from moving forward.
3. Most people say they like their job. Don't believe them.
Global research shows that the majority of people worldwide don't like or are tolerating their jobs. This is very different from loving your job. Job dissatisfaction, over time, can affect way more than your mood. It can jeopardize your health, your relationships and whole life. Don't let unhappiness fester, your body wants you to do something about it.
4. Staying in your job because of your children may not be doing them a favor.
What do you want to model to your children about what it's like to work for a living? A mother who radiates happiness from her work gives her children the message that work is to be savored, that it can create opportunity, exciting challenges and expansion. Children copy what they see, including parents' work-related beliefs and values. Your work imprint won't typically surface until your children enter the workforce. The impact on their careers can be lifelong.
5. You may not need to totally reinvent yourself. Chances are, you also won't need to go back to school for another degree.
There are six possible doors of career change, from shifting who you're being in your current position to total career reinvention. Don't presume you know which career door is right for you. Many people, when they work with a career coach, discover that complete reinvention often isn't needed. Each career door involves a different strategy and a different amount of energy, commitment and time. The journey can actually be fun and a transformational experience.
6. Don't over-analyze the career process.
Use that tech mind of yours wisely. Be careful of using your mind to prematurely negate career options. Talking to 3-5 people who are already in careers you're considering will give you a wider, more accurate lens.
7. There's no such thing as an "average" amount of time to do career shift.
The right kind of support will enable you to move faster and more efficiently. The older we get, the more time is a factor. Through the process, you might uncover a career that you were unaware of or wouldn't have considered on your own. You might even have it in you to do something pioneering, creating a job or industry that didn't previously exist.
8. Take career assessments with a large grain of sea salt.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if a career assessment could rapidly and precisely identify our most perfect career? Unfortunately, even the best, most expensive assessments aren't able to factor in your unique personality style and needs, values, preferences and cumulative work experience.
Labels: self
Richard and I went to the 50th Annual Folsom Pro Rodeo for the 4th of July festivities last year. We had never been to this event but certainly had heard about the fireworks. Being their 50th anniversary, it was especially exciting. There were many other activities like the chuck wagon races, mutton busting and childrens activities. After the rodeo Mike's Golden Spike Saloon opens and live entertainment of "The Dave Russell Band" provides some great country music. We might even take a turn on the dance floor once the music starts. 
