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"CAREER CHANGE LIKE OLYMPIC DIVE FROM HIGHBOARD!"

Dear Kathryn:

At fifty years old, I'm finally going to take the plunge of making a career change and its scarier then a high dive. I've been miserable in my job and, for years, sick of the insurance industry. The problem is I'm frightened to death about changing careers, even though I've dreamed about this for a long time. I've taken classes for human resources for three years now in which I've excelled. My staff has always said I have a very good personnel manner.

My husband says if I don't get over my fear of changing careers and do something, I'll remain the cranky witch I've been these last few years, continuing to make everyone miserable. It's been so long since I've made a career change, (I've been in insurance for fifteen years!),that I vacillate between excitement and difficulty breathing when I think about giving my notice.

My other issue is, I work so many hours here, it's impossible to interview. I've saved up some money, so I figured I could quit and dedicate a month to getting a new job in my new career direction.

Before I make this leap, I'd like your input as to the right moves to make and the right time to make them. Oh, one more thing. How can I know I'll really be good in human resources? Hopefully, I'm not expecting this new direction to be something it's really not.

Paula R., Farmington, CT

Dear Paula:

What lies ahead of you is exhilarating and nerve-wracking, thus it's no wonder your jitters have you roller-coasting between excitement and fear. Your optimism and determination to succeed will be what carries you through. You'll want to continuously remind yourself that you weren't born an insurance analyst and you've done just fine. Given your life experience and drive, it's possible you'll do even better in your new career as it's something you really want to do!

A couple of things to consider before you make the leap. While I understand that it's easier to concentrate on a job search when you're not having to juggle working a full time job, giving yourself a month to land one is not realistic. First, you're changing fields and you'll have a bit tougher time breaking in than the experienced candidate. Second, the pressure of getting a good job you truly want in that time frame is unrealistic and puts too much pressure on you to take a lesser job you might not have accepted if you weren't under the gun. Changing careers is a little bit like a roller coaster ride, where you'll have many highs and lows and can not anticipate what's going to come when. Of one thing you can be sure. You won't jump from one responsible and high paying job in one field to a position at the same levels in the new field-despite your level of education and desire.

Most likely you'll hold a less desirable job or two before you land the ultimate. Importantly, you'll be working in your chosen field and you'll want to network and enjoy the ride on the way to the ultimate position.

While you're still working, I recommend making numerous contacts within companies that are currently recruiting or will be recruiting for a human resource person. Get a clear handle on what the starting salary would be for your level of experience. Most likely, you'll be taking a significant cut from what you're currently making. It's better for you to take a few days off at a few different times over the next two months to explore the reality of how quick you'll move into the new field and use this time to make numerous contacts. You've been thinking about the change for a long time and the change will not happen overnight. It's key you're prepared for the financial change and possibly lengthy search this will entail.

While this all may sound like a long haul to get to your ultimate goal, think of it as an enlightening experience where the end result is worth the effort. It's likely you've been wishing for this new career longer than it will take you to have it.

Dear Kathryn:

When I first started my position, the spirit here was to promote from within, pay for further education and encourage employees to better themselves and stay with the company. The first year, as my boss promised, the classes I attended to get my degree were paid for as were my books. My wakeup call came when my tuition bill came back to me unpaid.

I've already enrolled in classes and was shocked to find I couldn't finish my courses to get my degree unless I footed the bill myself. My boss said the company is going in a different direction and feel if it's important enough to me to be educated, then I can prove it by paying for it. They said their former policy of supporting employee's educational pursuits are over. There was no notice about this, just this big change!

I don't think this culture is one that endears employees to them and it's time for me to make a job change. I am livid my employer is affecting my education and future this way.

PETER U., Cromwell, CT

Dear Peter:

The support an employer shows-- be it with tuition reimbursement and/or promoting from within-- is admirable. Today, however, we're seeing a different trend from even the finest of employers.

Between the cost of medical insurance,-- where employers are still trying to foot the majority of the premium cost-and the expenses of doing and staying in business, many employers are forced to cut somewhere. Analyze this. When the cost of business insurance, worker's compensation insurance and your employer's rent was hiked, did your employer change your pay, send out a memo how profits are now lower, and take away your paid sick time? I'll bet you never know when your employer takes hit after hit. While it's understandable you felt you got a wake up call about how expensive education is when the bill was sent to you, think about what your employer's already contributed, and instead be grateful.

While you search for another job that has tuition and the "work culture" you expect, don't expect employers to keep benefits and perks the same for the indefinite future. According to a recent poll where my company surveyed over 500 midsize employers, nearly 35% eliminated or drastically limited tuition reimbursement over the last two years. These days, it's a company's stability, good benefits, and annual reviews with an increase that you should value.