What I Was Taught

If you're a "boomer" like me, you probably had a similar career vision, carried down by our parents and grandparents:
Go to school, study hard, get good grades.
Go to college, study hard, get good grades.
Get a good job, study hard, get good reviews.
Good reviews lead to job security and advancement.
Eventually, retire from that job, get your gold watch, and live on your pension and social security.

Does that sound like 21st century work life?  Nope.  In 2010 the average time spent by a worker in any one position was 3 years.  With the enormous range of possibilities in modern America, it's far more common for people to jump from one job to another.  I know, I've done it.  The longest term job I had was 11 years.  Since that one, I've had three others, the longest tenure being 9 years.

Although statistics show that Americans do jump employers often, we usually don't change careers (your specialty).  Is that a bad thing?  My personal belief is that if we focus on what gives us joy, what we would do for free if we were wealthy, and stay in that career field, we can have success and happiness.  I believe that the jumping around is a symptom of unrest, of not feeling the satisfaction you're seeking.  Just as it takes a lot of trying on to find clothes that fit you well, it make take some trying on of career paths as well.  It can be harder to accomplish this when you're older and have more needs, but it's not impossible.

In my work, I often counsel clients and others that if you're in a job now that doesn't quite fit, find a way to earn some money by marketing a skill, service or product you're really good at and love.  My friend Sandi Evans (also an author on this website) has been doing animal communications for many years in her spare time, and now that she's retired she has more time to devote to it.  Another friend has great costuming/crafting skills and I've encouraged her to set up an Etsy store and really market her wares.  Someone I used to work with was an amazing baker, and in her spare time she baked specialty cakes she gave away at major corporations, TV stations, food shows and such - soon she had to quit her job because everyone wanted to buy her cakes!

Don't stay in a place that makes you unhappy because "that's what we do" or "that's how it is" -- that's archaic thinking.  Focus instead on what brings you joy, and find a way to make money at it.  Do some internet research, get your ducks in a row, and just do it.  Live your life!