The Great Escape

Contributed by Elaine Landau

Success Comes in Cans, Not Can'ts.
I saw that on the wall of my kindergartener's classroom and had to smile. How many times do you tell yourself you should be doing something, but you can't because of something else? I should be writing the next great children's book, but I can't because I have to do twelve loads of laundry. Our mind is very powerful. We can convince ourselves of anything. But, in the deep recesses of that same mind, we know we can do it if we really want to. And isn't life more fun when we are doing what we really want to do?

I remember one day going to work and realizing that everybody in that office was miserable. Everybody. The boss was mean. The job was dull. The building was always too cold. Right about now, everybody would look to me for some funny wisecrack or silly voice. I had nothing. I shivered and said I thought I was getting a cold. Then, suddenly it hit me. I was getting sucked into the Negative Vortex. That's where people live to complain, to never be satisfied and to never do anything about their miserable existence. They hate their jobs, but change is scary. The Vortex offers comfort and comradely… and hot chocolate.

I came perilously close to entering the Negative Vortex, until I had a chance meeting with the CEO in the elevator. He was retiring after 45 years and couldn't wait to get out of that building. He gleefully explained that he had always kept the building really cold so people would keep moving, keep working. He knew people hated it, but heck, quotas were always met and he was retiring a rich man. I was stunned. I wanted to say something profound, but I just stood there as he got off the elevator and into his Golden Parachute. That afternoon I started planning my escape. I found a new career within a month.

Do You Have an Escape Plan?
Keep your crummy job until you have your new position. Any successful escape starts with a plan. Start yours by figuring out what really interests you. If a new career means you need to learn how to use a computer, learn. Free online computer training is available. You can learn at home. Online tutorials can make you proficient in many programs. Self-study computer learning allows you to educate yourself at your own pace. When you feel confident, learn how to use the Internet. It is an invaluable resource.

It's the Internet to the Rescue!
There are about a billion sites on the World Wide Web that are chock-full of interesting people, careers, business opportunities, and charitable efforts. You name it; you can find it. Make a list of possible careers. Keep the ones that really interest you and chuck the losers. And be realistic with your choices. There isn't a lot of demand for butter churners, so you might not want to go there.

Your Mission: Explore and Educate.
You have narrowed down your career interests. Explore the possibilities. Will your new career take you to another state or country? Are other people already doing what you want to do? Can you set up an interview and talk to them about the reality of their careers? Are there schools to educate you in the field? Online education is always an option that is convenient and usually very cost effective.

Just Do It!
There are a lot of talkers in the world. Be a doer. If you are serious about making changes, make them. Don't wait until it is convenient. It is never the right time. Don't wait until you have the money. We never have enough money. Do it and do it on your own. If your dream is important to you, find the time. Don't depend on others to take care of the kids. If you must, educate yourself when they go to bed at night. Don't play guilt trips on your spouse. If this change costs money, you take another job, not your spouse. You need to take responsibility for your change. It will be hard, exhausting, and sometimes frustrating. And it will all pay off.

When You Hit the Plateau.
As when you are on a serious diet, you will hit a plateau. No matter how good you are, that weight is sticking to you like Crazy Glue. What do you do? Stick with the plan. Do not eat that chocolate cake. Keep your eye on the goal. The same is true when you are making life changes. There will be a time when you look back at the old routine and ask yourself "Was I really that unhappy?" The answer is YES! For whatever reason, you took the plunge. Don't introduce doubt now.

You're Almost There.
When you are ready to walk the walk, and talk the talk in your chosen field, begin pressing the flesh. Meet the movers and shakers in your new field. Go to networking lunches. Attend relevant seminars. Be seen. Get known. Always know that no matter whom you are talking to or what the subject matter is, you are being interviewed. Some of your most valuable contacts will come from who knows where. So always be prepared and be impressive.

When You Get There, What Do You Do?
Celebrate! Rub it in to everyone who said you couldn't do it. (Okay maybe that's not very mature, but it felt good when I did it.) If you ever experience "changer's remorse", visit your old job. Your workmates will greet you warmly, almost as if you are a celebrity. You see, you got out. They will wish you well, but convince themselves they could have done the same thing, but there was that other thing that kept them from trying. They won't be green with envy, just a little blue around the lips because the building is still way too cold.

About the Author:
Elaine Landau is a freelance writer, publicist, web site editor, and television writer with more than 15 years of experience in marketing, advertising, and publicity.