I have a fine arts / advertising design degree from Art Center College in Pasadena. I have been a furniture sales rep for the past 20 years and doing moderately well. (Have been in this field by accident/ circumstance). I work with architects and designers in the contract design industry.

After being forced to resign from my last position with furniture manufacturer after 10 years I have been searching for the right position. This was my opportunity to re-define/reinvent myself. It has been 1-year and I've been living off my savings and am getting down to the wire. How do I begin to find how to "reinvent" myself?

Although I've got my own rep group currently, my heart just isn't in this any longer. I have excellent deep relationships with high profile players in the Los Angeles area and am reluctant to chuck it all in my frustration. I know there is a valued place for me with my unusual combination of skills (design knowledge and sales/business development) yet it seem so elusive.

I aspire to the Fast Company mentality yet it seems a bit out of reach for me in spite of my efforts. Thanks for your time and consideration in my experience.

-- carole boyajian (cboyajian@pacbell.net), December 03, 2000

Answers

Carole, I realized that this is a duplicate entry but never mind; the title is what I will focus on contributing an observation here ie the issue of mid-life change.

In terms of mid-life Carole, go to the Reinvent section and look for this question: *** Can you switch from a technical career to a people focused career and find happiness?***

And also look in the Uncategorized Section for this question: ***Trying to make a job or even a career change?***

These two ladies share one common bond with you. They are both in mid-life and looking ahead at their own lives and searching for the next steps. I certainly think it might be helpful for you to contact Terri and say that Mark Zorro thought it might helpful to do so.

In terms of mid-life you are as old as you convince yourself you are. You can return to a youthful exuberance because only you can let it go. Yes, the older we seem to get in our society, the more we feel that the cards seem to be stacked against us. We can’t let ourselves buy into that perception, because firstly it’s too draining for your energy and secondly you have reached mid-life so the energy you may have lost in youth should be replaced by the wisdom you gain with mid-life. Much of that wisdom will tell you to use your energy wisely and not waste it on thoughts that are not helpful to you.

As for burnout, you said you have been out of major action for a year, so the burnout maybe more to do with worrying about what you may not be doing rather than the work that you were formerly doing. It is good that you are aware of professional burnout, the question is whether you are pushing yourself too hard or you can find a way to balance your life and thoughts?

Hope this helps. My usual 2 cents worth.

M.

M Profile at: http://www.fastcompany.com/fasttalk/replypost.html? p=9738 Mantra of M. "Life is about Private Relations not Public Relations" - "To be or not to be that is the question" A quote by Willy Shakes.

-- Mark Zorro (zorromark@consultant.com), December 04, 2000.

Have a look at www.assessment.com It provides good (free) insight, Then read books by William Bridges - 'Jobshift' and 'You&Co'. Then decide if you have something that might just make a difference in this world. It sure can do with some help at this time. And don't give up! You are all you have, don't blow it! You just sound tired. Not a good time to make big decisions.

-- Esther Wallace (esther.wallace@za.didata.com), June 20, 2001.