New job, new you

by Alexandra Levit

If you're dissatisfied in your current position, fantasize about doing something else with your life, or have just unceremoniously been given a pink slip, take heart. It's never too late to start fresh and forge ahead on a fulfilling new career path. Alexandra Levit, career columnist for The Wall Street Journal, has interviewed dozens of individuals who have successfully switched careers--many of them more than once--and provides practical, empowering, and action-oriented steps for figuring out your next move with clarity and confidence. Organized by the seven major motivations that lead people to seek career changes--family, independence, learning, money, passion, setback, and talent--New Job, New You shows you how to• research careers that best reflect your new direction• stand out in this competitive job market• market yourself to a particular (most ideal) position• create a financial plan to maintain income during your transition • use the power of networking to put you exactly whe