How to make 2007 the year to take the plunge

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You have to get beyond the initial paralysis. “People say, ‘Oh my God, I will never make enough money,’ or ‘I don’t know how to begin doing that,’” says Julie Jansen, author of "I Don’t Know What I Want, But I Know It’s Not This."

How do you begin even exploring a lifelong career dream? How do you figure out how to make it happen?

These are two questions you need to analyze, Jansen says.

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“I encourage people to dabble in it a bit before taking the plunge,” she explains. Maybe get certified, or take a part-time job or volunteer in an area you’re interested in. Also, interview people in the field you want to check out, observe them, read books on the profession.

Jansen describes one of her clients who dreamed of becoming a florist and took a part-time gig in a flower shop two days a week to test it out. She quickly figured out the business wasn’t for her because she hated waking up at 4 a.m. to buy flowers, which was a key to becoming a successful florist.

The bottom line is trying so you don’t spend the rest of your life wondering “what if”. And don’t worry that too many different careers might look bad on your resume. I interviewed many CEOs for my book "From the Sandbox to the Corner Office," and many of them made career twists and turns before they found their life’s passion. (See book excerpt.)

OK. Since it’s now 2007, it’s time to at least make a go of it. At minimum, find out if it’s possible for you. With a renewed momentum, Jansen advises that individuals do one thing every week that will get them further on the path to a dream career.

Here’s a possible weekly plan of action: Update your resume, remind yourself of all the skills you really have by making a list, meet with someone in the field, read a book or Web sites about the profession or business, hire a career coach and peruse the job boards for what your dream job pays and the work involved.

There is hope for all you dreamers out there.

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Take Kerrie Hodges who has long wanted to make it big in show biz. She’s even got a plan for the new year.

She recently attended a show at the Saenger Theatre, a performing arts center in Mobile, and found out afterwards the producer was local. She contacted the producer and plans on auditioning for her this year. Even though Kerrie’s voice quivers slightly when she talks about the tryout, she says, “I will be able to act and sing. I always wanted to do it. I’m going to give it a try.”

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