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Stepping Off the Curb
Redefining Your Career Path By Mary Dixon Lebeau
To determine what occupations are in demand, you can turn to local 
resources such as the State Department of Labor, local Employment Services offices and county Business Development offices. Career counselors at local colleges are often a valuable resource, but be wary of the "counselors" at trade or business schools. Often they are actually salespeople who receive a commission for getting you in class. You can also check out the "Help Wanted" section to see what fields are in demand, but remember many of the occupations which need workers now may be flooded fields by the time you finish schooling.
"Don't choose a 'hot' field unless it's a good match for you," warns Brusa. "You need to choose a career that will make you happy, not just one that made your second cousin rich."
"Dads should ask themselves 'Do I want a different career or do I want a different lifestyle?'" Brusa says. "Can you adapt your skills to another field where the time constraints are not so demanding?"
Fathers need to look for a work-life balance, Brusa says. "I always tell clients to identify what they would do if they could do anything in the world, regardless of salary or training. That usually gives them something to focus on."
Sure, most people don't have their "dream job," but what they have may be even more important: a happy, fulfilling life. "Don't become stuck in a rut because of money. If you're not happy, your family won't be happy either," Brusa adds.
And, even when Hidalgo looks over his shoulder, he has no regrets. "I am a lot more relaxed. I'm a lot more involved in my children's schooling, and I enjoy hanging out with my kids. Sure, I miss being 'in the loop' on hot issues, but honestly, I have no regrets."
