December 8, 2011, Greencastle, Ind. — "Dissatisfaction at work doesn't always amount to a crisis calling for
major change, but it should prompt the afflicted to assess themselves
and their jobs in order to pinpoint the problem areas and find a
workable solution," notes an article on mid-life career burnout that quotes DePauw University's "career coach." Dawn Klingensmith writes, "The first step is to clarify how things could be better."
Steve Langerud, director of professional opportunities at DePauw, recommends, "Start with your perfect scenario, focusing on the skills you wish to use, the issues you wish to deal with, the people you wish to engage and the environment that gives you energy. Determine the gap between your perfect scenario and what you currently do. Do you need more training or experience?"
Klingensmith reports, "Perhaps on reflection, what seems like a mid-career crisis is actually
an addressable issue. Or maybe it's time 'to go back to school for
radical retooling. In either case,' Langerud said, 'the key is to be
intentional and in control.' "
Read the full article at the Philadelphia Inquirer's website.
Steve Langerud has helped more than 15,000 people with workplace issues and is regularly quoted in stories on the job market and career development, including pieces last week by Human Resource Executive and MSNBC.com.
He is available to help DePauw students and alumni with career planning. Visit DePauw's Office of Civic, Global and Professional Opportunities here.