Studies show that more than 50% of people are unhappy in their jobs yet few will actually make a career change in 2005. Why? Most people let fear stop them yet successful career changers know that fear is simply a sign that you are headed in the right direction!

Follow the 5 key steps that successful career changers actually take to overcome their fears and make a sustainable change.

1. Plug the Leaks

While you may be focused on the fact that this is a career transition, you are made up of more than just your job. Identify and commit to eliminating those things that are draining you of energy. Deal with them now in order to have a surplus of energy to make your career change.

2. Know What You Want and Make the Decision to Have It

We spend a great deal of time focusing on what we don't like about our jobs and often let transitions happen to us. Being passive about a career transition makes for a painful passage. Stop and identify what you would like instead. Be proactive and make the decision, internally, that this is what you want and that you will not let anything stop you.

3. Believe in What You Want

Belief corresponds to how you feel about what you want. Examine what you are telling yourself about your desire for a new job. Make a decision to change your belief so that your career change is not a matter of "if" or "how" but only "when".

4. Make it a Transition, Not a Leap

Keep your day job and try out your calling on the side. Not being able to pay the bills is a stress you can choose to not put yourself through. Go through a process of repeated planning and testing, planning and testing. See what you learn and decide what your next steps should be. Remember, it's a transition. Slow and steady will get you to the finish line. Think marathon, not sprint.

5. Live As If

Your future career is created by being in the present and showing up each day as if what you want has already come to pass. Ask yourself, "If I was already working in my dream job, how would I act today?" Then make the shift and go act as if you've already made it!

Copyright 2005 Annemarie Segaric

Annemarie Segaric is a respected career change coach, motivational speaker, and the author of the pocket booklet, 107 Tips for Changing Your Career While Still Paying the Bills. Dread Monday mornings? Visit Annemarie's website and download your free career change toolkit today.