With all the negativity we are fed by tv, newspapers, friends and family it easy to see how people want to give up and stick there head in the sand.

Don't do it!

When things get tough, get creative. Take a notebook and a pen, write down what you want:

- What kind of job do you want? Be specific. Do you want to work 20 hours a week from home? Or do you want to get out of the those and work on site?. What industries do you want to work in? Don't just list the ones that you THINK you are qualified for, list all the ones that interest you.

- Why do you want that type of job? Again, be specific. What is it about that job/industry that attracts you?

- What action can you take to help you land that job? List out the different things you can do to accomplish your goal. Are there certain classes you need to take? Are there networking groups you can join? Who do you know anyone that currently holds this job that you can contact to get advice? If you don't know anyone personally, search on the internet for the most successful person and interview them! Ask them how they got where they are today, and how you can make yourself more attractive to employers.

Sometimes the act of putting what we want on paper helps us to make it more real. We can connect the dots and make a plan. We realize through our conversations that there are more options/jobs out there for you...a former teach can become a textbook editor. A former consultant can conduct research for startups. You just need to get more creative when it comes to jobs and your skills ...you just need to think out of the box.

Remember, as long as you are making some forward movement towards your career goals - you will reach them. It's when we give into our fears, and stay in our comfort zone that we let opportunity pass us by.