Two weeks ago, I received a newsy email from a former client. Dan gave me the scoop on her life and her new love, and concluded that while the work has improved, he felt the itch again to go after career change. Give me a call soon for some personal training sessions. I responded very well to all the news of him, and itching, he said, "Call me when it comes to a burn." Why is this tough love response? I meet dozens of professionals who are unhappy with their work. In almost seven years, I've never seen anyone make a significant change unless there is a burning desire to change. You must have a clear articulation of personal gain you see for yourself at the end of the rainbow career change? and the staff increase must be greater than the pain of staying in place. Dan I did not want to waste their time, energy, or for that matter, money.

So how do you know if you feel an itch or a burn? Pica is usually situational. A confrontation with a coworker? A poor performance evaluation? A disagreement with your boss? Environmental stress. Pica create lots of smoke, like "I can not wait to get out of here." or "That is all. I'm going." But no focused action towards change. And these "reaction" moments are often followed by patches where work is actually in agreement? an interesting project in the works, shared good feelings. In other words, the motivation for change is externally driven. It waxes and wanes based on what is happening in the environment.

All of us have career itches at one time or another. Burns are much deeper. Chop not go? That have been around for a long time (a year or more)? And they have started their value system to the point that: 1. You can no longer compartmentalize work towards life. 2. It is almost impossible (even terrifying) to crawl out of bed in the mornings from Monday. 3. You'll through the motions at work? your feelings are completely disconnected from your work activities. 4. Your energy hits the skids, get sick a lot or have difficulty shaking a common cold. 5. You may feel hopeless or a little (or a lot) depressed. It is an important difference, do not you think? Itchers have a good few ways to regain your balance? Set firm limits workplace, finding a fulfilling outlet outside of work, participating in physical and emotional care that allows you to shrink things better. Burners? you can do these things, too, but probably not their final solution. A split system of values is only recommended when there is a realignment between body, mind and spirit. For burners, career change is not an option? which is a requirement. Take time to regain your energy and perspective. In this more relaxed state, find out how to get help. Your Employee Assistance Plan? Mentor or understanding colleague? At first, do not try to solve the whole problem? draw only a few steps ahead and give yourself a timetable. Their world is just happy as a result of the election and put into action. Patricia Soldati is a former President and COO of a national funding organization that changed his working life in 1999. Now, as a compliance specialist career, she guides unhappy in the work of significant corporate professionals – both inside and outside the corporate walls. For more information about their background and approach or to receive 5 Complimentary Career Change Lessons, visit