by Mark Gleason

photo by xusenru

Q: In today’s economy, it doesn’t seem realistic to consider changing careers and taking a chance to follow a dream. How can I overcome my fears? —Mike, New York

Brian Kurth responds:

It is a scary time, there’s no doubt. But even if you don’t change careers during this downturn, this IS the time to plan ahead. It’s the time to do your research as well as find a mentor or two in your desired career. It’s the time to take a part-time job in that dream career (in addition to your full-time job), volunteer some of your time in your dream career or simply establish an ad hoc mentorship program with your mentor(s). It’s critical. In doing so, you will determine IF your perceived dream job is truly that—and when the economy recovers, you will be ahead of the curve AND ahead of your competition so that you can successfully make your career transition. So get out there and start researching and exploring!

Brian Kurth is founder and president of Pivotplanet, a career coaching firm, and also of VocationVacations, a firm that arranges a few “vacation” days on the job—on your dream job, that is—in a real company or organization, so you can get a firsthand feel for a profession that you’ve been considering. He also is the author of “Test-Drive Your Dream Job: A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding and Creating the Work You Love.”