Did you know that a recent Harris poll reported 70 percent of employees were planning to change jobs or careers when the economy improved? Well, employers are hiring, unemployment is decreasing, and consumers are buying. Are you part of this majority?  

In addition, changes in how business transpires may have you thinking about new opportunities. For instance, consider how the sales function has changed: there is less reliance on face-to-face exchanges. Often, rather than meet the client, the initial "interview" may take place over gotomeeting.com or other software. Or, consider an IT salesman who reports that selling has changed because businesses are starting to use data storage "in the cloud." He sees the "writing on the wall" and is looking to get out of his profession. 

Change like this is happening across the board. The generation of the "app" is changing the face of many industries and leading numerous people, especially those in midlife, to think: "Is this all there is?” 

Perhaps there is another change on your horizon? Your changes could include downsizing, divorce, children leaving the home, or even death of a loved one. In addition, personal growth or wanting more time for self can also create a change or enhancement of your perspective. 

The inventory below is designed to make you think about and evaluate your life and career. I am not advocating that you change your job. Rather, I think it is wise to examine what is working in your current situation. Think about what might align with your passion. Also, think of those you serve and then put yourself “in their shoes." 

Let’s get started. Move to a quiet space and take this questionnaire. You may discover a little more about yourself! 

• Do you know what you want to do? 

• Do you believe that if you pursue a goal and must confront many obstacles, it means that the goal wasn’t “meant to be”? 

• Do you schedule time for everyone else’s needs but your own? 

• Are you pursuing something in your life that gives you a strong feeling of satisfaction, meaning, and purpose? 

• Do you need to overcome your negative emotions? 

• Do you often downplay your knowledge to avoid seeming arrogant? 

• Do you take time to do things just for yourself? 

• Do you long to find or rediscover your passion and purpose in life? 

Is there a change in your future? 

To be sure, change is difficult—and even scary. Indeed, there is great fear of the unknown. With any change, Will this change be the "right" change for me? Will I like this change? Is it really a long time coming? Maybe the industry has changed? 

But if the pain of change is strong, sometimes the pain of not changing is even stronger. So, is there a change in your future?