If you need more career flexibility, independence, and variety than a traditional job affords, contracting and consulting are viable options in this fluid job market. Which is best for you?
Career soul searching, usually part of a broader re-examination of life, is not uncommon. Many people take stock in their late 20s or early 30s, and most do so, perhaps for the second time, between ages 40 and 45.
Full retirement is no longer the obvious option--or even the desire--of many people over 50. Read more about what it's like to change careers when you're over 50.
If you can do all of the items mentioned in this article for your career by the age of 30, then you will be putting yourself in a really good position for the future.