I've been in the IT industry for about nine years now, which is a while for this type of work. I've done in-house support for a bank, worked for two different consulting firms, and now I'm contracting at a major semiconductor company.

Every year, my pay has increased at an above-average rate. I've jumped around a bit (not a detriment in this business) and have been exposed to many different areas of technology. My contract here is up in three months, and I need to start looking for something else. What's the problem? I am bored out of my mind with computers and have no motivation to find another job like this one.

I know it sounds like I don't deserve much sympathy, but besides my house, I have nothing to really work for (no wife or kids, or even a dog). I'm not sure why I go to a job I find so empty every day. (It's the money, of course.) I'm 31 and would love to be able to keep my house, but I'm not sure I'll be able to if I start an entry-level job in another field. I know I need to change careers and find something I can get excited about, but I don't really know where to start.

Can you suggest any books or ideas that might help me get out of this? Your help is appreciated.

This is a very common problem that lots of people face. It's a signal that you need to start exploring and thinking about who you are, who you want to be, who you want to work with, what you're interested in, and what gets your engine running.

Because I'm often asked this question by very successful people, I've got some good books to recommend.

In Soloing (HarperCollins, 1999), Harriet Rubin describes her move from the corporate world into a "solo" career. This book is full of lessons for readers who are serious about trying the same. I found myself underlining text on every page. This book offers hope to the "corporatized"�if they're ready�because it breaks the process of "leaving" into clearly defined phases.

There's no magic pill here�the author points out that the process takes time. As you read Rubin's story, you realize these are steps you can take, too�if you've got the brass. I'm pretty jaded about self-help books, but this is the first very good one I've read in years.

Check out Harold Kushner's When All You've Ever Wanted Isn't Enough (Pocket Books, 1987). Success often breeds questions such as, "Why am I doing this?" and "Why am I so bored?" Rabbi Kushner's book isn't one of those formulaic "feel-good" guides. It's a compassionate discussion about how to alter your perspective on life. Imagine sitting on a park bench, having a comforting talk with a wise man who knows more than you do. If the title gets your attention, you need to read the book.

Find a copy of Richard Leider's The Power of Purpose (Berrett-Koehler, 1997). Readers familiar with this column know I'm not a fan of career counseling. I put Richard Leider a cut above the career quacks: He offers real insight into what makes people happy at their work. This book is based on research he's done over 20 years.

Having heard Leider speak, I can tell you his perspective on "purpose in our work" is both profound and useful. Besides, I'm a big believer in the idea that if you aren't doing what you love to do, you'll soon be out looking for yet another new job. 

I know it seems tough right now, but what's happening to you is a good thing. For some people, the agony you're experiencing just passes, and they keep doing what they've been doing and lead lives of despair. It helps to shake up your life now and then�enjoy it. Explore the unusual and the weird among your interests. Now's the time to do it because you're motivated.

I wish you the best. I think these books will help you get started with the changes you want to make in your life.

Cheers,

Nick Corcodilos

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