Based on the answers you gave, there are some things about your current work that you like—but other aspects are really frustrating you. It sounds like you’re fed up enough that you’re ready to make big changes. You might: 

• Take on a more ambitious role.
  You might deepen your skills so that you can offer more to those you work with.
• Increase your prestige with certificates or a degree.
  Continuous learning is a sign of a thoughtful professional who’s interested in innovation and lifelong learning—someone who’s up for a challenge.
• Add a whole new set of skills to your repertoire.
  Think about the the processes related to the work you currently do: what happens before and after your part? Understanding the larger ecosystem that you’re working in will put you in a much better position to add new skills that are of high value to your company and clients.
• Move up to the big leagues.
  Find out what it takes in your industry to start working with companies with more market share, higher brand recognition, bigger budgets, or higher-quality contracts, and make it a point to grow into that level.
• Change your location.
  If options are limited where you’re at, look for hubs of activity that will open up new opportunities for you.
• Go independent.
  If you’ve got ideas for offering a new approach to what you do, working for yourself will give you the room to explore and innovate.

QUESTIONS TO EXPLORE
Before embarking on a significant career change, it’s crucial to take inventory of where you are now:

1. What exactly do you wish were different?
2. In what ways are you already prepared for the change you want?
3. What skills, credentials, experience, or connections are you missing?
4. What do you need to do to fill those gaps?
5. How determined are you to make this happen? What will you do when the road gets tough?
6. What resources (such as family support) can you rely on to help you make this journey?
7. How will you fund the transition? Are your savings enough or will you need outside help?

Give yourself some time to really consider these questions. Your answers will tell you a lot about what kinds of change could work for you and how you should get started.

From what you’ve told us, we think you’ll thrive having steady work with a predictable schedule and regular income.

Whether you’re an employee, a freelancer, or a business owner with employees of your own, some careers are riskier than others. For example, a freelance photographer’s work is event-based and changes weekly, while a freelance designer might work with the same client for months on a contract with steady hours and scheduled paychecks. The owner of an online shop has less overhead and a broader customer base than the owner of a brick-and-mortar store.

KNOW YOURSELF
One of the best ways we know of to find success is to start out by choosing a career that really suits who you are. But to play to your strengths, you have to know what those strengths are! Try taking 20 minutes or so to think over your work experience:

• What were your greatest successes? 
• What were your biggest failures? (We’ve all got them….)
• When were you the happiest? 
• What would you like to avoid doing again?

Really knowing yourself—what you want, what you’re best at, and what your goals are—is the best first step to prepare for improving your career.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TABLE
Every single person on earth has a unique blend of strengths, skills, experience, and style. Figuring out exactly what you have to offer is a great second step in advancing your career. Why? Because it will allow you to present yourself in a way that showcases your best attributes—and also because it will give you a crystal-clear idea of what kinds of opportunities will suit you best. 

As you plan your career change, think about how you’ll convince others of your unique qualities. Once you have a plan mapped out, ask for feedback from knowledgeable connections and use their suggestions to fine-tune your message about what you have to offer. Be ready to express that message on your LinkedIn profile, your resume, and anywhere else that’s involved in making your change.

It doesn’t matter how old you are, who you are, or where you’re from. With the right mindset, the right tools, some patience, and plenty of determination, you can achieve any career goal you dream of.   

We hope these recommendations spark your imagination and give you a sense of direction. Over the next few days, we’re going to email you some more ideas and resources, so that you can explore your options from a solid foundation. 

No matter which path you decide to take in your career, we want you to know that you can do this! You absolutely have it within you to learn, to gain new skills, to kick ass in a new job, and to bring something unique and innovative to what you do. We’re so excited for your career journey! And we hope to be with you every step of the way.