Many people today find themselves in unfulfilling work situations. In fact, one in four workers is dissatisfied with their current job, according to the recent "Plans for 2004" survey by CareerBuilder.com. Their career path may be financially rewarding, but it doesn't meet their emotional, social or creative needs. They're stuck, unhappy, and have no idea what to do about it, except move to another job.

Mary Lyn Miller, veteran career consultant and founder of the Life and Career Clinic, says that when most people are unhappy about their work, their first thought is to get a different job. Instead, Miller suggests looking at the possibility of a different life. Through her book, "8 Myths of Making a Living," as well as workshops, seminars and personal coaching and consulting, she has helped thousand of dissatisfied workers re-assess life and work.

Like the way of Zen, which includes understanding of oneself as one really is, Miller encourages job seekers and those dissatisfied with work or life to examine their beliefs about work and recognize that, "in many cases your beliefs are what brought you to where you are today." You may have been raised to think that women were best at nurturing and caring and, therefore, should be teachers and nurses. So that's what you did. Or, perhaps you were brought up to believe that you should do what your father did, so you have taken over the family business, or become a dentist "just like dad." If this sounds familiar, it's probably time to look at the new possibilities for your future.

Miller developed a 7-step process to help potential job seekers assess their current situation and beliefs, identify their real passion, and start on a journey that allows them pursue their passion through work.

Step 1: Willingness to do something different.
Breaking the cycle of doing what you have always done is one of the most