 (Nick Galifianakis for The Post) | Adapted from an online discussion. Dear Carolyn: I "chose" a career path in a very niche field with limited job opportunities and a lot of people vying for those few spots. ("Chose" because I sort of just fell into it.) Basically, every time I move on to a new position, I have to uproot my life to a new location for a job. While I do enjoy certain things about my field, I am by no means passionate about it. I floundered a bit after my undergraduate degree, had some great experiences while I had no idea what to do with the rest of my life, then floundered a bit more as I went through two graduate programs. At this point in my life, approaching 40, I've accepted I'm not going to find a job I'm really excited about, and that's okay. I fill my non-work life with things that make me happy. But I can no longer take the stress of knowing the next job search will be so arduous and ultimately force me to start over somewhere else … yet again. That was exciting in my 20s. It's not anymore. I started a new job a few months ago, moving from the East to the West Coast. It's a beautiful part of the country, and I convinced myself that I was up for the adventure. Turns out I wasn't. I desperately want to go back to my previous city — where, for the first time since growing up, I felt at home. I have friends there, it was easy to visit other friends and family along the coast, I was happy and comfortable. I desperately want to go back. Soon. But there are no jobs in my field. I've devised this fantasy that I can just quit my job here, go back east and find something low-stress (even a couple of part-time jobs), and rethink my career. Maybe seek out some sort of certificate program in a field with more job availability. This would mean a very significant pay cut, but I'd be living with my partner, because his move west with me was delayed because of the pandemic. For once in my life, I want to prioritize my happiness over chasing jobs. Should I take the risk? — Not at Home | 
