Oftentimes clients contact me for resume writing services and are guided in an entirely unforeseen direction. The conversation goes something like this: CLIENT – I went to college to get a bachelor’s degree, secured a nice job after graduation, but five years later feel as though I’ve gone as far as I can with my company. Please help! When I hear these words spoken, it becomes obvious that what my client really needs is not a new employer, but rather a new “level” of employment. With one eye on the corner office and both feet chained to their 6 x 8 cube, they feel imprisoned. And given the current economy, we both know their chances for an immediate escape are slim. My advice to them? Take a step backwards. Doing so will give you the momentum necessary to spring forward. In other words, I suggest they go back to school.

There are hundreds of schools across the country offering top tier instruction to full-time working professionals. The University of Redlands, for example, is a Southern California University, with a stellar reputation for postgraduate studies. The Inland Empire College boasts a wide assortment of business school curricula, including a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Management and Study Abroad courses, just to name a few.

And if you’d rather become a teacher, say than occupy a high-powered office, you might consider their well regarded School of Education. It offers both Multiple Subject (elementary) and Single Subject (secondary) Teacher Credential Programs.

Yes, the current economic climate can make us feel like caterpillars, inching ever so slowly along our career tracks. But don’t you sweat it. Utilize this time wisely by adding to your professional toolbox. Doing so will give you wings by which to soar when the economy turns!