I am stuck in career rut. I am a recent university graduate and I have left a job in operations for a plumbing wholesale company which I enjoyed very much. I worked as junior project manager and I was involved in many company projects and acquisitions.

I am in unique but difficult situation in terms of a career. I have worked extremely hard getting educated and obtaining credentials, but have never found happiness in my career choices mostly because I have been “steered” in this direction by various people.

I am a teacher with a BA in English and a bachelor of education. I am not satisfied with my career and am looking to leave it for something else. I have no idea where to begin because I don’t know how to assess my marketable skills and abilities.

Generally, I think of myself as a good employee – willing to work hard, work with others, and always willing to go the distance – which has always gotten me good performance reviews. However, I find it so difficult landing a new job since I generally feel that I do not make the best first impression.

For the past eight months, I’ve been on a work stress disability leave. I’m healthier now than I’ve ever been and ready to return to work. However, layoffs have eliminated my position and many others. How do I go forward searching for a new position, with the stress leave and the layoff both affecting my work history “story”?

I got feedback from a manager in a recent performance review that I resist everthing too much. And there is truth to that, because whether it is feedback at work or cleaning my office, I’m prone to resisting change. What can I do to be more open to options and avoid holding back?