Yvonne Nicolas reflects on what motivates people to seek new avenues.

Like many of you, I've had several careers in my life – model, lawyer, journalist – which is why I love receiving your Switch stories, as I never tire of hearing what it is that brings about change in people's working lives.

Sadly, though, I can only publish one a week. It's quite clear that it's definitely no longer one life, one job.

The world – and in particular the business world – has changed and our career prospects have evolved with it. In the face of psychological spin that says people hate change, workers of all ages are defying that notion by switching career, albeit many by default: a push, a shove or a "sliding door" moment.

Or when "plan A" fails. "Reinventing yourself is often the result of an inner urge to be something different later in life," the author of Manage Your Own Career: Reinvent Your Job, Reinvent Yourself, Warren Frehse, says.

"[Influential psychologist] Carl Jung wrote, 'We cannot live in the afternoon of life according to the program of life's morning'."

A career transition consultant who helps people make choices for more fulfilling careers, Frehse translates Jung: "If you just drifted into something earlier in life, it's a good idea to see whether that still excites you at a later stage."

Discontent is a great stimulator – which is why The Switch is My Career's most-read column, with about 150 stories on the waiting list.

It appears we have thrown out the rule book and are writing our own.

There are stories of changed careers, changed lives, a destiny rearranged. They are inspiring and stimulating, urging others to do likewise.

Many talk of taking a "leap of faith", listening to their "inner guide" or just taking a punt and going for it – whatever "it" is.

Former lawyer Charles Kovess, who reinvented himself as a motivational speaker, explains this growing phenomenon as a sign of the times.

Author of Passionate People Produce, he says: "Life has thrown us some curvy balls in the last few decades and individuals are questioning more and more the joys of the job. People want to be happy and have successful, balanced 'life careers' – and it is possible to have both.

"Sometimes it means taking risks, like leaving the old job before you find the new path." Each week, The Switch tells common tales of those seeking to enrich their lives with purpose and meaning; stories that clearly convey that people who love what they do are happier and healthier.

There is a constant reference to challenges that are interesting and motivational "because passion underlies the search for meaning", Kovess says.

The words "life's too short not to try" are sung over and over again. And nearly all of us express how much we desire loved ones to be proud of us, including the dearly departed.

"We've become more honest with ourselves," Frehse says. "We saw our parents stick to something because it was safe and secure, but they died without the music within ever being played."

The message is loud and clear: if you hate what you do, down tools now. Don't wait until the job kills you, don't live or work a job that deprives you of a "life".

Think about what you love and what inspires you and just go for it.

Yvonne's column appears on the facing page. Are you thinking about changing career? Tell us at mycareer.com.au/vote.

Make it happen

Frehse suggests reassessing what is important — after reflection, if you want to, stay with what is familiar but if you want a shift, take small steps.

"Many who make successful career switches did so through failure, setbacks and resilience," he says.

"If you choose a new path, seek support and guidance and let nothing get in your way."

Kovess says understanding the key distinction between talents and skills is helpful. "Talents we are born with, skills we develop ... the good news is that there is little evidence showing that talent counts for much!

Anyone can reinvent themselves by doing the work to develop skills."