If you work long enough, something along the way will probably happen to you. You will work with a co-worker who drives you crazy, a boss that doesn't get you, or an employee that keeps you up at night.

It's all a part of the working world.

At other times, things will happen to you that will throw you for a loop. Your job is eliminated. You are fired without reason. Your industry goes away. This is when it's important to take stock in who are you, what you want out of life, and where you want to go next.

So, how do you get yourself back on track; find your passion and purpose again, and reinvent the next phase of your career? You soul-search and ask lots of questions.

Career changes come in many varieties. Some people are forced to change careers when their employers downsize or go out of business, while others may choose to leave their field in order to pursue a new interest. Regardless of what prompts the switch, is it ever too late for a career change?

When changing careers, an earlier switch can be easier. The earlier the change, the longer you have to grow in your new profession. Changing careers later in life may make for a more dramatic transition, but if it's something you really want, then it's never too late for a career change.

If you are ready to take the plunge, here are a few ways to approach a change in your career path.

Managers often terminate employees with phrases like "not a good fit," "just not working out," and "maybe there's something better for you out there." While these words can be painful, they may also be the catalyst you need to take your talents, and quirks, elsewhere.

Think about your habits -- the natural ways you function. Some may flop in certain jobs but really shine in others. Let's take a moment to explore where you can best apply your unique gifts.

Too Chatty

At your last job, were you asked to stop talking and get back to work? Hey, they don't call it the "gift of gab" for nothing. While some people couldn't make small talk if they took an all-day course on it, you work a room of people in minutes. Here are some jobs you may like to try.

• Public relations. Companies need foot soldiers on the phone, in event halls, and at industry conventions telling people why their product or service is the best. Public relations, account executive: $49,200.
• Sales. You have to talk to people to find out if they want your product. If you excel at connecting with people and developing a rapport, that could help you seal the deal. Sales associate: $44,200.
• Phlebotomist. Giving blood makes people nervous people -- even sick. If the sight of blood doesn't bother you, you can be that friendly phlebotomist who helps people relax. Medical phlebotomist: $27,300.
• Tour guide. Chirp away about your beautiful town, its historic mansions and get paid for doing so. Tour guide: $26,400.

It might be a real challenge to find a desired job within normal circumstances, but what if you are looking for a job in the situation of the world economic crisis? Enterprises are getting rid of the old stock, slowing down production rates, trying to lower costs, and consequently, cutting down the workforce. Many companies around the world are reducing their staff. Hiring? Not really.

It might look like a completely hopeless situation – how can anybody get a job, when so many are being fired? But this is not exactly like that. Yes, it is most likely that you are not going to find vacant positions openly advertised on the companies’ web pages or anywhere else. However, Human Resources are looking for people – full of fresh ideas, talented, bold people. People, who will bring positive changes, invent new techniques and rewrite the history of the business development. Who told you, that you cannot be one of those people?

Please, consider the following:

Career transition.

There should be something you have always wanted to do for your living, but never got down to it, because you had another job, because you did not have relevant experience to do this kind of work, because, because… This is the time! Just be bold and go ahead!

At all interviews all employers with practically no exceptions do ask about the applicants’ current / previous job and why they do not fancy it any more. Do you have an answer to this question so far? A clear, precise, reasonable and persuasive one.

Reflection on this topic will not only help you to prepare for your job interview, but will also make you understand what kind of position you are looking for. Consider the following points:

1. What is your job?

Just describe it and be as precise as possible: what your daily activities at work are, what you are responsible for, how much time you spend at work, etc. The more details – the better. It is like looking at yourself at work from the distance. It will help you realize:

2. What do you like in your job?

3. And what will you never miss in case you leave the present employer?

Both points are worth reflecting on. And do not say that there is nothing positive you can think of about you current job – there must be if not loads, at least some positive things in it. Think this over and be honest with yourself, objective and specific – it is all for your own good, you do not want to get a new job and keep complaining about the same issues.