WARNING: This quiz takes only a few minutes, however if honestly evaluated and reflected upon can bring about changes that may alter the course of your life.

1. Do you fantasize of a workday that does not involve the colorful, yet offensive noose otherwise known as a tie, or the “sheer energy torture apparatus” otherwise known as pantyhose?
TRUE or FALSE

2. Do you have an interest or hobby that you spend countless hours engrossed in, and consistently daydream about a workday that would allow you to incorporate your passion in life into a financially viable opportunity? TRUE or FALSE

3. Do you feel like a square peg in a round hole and have several recurring situations that suggest that you do not fit into the heirachy of a corporate structure? TRUE or FALSE

4. Do you have little interest in climbing the corporate ladder, playing office politics or being seen while working the hours “9-5” in order to fit the image of a corporate model employee? TRUE or FALSE

5. Do you feel your skills; vision and values have little to do with your corporate day life?
TRUE or FALSE

6. Have you had a recent illness, death of a loved one, personal challenge or a personal epiphany that has caused you to seriously re-evaluate your priorities and values in life? TRUE or FALSE

7. Are you considered successful by society standards - money, status and recognition, yet know that your mission in life is much greater than you can achieve in your current corporate position?
TRUE or FALSE

8. During one of the many interminable meetings concerning the latest company policy, do you escape to a land where creativity, ideas and opportunity thrive? TRUE or FALSE

9. Would you embrace a life of simplicity for the gift of waking up each morning and looking forward to what you do that day? TRUE or FALSE

10. If you create any job you wanted (as absurd as it may sound…) would it look anything like the one you currently hold in the corporate world? TRUE or FALSE

If you answered true to 3-5 questions and false to 10— You have symptoms of corporate dropout

If you answered true to 6-8 questions and false to 10--

If you answered true to 8-9 questions and false to 10—Corporate Dropout

In today’s accepted reality of downsizing, mergers and at will working conditions the days of the corporation playing the role of a benevolent parent are gone. However, in its place lie the opportunities to learn valuable skills, gain extensive experience, and to make numerous contacts in a professional environment. The unspoken promise that now permeates the soul of corporate America is that situations and people will change-- and there are no guarantees. For many people this breeds new avenues of opportunity, yet for others the unexpected twists and turns of corporate life can deliver a devastating shock. Some individuals find that it is not the actual shock of losing a job, but of the realization that they have let many years slip by, exchanging their precious dreams and goals for comfort, $ or status. However the following examples of corporate dropout pioneers illustrate that when we follow our dreams and passions –our lives become richer at more than just the pocketbook level.

Perhaps you will follow in the footsteps of the lawyer who decided that his path in life was to integrate his creativity and ingenuity and builds sandcastles By having classes, and by incorporating sponsorship opportunities he is able to make his dream reality.

Or the Advertising Account Executive who gave up corporate life to follow her passion and is completing her teaching credential so that she can follow her dream of working with children.

Or the stockbroker who listened to his inner calling and now enriches people’s lives by teaching yoga and holistic health principles.

Or the woman next in line for a vice-president position, at a telecommunications firm who chucks corporate life for the dream of owning her own consulting firm and now assists young adults in running their own business.

Our journey forward requires a new way of thinking and a personal commitment to personally evaluate our goals, dreams and passions in life. For some moving out of the corporate structure into a new and possibly unrelated career endeavor, becoming an entrepreneur or a consultant will be the next step in realizing their career potential. If you find that you have symptoms of a corporate drop-out and have a burning desire to pursue your dreams but fear holds you in its clutches, know that many Corporate Dropout Pioneers have experienced the same feelings and have courageously blazed a trail for you to follow. Our time on this planet is preciously spent, so before another day goes by …ask yourself what do you need to do to make your dreams become reality?