I actually go through this process about every two years. I seem to get in a rut where I'm feeling less than happy with my life. Right or wrong, for me my career is a large part of my life and if I am not happy during those 50+ hours of my weeks, then it's likely to impact my out-of-career life as well.

My re-valuation usually involves reconfirming to myself in writing what it is that makes me happy or enjoy my career. I also make a list of goals, I don't establish a time on them so it's short and long term. And some of them are rather materialistic, but it's all things that I deem to have some importance to me. I then compare the two lists, what makes me happy or satisfied and what I want to accomplish in my goals. I try to mesh the two together with some adjustments.

So far for me it hasn't meant changes in careers. But changes in location (far north to far south) or changes in companies. It also led me back to higher education at one point.

Telling friends and family - I've never had difficulty with this with the exception of moving clear across the country. To keep the emotion from them out of my equation. I waited until I was certain it was what I wanted and then I let them know. It made it easier to deal with the emotions. And now that I am considering another move across the country, it makes it much easier having done it once. I know that I am capable of such changes and decisions. The response I have received is typically positive. My father in particular is a questioner. Knowing this helps. It makes me consider all angles before I tell him. He's typically impressed that I can answer all his questions, rather than saying, I didn't think of that.

Actually putting things in writing, rather than just having ideas whirling randomly in my head is what works for me. It's a document of my thoughts, and something that I can go back to to re-ground myself when my world comes crashing around me.

I hope that makes some sense.

And osuche, I saw that snip on 60 minutes as well. I felt nearly compelled to order a cake for the sake of supporting an amazing corporation.