Dear Nancy: I've been reporting for nearly 30 years. I can't believe how fast the time has gone. I don't know if it's because my kids are grown and gone or just what it is, but I'm finding I'm just not “loving” court reporting the way I used to. I don't want a career change, as I certainly don't have the energy for that. I just want to recapture the feeling of excitement it once offered me. Got any ideas?
Signed, De-energized Bunny

Dear De-energized Bunny:

Aah, I remember the days when I thought I was the Energizer Bunny. Then my batteries ran down.

Like you, I have been a reporter for more than 30 years. Most of the time I've loved my career; at other times I was tired of it. In every instance I got back on track by getting into something new. I started reporting in the 70's, began using CAT in the 80's, got fired up about CART in the 90's, and in 2001 I started a completely new business providing services to court reporting firms. I've been reenergized each time by taking my career in a new direction.

Take a look at what you've done in the last ten years. Is there something new you might like to explore? How about a new credential -- the RDR, or the CRR -- tackle the speed contest, or take NCRA's new Realtime Systems Administrator course. Every time you set a new goal and achieve it, you'll feel good about yourself and your profession. If you've spent 30 years as a freelancer, learn about captioning or CART. Volunteer for your state association (I guarantee, they'd love to have you!), get on the board. Mentor a student. Come up with a seminar and present it yourself.

Bottom line, challenge yourself!

All of my suggestions entail (probably) stepping outside your comfort zone and meeting new people -- exactly the way to invigorate yourself and add pizzazz to your life.

Give it a whirl. March to a new beat. And if all else fails, play Energizer Bunny Beats at www.energizer.com. It's a blast!

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