Are you afraid to change careers?

Everywhere you go the economy is the number one conversation on every one's mind. Mortgage rates, foreclosures, gas, oil, food and every other consumer product -- everything is on the rise. One fear across the country is how these crises are impacting the employment market.

Are layoffs far behind?
Is the crime rate rising?
Are we losing money from our 401k?
Will I have to extend the time to retirement?

If turning 30 is your concern, you may not have even started to think about retirement. But you should. If the stress of the downturn in the economy has taught us anything it's that it is fundamental to be prepared financially. This means saving money and spending less.

It's difficult to consider spending less when everything from gas to groceries costs more. Harder still when all we hear from the government is that consumers need to spend more to avoid a recession or depression. All of our spending on flat-panel TVs, cable, new cars and vacations needs to be downsized just so we can prepare for our winter heating bill this year.

So how have the rising costs impacted your job?

If you are like me, the economy isn't stressing you out on this front. My day job is in an industry that tends to experience growth even when the economy is on a downswing. Plus I believe in working hard and working smart, taking advantage of opportunities when they arise and being flexible about where I reside and what work I am willing to do. I feel very secure about my employment. BUT I realize my situation is rare.

Plenty of 30ish women in seemingly secure positions are now worried if their job will still be there next month or in six months. Others are holding off on seeking a new position until the economy normalizes. If you are experiencing the conflicting emotions of turning 30 making you itch for career change against needing the security of a job during a rough economy, you are not alone.

Stick with the safe bet. Ride out this downturn. Save what you can and spend as little as possible. When the market revives and makes its way back upward, you will be in a better position to make a move. Turning 30 is not a reason to panic about the job. You will not lose time or career status by doing what you can to keep the job you have.

If the job change in your future isn't your choice you may have to economize even more. You may have to take a job that veers away from your ideal.

Sometimes we have to make sacrifices but they usually pay off in the end. Keep positive, do what needs to be done instead of giving up and you will succeed in the end.