DEAR HARRIETTE: I’m thinking of moving to a new city. I’ve never done that before, but I’m in my 30s and tired of my hometown.
I figure while I am still single and young and don’t have any property or small children to consider, now may be the best time for my big move.
In planning a cross-country move, I’m also trying to figure out what kind of work I want to do. Outside of my corporate career, I do makeup, and I wonder if now is the time to bet on myself across the board: make a move and a career pivot.
Is that too much change all at once?
— Big Move
DEAR BIG MOVE: Take some time to plan out these next few years.
If you want to do makeup for a living, create a portfolio of images that show your work. Build a website to serve in that capacity. Get testimonials from clients whose makeup you have done.
Think about how you want to begin a makeup business and what towns may welcome you. For example, you can look at small towns with younger populations. Proms, weddings and special events can be lucrative for makeup services. Larger cities may be more competitive, but they may also present larger markets and greater opportunities for clients.
Research places that interest you and who lives there. Also consider taking a corporate job but establishing a makeup business on the side — one that focuses on offering services on the weekends and for special events.
DEAR HARRIETTE: My best friend’s daughter has been struggling with her mental health for some time now, and it’s difficult to watch.
She recently made the tough decision to withdraw from college for the semester because she was feeling overwhelmed, and now she’s unsure if she wants to go back at all.
It’s heartbreaking because she’s such a bright, ambitious young woman who has always dreamed of becoming a lawyer. I know how much pressure college can put on students, especially those with big career goals like hers, and I completely understand that she needs time to take care of herself.
At the same time, I worry that stepping away might make it harder for her to return, and I don’t want her to lose sight of her dreams.
I want to be supportive, but I’m not sure of the correct approach. Should I encourage her to take it slow and focus on her well-being, or should I push her — gently — to start thinking about her next steps so she doesn’t lose momentum?
How can I best support her and her mom during this challenging time without overstepping?
— How To Help
DEAR HOW TO HELP: Be an attentive listener. Remain actively involved in her life. Make regular plans to get together to talk about ideas, and encourage her to think about her future. Do not push her in any direction.
Talk to her mom, your best friend, about what the family wants for her. Do your best to support their decisions.
It can get messy when others get entangled in their friends’ challenges. Take on the role of supporter, listener, confidant — not adviser.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.