Posted: Nov 2, 07 9:04am

I've been a computer programmer and business analyst for almost thirty years. I love the work, but not the stress. That said I would like to try something new.

There are two problems here though. The first, and most important, is that I have a hard time imagining doing anything else. This despite a rather large number of other interests on my part.

The other problem is that I've become accustomed to the compensation. I've determined how much less I can make (or to put this another way my "new" annual salary) and still be comfortable and I think I can do this.

But this leaves the original problem. How do I "test the waters" so to speak?