This is something that I hadn't bargained for. It figures, since bargaining isn't my strong suit.

There comes a time in everyone's life when life-changing decisions have to be made. This time usually comes in conjunction with some drastic change of course: marriage, divorce, death of a loved one, change of job, completion of school, etc.

Sometimes, it's a welcome change, other times this transition is met with fear and anxiety. And still other times, chance can be a combination of the two, and can leave you tired, confused and, for lack of a better phrase, scared shitless.

I came to the realization a few weeks ago while perusing several Internet job sites that I have no real idea how to go about this. The jumping through the hoops is easy enough; update your resume, dress up, refrain from saying silly things while at the interview, and so forth. The problem I had was this: I have never been in a position where I have had to name my salary.

I know that throughout the years, I have collected a wealth of employable skills, and I now possess the education that many employers deem so very necessary, especially for the fields in which I am interested. What I am lacking is the savvy to put it all together and use it to my advantage.

I know it's never supposed to make sense all at the same time, but I can't help but wish it would, just once.