Dear Rachel,
This may seem a dumb time to be thinking about this, I've been thinking of moving from planning into media sales. I've been doing this for three years and I just love media, which I find exciting, but I think I'd be happier in sales. I'd also like to make some more money, since I make very little now. But I don't want to make the jump and then realize I made a mistake. What are your thoughts on this?-- Mulling in the Southeast

Dear Mulling,
It's always a good time to be thinking about what you want to do next, especially when you are young.

I don't go along with the thinking that you should sign on with an agency with the idea of staying until retirement. That world ended long ago.

There are things you need to consider before deciding to take the leap.

First, you need to understand just what it's like to be in media sales, and I suggest the best way to learn that is to talk to sales people who have a depth of experience.

Sales looks glamorous, which only makes sense. You spend your day persuading people.

But selling done right is hard work, long hours, and there's not always a lot of gratitude.

Deals that you think have been sewn up get unsewn. If something goes wrong, no matter whose fault it is, you stand a good chance of getting the blame.

Clients and agency people can be impossible to deal with--but you have to deal with them anyway. The people you work for are often A-types who drive themselves to make goals and drive everyone who works for them just as hard.

There's lots of paperwork and telephoning, not to mention travel.

And while you are working for an organization, you are really working for yourself in many ways. You never really get away from the job, at least in your mind.

The excitement in sales is being able to handle all that pressure while at the same time finding real enjoyment in closing deals--making things happen, as they say.

If you can't handle the pressure, you don't belong in media sales. If you don't find enjoyment in making things happen, you probably don't belong in sales.

Are you that sort of person? If not, you would be miserable in sales, no matter how much more money you made.

But all that said, make the most of the research you undertake before you make your decision.

Who knows? You may find out that sales isn't really for you but some other area of media is your cup of tea. That may turn out to be your next move.

The important thing is to be always thinking, looking at different options and career paths. You are young. You have years ahead of you. Make the most of them.