In this economy, it seems risky to even think about changing your career. But a solid game plan can help you make a key transition. Here are seven steps from career coach Rory Kelly Connor, founder and CEO of Can You Imagine and career coach for New York Women in Communication.

1. Take stock. Do you show up late every day? Can’t wait to leave? Your work quality will start to suffer. Instead, take charge. “Make a move before you make a mistake and are asked to go,” says Connor.

2. Clarify the cause. Is it the hours, your boss or the actual work that’s getting under your skin? “Consider the exact duties under different conditions,” says Connor. “Would you enjoy them?”

3. Discover your dream. If the job is what’s getting you down, dig deep. Could an engaging hobby earn you a living? Do you want to earn more money or to have a career that defines you?

4. Assess finances. Analyze how the shift impacts your wallet. “Whether you’re able to jump depends on the money set aside to cover the transition,” says Connor. If your savings won’t cover at least six months of expenses, gain new expertise while remaining in your current field.

5. Survey your skills. Sharpen the skills needed to change directions. Take classes and/or earn professional certificates. Rebuild your resume to reflect new expertise.

6. Research the marketplace. Network with alumni, professional organizations, family and friends in the field. Schedule 15-minute informational interviews, advises Connor. Subscribe to magazines and newsletters, and engage with social networks and groups that cover the industry. Research which jobs are available and how they’re landed.

7. Draft plans. If taking the plunge, plot to excel. Write out a daily, long-term plan, and look at it often. Set deadlines. Relish every triumph on the grand journey of realizing your dream career. You’re on your way!

Photo: @iStockphoto.com/laflor

Mexican-American Wendy Gonzalez learned the ins and outs of the fashion business early; her dad was a manufacturer in downtown Los Angeles. But it was her mama who taught her about silk and lace, being demurely sexy, and all things pretty.

Armed with her dad’s keen business sense and her mom’s singular style, Wendy started Wendy Glez, a cheeky chic lingerie line, in 2001. With the aim of blending function with fashion, Wendy pioneered the “comfy loungewear” trend. “At that time, there were either overtly sexy or unflattering support bras. I knew there was a market for something that was pretty, luxury and totally wearable.”

Wendy was right, and she soon found a legion of fans for her gorgeous French lace camisoles that actually hold in those senos, including Halle Berry, Kate Hudson, Carmen Electra and Terri Hatcher. A big fan of vintage for its one-of-a-kind appeal and eco value, her line included sexy and wearable ’50s-inspired loungewear way before the “Mad Men” fashion craze. She recently sold part of her company to big-gun investors, proving she’s about as savvy about business as she is about bras. She now plans to invest in other companies to take her Wendy Glez spirit worldwide.

But Wendy’s success isn’t making her too big for her silk and chiffon britches. She is having tons of fun and sharing her daily inspirations with her huge audience via her new blog, Daily Fete.

Call it the heat of the deadline, but we’ve all gotten emotional at work. (Fortunately we have the ladies’ room!) Sometimes it can be a good thing: A little excitement and passion shows your bosses you care. But getting too worked up could harm your professional image and your relationships with coworkers. Most research shows that the key to keeping calm is recognizing your moods before they take over.

Proper Meals
Make sure you’ve had enough breakfast, lunch and healthy snacks. It’s also important to eat at the same hour every day. Regularity steadies the highs and lows that come with a stressful workday.

Cut Down on Extra Coffee
Though caffeine gets us started in the morning, experts say that it can actually overstimulate you, giving you a false sense of accomplishment -- and those twitchy hands. Instead, stabilize your energy and your moods during stressful periods by eating fruits or protein snacks, such as nuts.

Work Out
When something makes you angry at work, take a quick gym break or run around the block. Exercise is one of the most effective ways to fight stress and head off strong emotions. If you just ignore your frustration, you run the risk of blowing a fuse at work and putting your body through the pressure cooker.

Recognize the Triggers
Keep a list of work scenarios that stress you out and how you can respond to them positively. Thinking things through will help you feel calm and prepared in any sort of crisis."

Figuring out what to wear to the office every morning can be a time-consuming and frustrating rutina. But celebrity trainer Ana Cabán sees an opportunity to shine every day by putting together a look that accentuates your feminine and polished sides. Here, she doles out tips on makeup, hair and fashion that keep you looking both sexy and professional in la oficina.

Hair
For a clean and summery look, Cabán suggests adding a baby braid to your hairline. First part your hair with a horizontal line that runs down the middle, from the top of your forehead to your crown. Next, choose one section and start braiding from the horizontal line until you run out of hair. Finally, fasten the braid with a thin colored elastic. “Tuck the braid behind your ear and you’ll be ready to wow!”

Makeup
Remember, any makeup routine must be about enhancing your natural beauty. The trick is to boost your look by always keeping your eyelashes thick with mascara or a curler, your lips glossed and your cheeks blushed. “You will always look fabulosa!”

Tops
“When it comes to sexy office fashion, it’s all about layers,” says Cabán. Choose sexy tops -- such as camisoles, silk tanks and ruffled sleeveless blouses -- that peek out of a jacket or thin cardigan. “Leave some mystery by giving just a little hint.”

Shoes
If demure is the name of the game in your office, why not make a statement with fabulous shoes? “Opt for a pop of color or an edgy style that shows off your personality -- without ruffling your boss’s feathers,” says Cabán. Peep-toe pumps or sandals with a high heel are appropriate and very “come-hither.”

Accessories
“Accessories are a great way to spunk up an otherwise simple or tired outfit,” says Cabán. A skinny belt that doubles around you will cinch that waist and add instant luster. It will not only pull your outfit together, but also show off your Latina curves. A chunky necklace also completes an office look when worn over a simple cotton-poplin dress.

By now, most of us should know how to make lasting contacts that lead to work. But are we maximizing our opportunities? Here, how to perfect your own networking game and land your dream job tomorrow.

Why Network?
Most great opportunities come from a cocktail hour or conference -- not the classifieds. In every field, there exists a plethora of networking organizations where you can meet members and make important contacts. Networking helps in ways you might not even imagine.

Being Event-efficient
Conundrum: You got invited to an after-work mixer, but you’d rather go home and watch “Glee.” What to do?

“Make yourself go to as many events as you can,” says Nora Comstock, who holds a doctorate in educational administration and is the founder of Las Comadres Para las Americas, an international Latina network. “And be strategic. Decide which events will allow you to meet as many people as you can. Rather than work the entire room, get to know four or five people.”

Social Media
Twitter, Facebook, newsletters and email blasts are invaluable ways to get to know people. If this arena is new to you, consider taking a social media workshop or sign up for free newsletters -- like the one from Laura Roeder, a social media expert.

Organizations in Your Area
1. Las Comadres Para Las Americas is an informal Internet-based group that meets monthly in many U.S. cities to build connections and communities with other Latinas.

2. Another great resource for women-owned businesses can be found here.

3. The Miami Bombshells offer camps for women to come together, bond and share the realities of being a Latina in the 21st century.

4. The Chicago Latino Network is an Internet-based networking organization with over 50,000 members -- an amazing resource for our Midwestern hermanas.