Job counselors say one of the hardest things they face is people who either A) Don't accept that the kinds of jobs they had before just aren't available  or B) Have trouble taking the necessary steps to learn a new career.

The latest Help Wanted tale about Erma Charles reinventing her professional career is a case study about making the leap.

Looking at emails and comments about the story. The vast majority are positive, drawing hope from taking action.

Here's one: "These stories whisper hope..and that's all we need."

And another: "This woman should be an inspiration to the vast majority of the population. The SMART ones can thrive. It just takes a bit of intelligence and getting your butt off the couch and making it happen."