Estab·lishing lifetime career goals are extremely important. Those goals may be redirected over time as conditions and circumstances change. The first three years as a professional agricultural economist are most critical in establishing reputation and professional image. Career development can be enhanced with a few carefully executed job changes. Various factors, however, restrict or constrain job mobility. Fellowships and sabbaticals are strongly recommended for career renewal and/ or redirection. There are several preconditions for achieving success as an administrator. There is a noticeable lack of flexibility in moving from positions in government and private industry to academia. However, there is some flexibility in moving from academia to government and industry. Inflexibility in movement from one type of employer to another is rooted in the performance standards of each type. Dual career households must expect added complexity to long range career planning.