ABOUT THIS ISSUE.

On the surface, it would seem that Torrance Mohammed, a 28-year-old techie in California, and Dexter Callender, a 72-year-old salesman in Massachusetts, have nothing in common professionally, but nothing could be further from the truth. These two men actually exist on the same professional plane: They have chosen to create their own career paths.

As an independent contractor, Mohammed picks and chooses whom he wants to work for and when, and determines his own salary. Callender, a mechanical-engineer-turned-lingerie-salesperson, took it upon himself to work past retirement age--because he could. Both men are financially stable, and both men love what they do. They are in total control. They are living every professional's dream.

That's why they were chosen as two of the subjects in this year's careers and opportunities package, which focuses on the new information-driven, push-the-edge-of-the-envelope world of work.

"I was particularly struck by Callender's example. He is someone who represents real career power," says Careers Editor Robyn D. Clarke, who spearheaded the package in this issue. "At an age when most people expect you to be rocking the rest of your life away, he fearlessly bucked traditional wisdom to maintain control over his career. I know people less than half his age who can't do that. He's inspiring."

We've been telling you about the new work world and updating you on the changes that have affected the way business is run. In this month's features, we share the stories of professionals who have made their work work their way. It is our aim to encourage you to develop an entrepreneurial devotion to the pursuit of your own professional and personal happiness.

The old cut-and-dried rules of business and professionalism--like the expectation that you must retire at age 65--are all but dead. Now, the workplace is a hodgepodge of new ways of thinking, doing, and achieving. Getting the job done has never been more fun--or formless.

These days, it's all about the individual. It's all about calling your own shots. What was once unthinkable, such as bypassing a high-paying job to pursue less-lucrative personal passions, has become typical for a myriad of professionals. Gen-Xers, for example, have taken job-hopping--once regarded as a professional death sentence--and made it their very own viable career path.

"My parents' careers followed the traditional `one-industry-from-the-bottom-to-the-top' path that defined their generation," says Clarke, 25. "I, on the other hand, don't find the notion of one job for lire very appealing. My dad wants to know what's wrong with a `one-job' trade."

Well, there's nothing wrong with having one job--if that's what you want. Four and rive decades ago, workers seemingly had no choice but: to follow the prescribed path from entry-level position to supervisor to department manager to retirement, all at the same company, That's just how things were done. The great thing is that rimes have changed, and professionals don't have to feel obliged to go a certain way--because there is no certain way anymore.

You have more options now than ever before, and can select the position(s) that will make you happy and earn you a decent living. This package has been created with your career in mind. Working isn't easy; that's for sure. But with some guidance and useful resources, it can certainly be a lot more enjoyable, We'll show you just how much.