Dear Eric: I am 54 and have to start looking for a job again due to outsourcing. My previous job was part time. Now I have this fabulous full-time job opportunity. However, my friends and family think full time will mentally break me. I feel I’m up to the challenge. What should I do?

– Ready to Work

Dear Ready: Ask them why they think this way about your working full time. It would be different if one person was expressing reservations, but since you’re hearing this from friends and family, perhaps you should give their concerns some credence.

They may have insight into your life or behavior that’s illuminating for you, even if it’s hard to hear. They may also misunderstand the truth of your situation. A conversation about why you’re excited about this job and why you feel ready may help change their minds.

After you’ve heard what they’re thinking, if you decide to keep pursuing the job, ask them if they’d be willing to help you succeed. What are the ways that having full-time employment might create more stress for you or drain your energy? Are there ways that those who care about you can lighten the load of full-time work? What about warning signs of mental break? Ask them if there are behaviors or symptoms that would raise an alarm for them, then set up a protocol for them to communicate that alarm. You’ll want to be able to address whatever they’re seeing and protect yourself from outside stressors and work overload.

Sometimes, our support systems can see things we don’t, and they can also help us achieve things we wouldn’t be able to accomplish on our own. Make use of your friends and family and take their advice with curiosity, confidence and openness. Good luck!

Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.