This document, which is directed primarily at groups working with people who are unemployed, partly employed, or out of the workforce, contains materials for a course titled "Changing Directions" that is designed to help people make sense of contemporary changes in society and work while considering various ways to channel their creativity and social involvement. The materials are organized into seven units containing some or all of the following: introduction; fact sheets; discussion questions; learning activities; quizzes; and reference lists. The chapter titles are as follows: "The Future of Work"; "Unemployment"; "Communications and Democracy"; "Facing the Figures"; "Culture Is Ordinary"; "Identity and Resistance"; and "Challenging and Changing." The chapters on culture aim to sharpen awareness of language, open doors to new interests, value talents and interests already developed, and offer other forms of critiquing social processes. Appended are information sheets devoted to the following topics: finding jobs; job applications; preparing for interviews; training, retraining, and education; paying for education and training; sources of information; 20 alternative ways of spending time usefully; content of the course "Changing Directions"; example program; benefits participants have derived from the course; and useful addresses. (MN)