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Career Change? 4 Crucial Questions You Should Ask Yourself.

Questions to Ask Yourself When Considering a Career Change

 

When we leave school, college, or university, often we have no idea what we really want. We choose a job or career based on what our parents, friends, or career advisors say.

 

Then, ten years on, we find ourselves in a mediocre situation, with a growing sense of disappointment and dissatisfaction about our work and our place in it. Is it too late to change direction and do something completely new or different?

 

Of course not!

 

Life is changing rapidly and dramatically. New careers, ideas, and opportunities are popping up all the time. Things we would never have thought possible just a few years ago have become household favorites virtually overnight.

 

Who would have thought it was possible for the biggest taxi company in the world to own no taxis? Who would have thought that the biggest online retailer doesn’t have a single product of their own to sell? Who would have thought a whole new industry could be born simply from fast-food delivery?

 

What Do You Want?

 

If you want to change direction, at any age, the most important thing is to discover is what you really want out of life.

  • What interests you?
  • What fascinates you?
  • What do you feel passionate about?

 

Make a list on each of these important issues and see where they overlap or have commonality. Hidden in there somewhere are the basic elements of a complete change of direction for you.

 

When you really dig into your lists, it’s possible to create a basic plan of careers, jobs, and opportunities to explore that can lead you to a life of fulfilment and happiness.

 

If you pursue that path as long as it keeps you happy and fulfilled, you’ll never look back. However, there might well come a day when life changes and/or you change, and it might be time to change direction again. It happens all the time in this rapidly developing world.

 

Exploring the Idea of a Career Change

 

Once you’ve gone through your lists and found some careers that will fulfil your passions and interests, you’ll want to consider other aspects of them, too.

 

Ask yourself these questions:

 

1. Will it make me enough money?

You’ll want to consider how you’ll monetize your interest and what pursuing that aspect will entail for you. Do you want to get a new job in this field? Start your own business?

  • With the advent of social media and internet marketing, it’s possible to reach out to thousands of potential customers or clients all over the world without ever leaving home.
  • The potential of making money is certainly there, but you might need to retrain and learn some new skills to reach out and get it.

2. What will others think of my career change?

This is an age-old question that stops many people from making changes that could change their life for the better, forever. However, keep in mind that all the time that you’re worried about what other people think, say, or do, you’ll never be free.

  • Consider the maxim, “Whatever other people think of me is none of my business.” 
  • We have no way to influence what others think of us other than by setting a good example. Let them think whatever they want while you go out and get things done! Never let those who think it can’t be done interrupt those who are already out there doing it.

3. What am I willing to give up in order to create something really incredible?

Many times, you’ll find that preparing for a new career encroaches on your current life. If this is the case, weigh the costs of time, money, and effort against your current life to help determine which aspect is more important to you.

  • Would you sell your car to fund a program where you could learn new skills and explore new ideas?
  • Would you give up your evenings or your social life to reinvest that time in educating yourself in a completely different career or opportunity?
  • Are you willing to work weekends and evenings to study new concepts, ideas, or strategies?

4. Will I be good enough to make it work?

The very fact that you’re reading this says that you’re searching for change, reassurance about change, and that something is pulling you forward towards change.

  • You already considered that there is more to your life than that which you are currently experiencing, and you want to know what it is and get fully engaged with it, right?
  • Mindset is vitally important. Let your motivation carry you forward. As you take action, a positive mindset will help you overcome any obstacles that may arise.

 

Your life is entirely under your control and what you do with it is your decision alone. Get busy, make some decisions and take action, and keep moving forward with your ideas and intentions.

 

The answers may not come overnight, but as long as you pursue what interests you, fascinates you, and makes you happy, you will find the answers that you seek.

 

Beware of any criticism of your dreams and ideas from anyone you wouldn’t go to for sound advice. After all, opinions are ten a penny. Everyone has them, but opinions are not going to help or support you.

 

Be relentless in your pursuit of happiness and fulfilment. Go at it like your whole life depends on it. Because it does.

 

If you’d like some help with finding some opportunities for that career change, check our Job Search Engine.

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13 Ways You Can Improve Your Job Search

13 Strategies for Making Your Job Search More Efficient

 

Some things are beyond your control when you’re searching for a job. You wait for companies to call you back, and you compete with other candidates who may have stronger qualifications.

 

However, you can take charge of making your job hunt more efficient. That way you’ll make the process faster and more rewarding, regardless of the state of the economy.

 

The secret is getting organized and taking care of yourself. Use this checklist to work smarter rather than harder while you’re preparing for your next position.

 

Tips for Organizing Your Job Search

 

Careful planning and helpful routines reduce stress and enable you to accomplish more. You’ll maximize the return on your efforts.

 

Try these top tips:

 

  1. Clarify your goals. Charting your career path will help you to understand your values and make sounder decisions. You’ll be able focus your efforts on your top priorities.
  2. Leverage your strengths. Customize your job hunt based on your skills and resources. Maybe you have a powerful alumni network. Maybe you communicate more effectively in writing or on the phone.
  3. Limit your research. You need to know about the companies where you’re applying but ensure that you’re allocating enough time for the rest of your to-do list. You can gather more information if you’re invited to interview.
  4. Polish your writing. Make your applications stand out. Edit your cover letters to match the requirements of each position. Use keywords. Describe your past achievements and what you can offer.
  5. Take advantage of technology. Automate tasks to save time. Email alerts will notify you of new openings, so you can be among the first to apply. Use project management apps to track and evaluate your progress.
  6. Batch similar tasks. Block out time for checking job boards or keeping in touch with network contacts. Activities that require the same thought process usually take less time because your brain doesn’t have to switch gears.
  7. Avoid distractions. Figure out where you may be wasting time. Let your family and friends know the hours when you want to be undisturbed. Set limits on video streaming and internet browsing.
  8. Clear away clutter. Tidy up your environment. Try to cut down on paper documents and develop a filing system that works for you.
  9. Ask for help. Let your family, friends, and colleagues know how they can assist you. Talk with recruiters and consider hiring professional services like resume writing if your own efforts have stalled.

 

Tips for Taking Care of Yourself During Your Job Search

 

It’s difficult to be productive when you’re anxious and depressed. Investing in yourself will keep your energy levels up and help you to make a more positive impression when you’re interviewing.

 

These strategies will help:

 

  1. Sleep well. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day even if you’re unemployed. If anxious thoughts make you toss and turn, get out of bed and do something boring until you feel drowsy.
  2. Eat healthy. Fuel up with nutritious meals and snacks. If you’re watching your grocery spending, stock up on beans, lentils, and oats. Frozen produce often costs less than fresh and can be just as healthy.
  3. Exercise regularly. Staying active will give you more energy, enhance your mood, and help you sleep at night. Go for a run or jump rope. Do stretches and body weight exercises at home.
  4. Manage stress. Take time to relax and have fun. Call a friend or a community hotline if you’re struggling with difficult emotions.

 

A long job hunt can take its toll on your self-esteem and bank account. Being efficient will help you to increase your success rate and move ahead in your career.

If you’d like some help with finding some opportunities, check our Job Search Engine.

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12 Constructive Tips For Unemployed Workers

Constructive Things To Do  While You’re Unemployed

 

If you’re unemployed and currently searching for a job, you already know that a big part of your routine is waiting around. Maybe you’ve let everyone from your old boss to your hairdresser know that you’re interested in a new opportunity. Maybe you’ve been attending job fairs, and you’ve even landed a few promising interviews.

 

Now, you need something constructive you can do while you’re waiting for the phone to ring.

 

In fact, given that some aspects of finding employment tend to feel like they’re beyond your control, engaging in meaningful activities could boost your mood and make you a more attractive job candidate.

 

Run down this checklist for things you can do for yourself and your career.

 

Things to Do for Yourself:

 

  1. Work out regularly. If you have free time on your hands, spend it at the gym. As you shape up your body, you’ll also find that exercise is a safe way to deal with the stress that comes with being unemployed.
  2. Connect with family and friends. Take advantage of opportunities to hang out with those you love. Plan a weekend outing with your family to visit parks and free museums. Invite a friend to join you on your morning run.
  3. Appreciate nature. Enjoying the great outdoors can lift your spirits and boost your energy levels. Do some yard work. Take a nature hike on your own or bring your children along.
  4. Read more. When is the last time you read a book for pleasure? Expand your mind by catching up on fiction and nonfiction titles. Visit the library to borrow the latest bestsellers or classics that you loved as a child.
  5. Clean house. Neat and orderly surroundings help to fight anxiety. Clear away the clutter that’s been building up in your closets and garage. Scrub your bathroom floor and air out your mattresses.
  6. Review your budget. Take a close look at your finances. Look for ways to cut costs on entertainment or utilities. Try using your hobby to earn some money by becoming a Russian tutor or a part-time caterer.
  7. Practice your faith. Find comfort and strength in your spiritual practice. It can help you to deal with the emotional and economic consequences of being jobless. Browse online for churches and meditation centers in your neighborhood or build a shrine at home.

 

Things to Do for Your Career:

 

  1. Take a course. See what kinds of classes are available at your local community college or online universities. You could study coding or basic accounting.
  2. Build your portfolio. What would make your resume stand out? Interview a thought leader in your field, and publish your work online or in an industry publication. Produce an educational video and post it on YouTube.
  3. Volunteer your services. Giving back to your community can increase your self-esteem and make you more attractive to potential employers. Participate in fun runs and food drives. Contact a charity that interests you and discuss how you could help upgrade their database or write a quarterly newsletter. Still stumped? Try a volunteer aggregation site like Volunteer Match
  4. Polish your online presence. Do you wish your LinkedIn profile attracted more traffic? Makeover your digital identity by updating your accomplishments and taking down any unflattering photos.
  5. Explore your options. Maybe you want to continue in your field or maybe you’re interested in taking another route. Review your experience and contacts with an eye as to how they could help you transition your career.

 

While you want to stay on top of any activities that will bring you closer to your next position, there are many ways to find fulfillment while you’re waiting for that job offer. Use the time you spend unemployed to keep learning and growing in your personal and professional life.

 

If you’d like some help with finding some opportunities, check our Job Search Engine.

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Cannabis Jobs Are Now in 35 States

When considering what’s on the horizon for new jobs in the U.S., only the industrial or healthcare sectors come to mind.

But there’s a seeming darkhorse. The real and one of the biggest booms of the time is happening in the cannabis market. Cannabis jobs on the rise in the U.S. is not really a surprise. Truth be told, so many states are legalizing it. Five more in the November 2020 election. New Jobs are created when a change like this occurs, and instantly there are more opportunities for jobless people because a newly emerging industry like cannabis is going to put a lot of startups into significant positions.

Legalization of cannabis:

In America, only two-third of the states have legalized cannabis use. Still, it is the fastest-growing job market in the USA. Cannabis directly involves more than 210k people, and when those who are working or are related to the job market indirectly, the figure crosses 300,000. More than 44% increase was seen in New jobs last year, and it is expected to more and more with time. 

These are the actual numbers of 2019 new jobs count by cannabis information hub Leafly. We can imagine how fast-growing and how important this job market is for unemployed people. The concentration of cannabis jobs is higher and those states which have legalized the use of cannabis for both medicinal purposes and adult use. 

New Jobs opportunities cannabis market holds for Job seekers

As the stats show that it is a very booming time for the cannabis market, new startups are need of experts of various fields. If you do it by the rules, you can also make a promising career out of it. The cannabis market offers a lot of new jobs, and any job seeker can explore these newly emerging job opportunities.

These new jobs offer the opportunity for technical and professional workers like accountants, marketers, lab workers and tax experts. The median annual salary for these professionals is higher at $58,511, which is 11% higher than the average overall yearly median wage in the U.S. 

Even when the scheduling status at the federal level is one which is right next to the heroin and other drugs, it still is the market that is booming and creating new jobs. In 2018 according to statistics of Leafly, the legal sales and distribution increased by 34% in the U.S. It also shows how much potential the cannabis market holds and how big it will get is still not in the picture. 

Not just highly skilled professionals and top technicians are needed by the industry. More people are needed to work as delivery drivers, security and other positions. People with all education levels can find a job in the industry. A law stops the movement of jobs out of the states. It is considered a benefit of cannabis jobs because it also prevents cannabis from crossing state lines.

What’s next 

The stats are showing that the cannabis market growth is not stopping anytime soon. It is bound to create new cannabis jobs for some time. In the U.S. not long ago the cannabis use was illegal, and now 35 states allow cannabis for medicinal purposes. Some of those and others allow for adult recreational use as well. With new needs come those who fulfil those needs, and with it, the need for workforce grows. It eventually leads to new jobs creation. The stats are promising for the cannabis market. Those who understand the potential are making investments on a higher level. They will eventually reap the benefits of this rapidly growing market, maybe sooner than later. It’s all in the numbers. The cannabis market is expected to reach $35 Billion by 2025.

If you’d like some help with finding some opportunities, check our Job Search Engine.

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College – 8 Alternatives You Want to Know About

Go to school, get good grades, attend university, all so you can get the “good job”! Yeah… whatever!

Even before COVID-19 took 2020 off the rails, the current employment landscape no longer requires the traditional four year college degree to be successful. And let’s face it, going to college isn’t for everyone. It’s still possible to land a successful career path without spending the time and money to get a four-year undergrad degree. 

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), during the period between January and October of 2019, 66.2% of the 3.2 million 16 to 24-year-olds who graduated high school were enrolled in a college or university. That’s a fairly large number, but only a little more than half. Which means the remaining ones who weren’t enrolled in higher education is also a large number. 

If the whole idea of chasing an advanced degree for another four years isn’t your bag, then have a look at these alternatives.

Get a job

OK… let’ s get the obvious one out of the wayt. A significant number of career tracks don’t require any kind of degree at all—and many of them pay quite well. And since you don’t have to spend a penny on higher education for them, they’re even more attractive. Just a few of the options that you may not have considered: physical trainer, loan officer, insurance sales are all options straight out of high school. That’s not to say you won’t need some training or certification, none of which will take four years, and you’ll likely get paid to do it!

Seek out an apprenticeship or fellowship. 

Getting paid to get entry level real-world experience is perhaps the biggest appeal of getting a fellowship or apprenticeship position. They are an excellent way to kick start launching your career path. At a minimum, they’ll give you an idea of what working that field will look like if you decide to pursue it long term. Two resources that can help get you started are the U.S. Department of Labor website, apprenticeship.gov where you can learn more about apprenticeship programs for a wide range of occupations. Another option is profellow.com, which is a database of more than 1,300 fellowships from around the world. 

Volunteering

There are a myriad of options to volunteer, no further away than a quick web search. Most nearly any organization that you’re a good fit with will be glad to have you. While you’re volunteering, not only will you get the emotional satisfaction of giving back to the community, you might even discover some hidden talents you never knew you had. 

Enroll in community college

Here’s an idea… it’s possible to land a position with a six-figure salary with a two-year associate’s degree from a community college. Now that your interest is piqued…it’s true! A two-year degree and training at the Federal Aviation Administration academy can lead you to a position as an air traffic controller. The median wage for them is about $120,000 according to info from the BLS. A solid position for a short-term investment, that won’t break the bank in college tuition. 

Monetize a hobby

Something you’re already passionate about, a hobby or something you’re interested in to an even deeper level, can turn into a full-time money making career for you. This has become quite popular as the Internet has opened up so many opportunities.It has also served to level the playing field for a lot of people like artists, musicians, and photographers. You could even take to the level of launching an actual company.

Join the military

Statistics from Military.com show about 180,000 american young people enlist for active duty in the U.S. military each year. The bare minimum requirements are a high school diploma or equivalency (GED) and passing a physical examination. There are also a wide range of career options in the military beyond the obvious combat related positions, everything to support them is also available. Finance, supply and logistics, medical, equipment maintenance and logistics…the list goes on and on. All of these fields are available in all six branches of the military, the Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and Space Force. 

Go to a trade school

You’re not really into the whole suit-and-tie, carrying a brief case idea? Blue-collar jobs are a great alternative to the traditional college route. A trade school can be a great option to enter a solid, professional track. Electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, industrial inspectors or a long list of other options can be reached within a year and allow you to get started quickly. 

Take a gap year

Actually deciding to take some time off before entering the workforce can make you more attractive to a potential employer. Gaining the street and life experience from traveling the world and learning about other cultures can be a powerful asset. Check for yourself at the American Gap Association. They’re a non-profit that researches the impact and before of young people taking a gap year. An overwhelming number who did report that they acquired skills to help them succeed in their chosen field, made a significant impact or helped them decide what field they wanted to pursue.

If you need some help looking for some work options, check our search engine. 

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Seasonal Employment Options Are Still Available

With the right timing and a little sleuthing, you can find great seasonal employment to add some extra bucks to your holiday cash.

Even with COVID a variety of seasonal jobs are still available. The standard retail jobs may not be available, but tax season is just around the corner and other opportunities are out there.

You just need to be prepared and be professional. A lot of companies will have virtual recruiting events. Make sure you test your Internet connection and lighting and other details to make yourself look good on a video interview. You’ll need to make sure you have employment documentation, I-9 certification and the like to show that you’re able to work legally in the US. Another tip is don’t waste your time applying if you’re not going to treat it like a real job. Just because it’s a temp position doesn’t mean the employer will accept a half-effort. 

In fact, many of the seasonal jobs that are available at this time of year may start as part-time, but turn into full-time positions. So, make sure you dress professionally and appropriately just as though you’re interviewing for any other full-time position.

Make sure you know what you want in terms of schedule salary and work duties. You also need to make sure you’re able to articulate what you can offer the employer. Make sure you ask about the potential of converting to permanent.

Be flexible

A great way to stand out and put yourself at the top of the list is to make sure that you present yourself as being flexible and willing to work at what’s available. Being heavy-handed about a desired schedule will probably leave you with as many jobs as you walk into the interview with. This time of year is naturally busy so there may be multitasking and the ability to switch gears on the fly.

Several industries are hiring at this time of year. Here are just a few ideas to consider:

Retail —

Retails positions might include cashiers retail managers floor associates and now with Covid new positions like curbside pick up and store sanitizers.

Customer service

With more and more shopping being done online a lot of e-commerce companies I looking to boost their customer service staff. Many of these positions are remote work from the get-go.

Delivery companies

This time of year is always a good bet that UPS and FedEx will ramp up with people to help with the increasing package volume. It’s a fair bet that you can add Amazon to that list as well. In some cases you may not even need a drivers license.

Warehouse stocking and packaging

All of those online orders need to be picked and packed by someone so distribution centers and fulfillment jobs are another Seasonal employment jobs are out thereoption moving into the holidays.

HR administration and tax preparation

If jumping in the trenches isn’t your thing a lot of places may be looking for help with the hiring of temporary staff. And, since it’s the end of November already the beginning of 2020 tax season is just around the corner as well. Tax preparers will need help answering calls scheduling appointments data entry completing paperwork the other administrative assignments.

Temp Work

Temp work can be interesting because often times it’s used to fill in for employees were on vacation or otherwise unable to work. So, the seasonal employees are kind of like the second string to jump in at a moments notice. One cool thing about working as a temp is the potential variety of workplace locations.

Even if you’re not looking for something that can translate to long term, there are some great seasonal employment opportunities available. A little time invested could yield some substantial holiday cash.

If you’re in the market for something, check our own Job Search Engine

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Interview Tip: This 1 Thing Is A BIG Plus

Thanking your interviewer could make the difference.

So…you’ve applied! You submitted your resume and got the call! Now you just need to pass the interview and get the job! Taking a moment for an extra step AFTER the interview could just be the missing link. Many officers and senior enlisted do this interview tip…it can get you hired!

Putting in the time to thank an interviewer after a job interview with a thank you letter, note, or email is not just good interview etiquette, it also strengthens your interest in the position.

Sending a thank you note can provide you an edge over other candidates who may disregard to do so. In fact recruiters love getting thank-you notes, but only report receiving them 24% of the time.

What Your Thank You Note Accomplishes

Your thank you note can be a space to deal with any concerns or issues that turned up during the interview. Too, you can consider your thank you letter a follow-up sales pitch. In it, you can restate why you desire the job, summarize your credentials, share how you might make contributions to the organization, and so on. It’s an opportunity to remind job interviewers why you’re the very best prospect for the job.

Your thank you letter is also the best opportunity to talk about anything of significance that you didn’t address as completely as you would have liked throughout the job interview.

Keep in mind, though that your thank you keep in mind should be quick and to the point. A number of short paragraphs are plenty. Remember it’s not how much you write, it’s just doing it that makes interviewers rave about this single action!

If you’re not exactly sure how to compose a letter thanking your interviewer, put in the time to evaluate some sample thank you letters, thank you notes, and thank you email messages. This single interview tip can get you hired.

Usage Key Facts From the Interview in Your Thank You

There are a couple of crucial facts you’ll require to remove from your interview, so you can get your thank you letter right.

First and most significantly, you’ll need to understand who interviewed you. What was her name and how is it properly spelled? Does she pass a more formal name on her company card? What was her title? This is where exchanging organization cards is handy.

If you don’t have service cards or for some reason that exchange didn’t happen, inspect the business directory or website to obtain this info. The information might also be available from e-mails sent out prior to the interview.

Others might have entered the interview room briefly or joined you for a tour of the office or facility. It is good to exchange business cards with them too. You can mention them in your note to your primary interviewer. Depending upon the length of time you invested with them, you may want to send out those individuals a thank you note also.

It never hurts to be top of mind for multiple people at the company with which you are interviewing. You never ever truly know who will lobby for you to be the leading choice. Be sure they have your contact details on your card and send them a thank you letter if you feel it is suitable. At any rate this interview tip is a winner.

You might also wish to take a mental note of what you liked best about the workplace, and any pastimes or interests you shared with the recruiter. These can make good additions to personalize your thank you note, and maximize the effect of this interview tip.

What’s the Best Option: Sending Email, A Printed Note, or Handwritten Card?

In bygone days, only a composed card or letter would do. However these days an e-mail is appropriate as a thank you for a job interview. But remember not to be too informal– use formal titles and proper salutation and signature.

A typed and signed letter is also excellent and even a handwritten card might be a great touch depending on the job interviewer and the type of job you requested.

No matter how you make up and send your note, make sure to proofread it, and look for any spelling mistakes or typos. A simple mistake might be a big strike against you.

The best part about using an e-mail is speed and precision of delivery. While any type of interaction can go astray, if you have actually already exchanged e-mails you can be sure your thank you note will be received by the job interviewer. A printed note or card can be more individual in touch however might take longer to reach the interviewer, especially in a larger business with a huge mailroom where pieces of mail exchange lots of hands.

When to Send Your Message

But while email can be sent out immediately, it’s best to wait for at least half a work day before sending it. If your interview took place in the afternoon, send it out the next early morning. If your interview was in the morning, send your note near the end of the workday.

Here’s a quick recap:

ALWAYS SEND INTERVIEWERS A THANK YOU NOTE.

It’s good manners, and likewise a chance to make the case for your candidacy yet once again. And of course interviewers rave about this single interview tip!

KEEP YOUR NOTE SHORT.

Do not let your message drag on. Keeping it to one or two points in addition to revealing your appreciation to the job interviewer.

GET A BUSINESS CARDS DURING YOUR INTERVIEW.

That method, you’ll have contact info easily offered.

PROOFREAD CAREFULLY.

Read your note numerous times to avoid spelling mistakes and typos.

 

Check our Career Search Engine for positions you haven’t thought of, And, our blog for more tips and timely information to help you succeed!

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