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A Virtual Assistant Can Change Your Business

Modern Rules for Working With a Virtual Assistant

 

Virtual assistants are one of the relatively few industries that have benefited from the pandemic. While restaurants and exercise studios shuttered their doors, remote work grew by leaps and bounds.

 

One poll found that 70% of virtual assistants reported an increase in inbound inquiries, and 45% increased their hourly workload in 2020. Labor statistics showed a 41% increase in the hiring of virtual assistants through offshore agencies, and many agencies increased their staff to keep up with demand.

 

If you’re exploring remote support, you have more options now. However, you may need guidance to sort through your choices. Brush up on the modern rules for working with a virtual assistant.

 

Hiring a Virtual Assistant:

 

  1. Consult an agency. Hiring decisions can have a big impact on your business, so you may feel more comfortable using an agency if you lack experience. For a fee, they’ll find appropriate candidates and conduct interviews.
  2. Do it yourself. On the other hand, you can save money by managing the process yourself. Browse business publications and websites for tips on writing a job posting, interviewing online, and checking references.
  3. Use online platforms. Many virtual assistants offer their services through companies like Upwork and Fiverr. You may need to sift through hundreds of applicants, but you can find help quickly when you need it.
  4. Search locally. Your virtual assistant may live on another continent or down the street. Use local job boards and word of mouth if you want someone close to home.
  5. Think ahead. However you hire, keep your future needs in mind. Look for candidates who may be able to take on more responsibility and help you grow your business.

 

Working with a Virtual Assistant:

 

  1. Clarify expectations. Misunderstandings can arise among colleagues in the same office. Imagine what it’s like working with someone without any face-to-face contact. Be specific about required tasks and goals. Set boundaries related to spending limits and confidential information.
  2. Document procedures. How-to manuals and video tutorials can explain routine duties and complex assignments. Ask your virtual assistant to write up any new responsibilities to keep your library up to date.
  3. Invest in tools. Technology will make collaboration easier. Shop for software that lets you edit documents and manage projects.
  4. Communicate regularly. Staying in touch may require a more deliberate strategy when you don’t run into each other in the hallways and breakroom. Schedule effective one-on-one meetings at least once a week. Discuss the best way to reach you with urgent and nonurgent communications.
  5. Encourage questions. New hires may feel pressured to appear competent. Let them know that you’re happy to answer questions when anything is unclear.
  6. Provide feedback. Constructive criticism is essential for learning and high performance. Make your comments prompt, specific, and actionable.
  7. Start small. Virtual assistants need onboarding too. If time allows, introduce them gradually to their new role and help them to connect with the bigger picture. Make their first assignment something simple that they can excel at.
  8. Respect their time. Maybe your virtual assistant has limited availability or you’re one of several clients. Make the most of your time together by being prepared for the hours they spend with you.
  9. Build morale. Team spirit has more to do with the quality of your relationship rather than sharing the same business address. Create a welcoming environment and promote two-way conversations. Give your new assistant their own company email and send them a coffee cup with your logo.

 

Your new virtual assistant could save you time and enable you to focus on tasks that maximize your strengths. Make your relationship happy and productive by choosing an outstanding candidate for the job and helping each other to succeed.

If you’re looking for something more traditional, or unique for yourself, check our Job Search Engine.

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Workplace Diversity Pros and Cons

Is Workplace Diversity Worth It? Here Are A Few Pros and Cons.

Right now the workforce in the United States includes more than 25 million people who are foreign-born. And, in less than 30 years some data suggest that the United States will become a truly pluralistic nation with no single segment of the population holding a majority. This is the face of what is to come, and if you expect to succeed and compete on this new playing field, you and your company need to have a good look at the pros and cons of workplace diversity.

Pro: Financial Results Improvement

Many studies have shown that companies with higher degrees of diversity on their teams tend to show more profitability than others. Publicly traded companies were the focus of a report by consulting firm McKinsey & Company in 2015. Most notable was 35 percent more likelihood of financial success by those companies with the most epic and racial diversity in their management structure. 

Pro: Competitive on a Global Scale

Foreign owned companies employ a large percentage of the overall American workforce. In today’s global economy the Fortune 500 list of companies consistently features foreign owned companies near the top. To effectively compete on the global stage, companies must seek out diverse workforces who mirror the diverse population and points of view they serve. To effectively compete on the global stage, companies must seek out diverse workforces who mirror the diverse population in points of view they serve.

 

Pro: Decision-Making Based on Facts

An often overlooked by-product of diverse organizations is that they tend to focus on facts in their decision making process.  examining and re-examining facts, in order to remain objective, these groups shy away from old ways of thinking. This results in better decision making for their company. Homogeneous groups have more difficulty identifying biases than their non-homogeneous counterparts, who are able to move past bias in the business decision process. 

Pros: Innovation and Creativity

An old saying goes something like repeating the same activity over and over will produce the same results. So, in business the same approaches to management sales products and the like will yield the same results, unless something is done to interrupt the pattern. Believe it or not, this is due to a lack of diversity. when a group of people approach challenges or problems from different perspectives however, more creative solutions will develop. Diversity supports market growth and fosters innovation.

 

Advantage: Cross-Cultural Understanding

While “birds of a feather flock together“ may be all warm and fuzzy, as global diversity increases, cross cultural understanding helps create better working conditions and builds international understanding. Instead of sticking to the prejudice and misconceptions which have been prevalent here for, diverse workforces enhance the working environment and improve outward looking results for their organizations.

 

Con: Transitioning Challenges

If the potential benefit of diversification is just making its way into view for your company, you will certainly encounter challenges when creating your new diverse work environment. Older ideas and entrenched habits will certainly present challenges while bringing conflict and increased tension among the team. Clashing cultures may create instances of misunderstanding of meanings. Something may be highly disrespectful to one culture when it is a joke in another. The most important element to launch your venture into workplace diversity is the buy-in of management and a sound educational approach for the rest of the company, in order to be successful.

 

Con: Financial Impact in the Short-Term 

 

You may already have experience in the area of accommodation in the workplace if you’ve been in business for some time. Similar to the way the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) brought a sea of change to many companies with some financial impact, diversity will also require some flexibility and initial cost outlay. Here’s one example; Muslim workers need a space for daily prayer. Transgender or non-binary employees need their own changing and/or restrooms. Simply, as your diversity increases, there may be unanticipated costs along the way. 

 

Even though the transition to creating a more diverse workplace has its challenges, companies across the country and around the world are still making their moves to diversity. In the long run the effort and investment are proving to show their value, while the results provide both financial and moral rewards.

Opportunities with workplace diversity and inclusion in mind are on our Job Search Engine.

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A Diverse Workforce Is More Than an Idea

A diverse workforce is more than a idea you hear about at human resource training.

 

Workplace diversity isn’t just an image on a flyer or poster in the break room. You know the one showing the happy go lucky team of coworkers, from various ethnic groups and a wide range of ages, all looking like they’ve been best friends for years. It’s an idea, a concept, that you’d likely never be able to fully comprehend independently.

At the same time it’s not an award, like a plaque to hang on the wall in the HR department. It’s a vital and necessary part of your business culture and can actually help your business survive as the world becomes more and more connected. A world where workers of all genders, abilities, races and ages are making monumental achievements not for themselves but as a reflection of their pride in the organizations in which they work. 

When people from a variety of different backgrounds work in a comfortable environment, a natural byproduct is a workplace with a high value on respecting others. People hired into this environment will have an easier time recognizing the talents and strengths of others who are different from themselves.

Another result of this type of environment is the mutual respect needed for conflict resolution and other situations where it is an absolute necessity in order to achieve the most desirable outcome.

Diversity looks good from far away

When you have a workplace with effective conflict resolution and a general atmosphere of mutual respect, chances are your business will garner a decent reputation. When your community connections and recruiting efforts – not just the flyers and posters in the breakroom – show a commitment to diversity, it’s a fair bet that outside organizations will hold yours in much higher regard. When you are hiring, and your business is known for its commitment to having a diverse workforce, your candidate pool will grow, simply from the increased interest in open positions.

Diverse talent pools have taken the lead as priority policy for a variety of companies. During an interview with OneWire, Edith Hunt, former Chief Diversity Officer at Goldman Sachs put it this way:

“We’ve made huge strides in terms of [diversity] numbers, but not as much as we need to get to. So our recruiting efforts, our retention efforts, our career advancement efforts as it relates to women, people from underrepresented racial groups, LGBT people, and people with physical disabilities will continue to be an important pillar of talent management activity at Goldman and of other fine firms.”

 

What are some of the most recognizable effects of diversity?

Organizations with work forces with a high level of diversity, show significant increases in the areas of employee retention and productivity. Likewise, the overall combined experience and know-how of such a diverse workforce can enhance community relationships, improve the company’s abilities in customer relations, have a positive impact on creativity and provide a boost in its ability to adapt and deal with significant changes to the overall organization. What about lasting impact?

Significantly important to any organization’s long-term survival, is its ability to solve problems effectively. The variety of perspectives from a diverse workforce is a primary component of this. As part of OneWire’s CEO interview series, Seán McCarthy, CEO of Build America Mutual, a municipal bond insurer, explained why he sees diversity as a critical element of his business:

“I think it’s important to have a diverse group of talented people that bring different points of view to the table when you’re doing credit analysis. If you have everybody who thinks the same way and has the same background, you’ll miss the same issue every time.”

Workforce diversity needs to be a top priority, especially in today’s market when more people than ever before have access to, as an example, finance jobs like this one and others listed on our Job Search Engine. Keeping diversity in mind when hiring, will help you build a more productive and efficient team.

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Improve Productivity and Well-Being with 8 Simple Steps

You’ve possibly been missing out on the best productivity tip ever!

 

It’s quite possible that this is the best kept secret to help improve productivity. There are many well-known people from history that were famous for taking naps, including Thomas Edison and Mark Twain. Many people take naps, but many more do not. A common complaint of the non-napping is that of grogginess upon awakening. There are two solutions for this: Nap for a shorter period of time and practice.

 

A quick nap avoids the deeper stage of sleep that leaves you feeling worse than you did before. With experience, your body will learn to not only accommodate a nap, but to welcome it.

 

Napping is a quick and easy way to refresh your body and mind. Increased productivity is the result. You’ll get more done over the course of your day if you include a quick nap. Your evening will be more productive, too.

 

Try these ideas to incorporate a short nap into your schedule:

 

1. Naps don’t need to be long to provide great results. Even short, 15-20 minutes naps have been shown to invigorate people that need a break.

 

  • It’s been reported that the famous artist, Salvador Dali, would sleep in a chair with a spoon in his hand. When he fell asleep, the spoon would drop from his hand and hit a metal pan on the floor, waking him up. He claimed this was the perfect length nap.

2. Make yourself comfortable. This might mean taking off your tie, loosening your belt, and removing your shoes. It only takes a few seconds and will help to ensure a productive nap.

 

3. It’s not necessary to even fall asleep. There’s little doubt that falling asleep for a few minutes is better than not sleeping at all. However, lying down, closing your eyes, and relaxing your body and mind can still have benefits even if you don’t fall asleep.

  • Empty your mind and simply relax.

4. Use an alarm. It’s hard to really relax if you’re afraid of oversleeping. Set the alarm on your cell phone and fall asleep with a clear mind. If you’re especially worried, consider two alarms.

5. If you have the time, experiment with longer naps. If your situation allows it, try sleeping for 30 minutes or more. Pay attention to how you feel after naps of varying lengths. Many people find that napping beyond a certain length of time leaves them feeling sluggish and groggy.

6. If one nap is good, maybe two (or three) is even better. Experiment with multiple naps. Some people never sleep for extended periods of time and take several longer naps instead.

7. Upon awakening, stretch, have a drink of water, and start with simple activities. It might take a few minutes to become 100% awake.

  • Filing papers, taking a short walk, and listening to voicemails are all good tasks after a nap, and will help improve productivity immediately.

8. Learn to recognize when a nap is needed. The signs will be different for everyone, but some common signs are fatigue, difficulty focusing, and irritability. If you’re feeling off, a quick nap might be a great solution.

You might believe that you aren’t suited to napping, but nearly everyone will benefit from a short nap or two during the day. The key is to keep the nap short and give your mind and body the chance to adapt. Give napping an honest effort before determining that it’s not for you.

 

You will improve productivity, and your day will be more enjoyable. You might find yourself doing more around the house in the evenings, too! Give napping a chance. It will not only improve productivity, but perk up your overall quality of life in multiple ways.

 

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

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Too Many Meetings? 13 Ways To Cut Down

A Foolproof Formula for Cutting Down on Excessive Meetings

 

Since we’ve transitioned to so many work from home employees, meetings on Zoom, Citrix and every other platform have exploded. So many meetings can have an effect on your productivity. Are you unable to complete your work because meetings are eating up your time? One study found that the average senior manager spends as much as 23 hours of their week in scheduled meetings. The figures are even higher if you add in the impromptu gatherings that occur in most workplaces.

 

There are logical reasons for why meetings tend to multiply. They provide an opportunity to collaborate and learn from each other.

 

However, when they start to feel overwhelming or pointless, they may actually lower morale and productivity.

 

Imagine what your workday would be like if meetings were less frequent and more productive. Try these suggestions for transforming your approach to meetings.

 

Making Meetings Less Frequent:

 

  1. Consult your boss. There are steps you can take on your own to cut down on meetings. However, you’ll probably make more progress if you work as a team. Ask your boss if they’re interested in developing an overall strategy.
  2. Clear the calendar. Do you attend weekly meetings whose origins are shrouded in mystery? It may be time to start from the ground up. Review each recurring meeting to ensure that it still serves a valid purpose.
  3. Call first. Make a quick phone call to see if you can resolve the relevant issues before asking your colleagues to attend a meeting. You could also try handling it on your own or asking another employee for assistance.
  4. Create meeting-free days. Take a day off from the conference room. Some companies have made a commitment to at least one day without meetings each week. This gives employees more time for tasks that benefit from deeper thought and fewer distractions.
  5. Opt out. If you’re tactful about it, you may be able to turn down meeting invitations without causing any friction. Explain your conflict and propose an alternative like using project management tools or creating internal reference materials. It also helps to have a supportive boss.

 

Making Meetings More Productive:

 

  1. Prepare an agenda. Keep your meeting on track by circulating a written agenda. It will provide a sense of direction and help participants to stick to the main subject.
  2. Limit attendance. Most experts believe that meetings are more effective when they’re limited to about 8 participants. Larger groups often experience more difficulties with communication and decision making.
  3. Shorten the time frame. Why schedule an hour-long meeting when 45 minutes will suffice? Having less time encourages greater focus and fewer conversations about items unrelated to the agenda.
  4. Finish early. Give your colleagues an incentive to be concise. Make it a habit to end meetings ahead of time when the work is completed.
  5. Stand up. Try conducting some of your meetings standing up or walking around. You’ll be less likely to want to linger on a cushioned seat because you’re sleepy. You may also think and speak more clearly when you’re on your feet.
  6. Ban browsing. Do you want to join the ranks of companies that prohibit phones and other devices from meetings? On the other hand, you may be satisfied with a policy for muting phones and using devices only for tasks relevant to the meeting.
  7. Upgrade your technology. Then again, some technology may enhance your meetings. Use video conference calls and screen sharing applications to keep things interesting and accomplish more in less time.
  8. Provide leader training. Talk with your employer about providing training for employees who conduct meetings. It may help you to build morale and achieve your objectives.

 

Meetings can encourage collaboration and strengthen professional relationships. Work with your employer to ensure that your meetings are essential and successful.

 

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

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7 Tips to Help Spot If You’re a Professional or an Amateur?

“How you do anything, is how you do everything”

The way we behave in our personal lives will almost universally affect how we behave in our work lives. 

Well, which are you? A professional shows up every day and does the necessary work. An amateur does not. Even your hobbies can be approached in a professional manner. However, being a pro doesn’t have to mean that you’re obsessed and spend every possible moment and thought on your objective.

 

Being professional means that you take it seriously, spend your time and energy appropriately, do what needs to be done, and avoid allowing less important things to interfere.

 

A high school student can be a pro or an amateur at school. A pro would attend class regularly, have their homework done on time, start studying for tests early, and spend some time studying each night.

 

An amateur student would daydream, study at the last minute, and only complete some of the homework. A pro student wouldn’t go out the night before a big test. An amateur would.

 

Are you treating your career and relationship like a pro or like an amateur?

 

Pros outperform amateurs over time, every time:

 

  1. A professional sticks to a schedule. An amateur works when he feels “inspired.” If you only work when you feel like it, you’ll never be successful. Whether you’re writing a book, training for a marathon, or starting a business, it’s important to do what needs to be done and do it each day. A professional does this. An amateur does not.

 

  1. Professionals have priorities. Amateurs have priorities, but they have a different set of priorities. Professionals make their work a priority. Amateurs make comfort a priority. The high school quarterback that spends each evening looking at game film has a different priority than the quarterback that would rather play video games.

 

  1. Professionals expect, and deal with, discomfort effectively. Pros know that most of what they have to do doesn’t involve sunshine and unicorns. But they do it anyway. Amateurs want to have fun and lose their motivation quickly if the task is unenjoyable.

 

Are you acting like a professional, or dooming yourself to mediocrity as an amateur?

 

Anyone can become a pro. And you can become a pro at anything you choose. You can be a pro at being a dog owner or caring for your lawn. There isn’t time to be a pro at everything, so choose wisely.

 

Become a pro and leave the amateur world behind:

 

  1. Identify the most important tasks. What you’re trying to master will determine the most relevant behaviors. For example, if you’re a real estate broker, your list might look like this:

 

  • Market myself by ranking my website – write industry-related articles and acquire backlinks from real estate authority sites.
  • Acquire new clients – cold call expired listings and knock on doors.

 

  1. Make a schedule. When will you perform these tasks? How many times will you repeat them each day? Determine when and how often. Make a schedule that uses your time wisely and effectively. One cold-call each week won’t accomplish much. Making a cold-call in the middle of the night won’t gain you any fans, either.
  2. Stick to it. This is the real difference between a pro and an amateur. Whether you feel like doing the work or not, you’ll do it if you’re a pro. A pro just does what needs to be done.
  3. Evaluate other decisions by how they affect your area of concentration. Making a fool out of yourself in public won’t do much for your political career or your climb up the corporate ladder. An all-night party won’t help your attempts to secure a tennis scholarship. A pro considers how any decision impacts his area of expertise and his goals.

 

It’s time to take yourself seriously and go pro. Real success requires commitment to do the things that others aren’t willing to do consistently. Choose to handle your important business like a pro. You’ll never have to worry about competing with the amateurs.

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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An Employer Says You’re Overqualified 12 Things You Want to Know

Imagine someone refusing to date you because you’re too kind and beautiful. Yet, when you’re job hunting, you may run into employers who tell you that you’re overqualified for the position.

 

How can you keep your impressive credentials and extensive experience from working against you? Follow these steps designed to help overqualified candidates land a job offer.

 

Applying for Jobs When You’re Overqualified

 

Hiring managers may toss your resume as soon as they see your executive titles or advanced degree. Be proactive about addressing common concerns, starting with your first contact.

 

These strategies will help you land an interview:

 

  1. Research openings. Be selective about where you apply. Look for companies with a track record of hiring employees with future needs in mind. If possible, target companies and positions where you’re likely to find engaging work.
  2. Pick a reason. There are many reasons for considering a somewhat junior position. Maybe you’re relocating or trying to break into a new industry. In any case, focus on your primary motivation and why it makes you a good match for your new employer.
  3. Edit your resume. You can be authentic while choosing which areas of your background to highlight or downplay. Simplify your language and omit irrelevant certifications and awards.
  4. Suggest staying power. Many HR departments will wonder how long you’ll stick around before finding a more attractive opportunity. Assure them that they’re not wasting their resources. Spell out your desire for a position with long term possibilities.
  5. Compromise on compensation. Similarly, there may be concerns about your salary requirements. Let them know that you’re flexible, even if that means taking a significant cut compared to your previous earnings.
  6. Consult your network. Do you have contacts who are familiar with the organization or prominent in the industry? They may be willing to give you valuable information and recommend you as a candidate worth hiring.

Interviewing for Jobs When You’re Overqualified

 

Congratulations on getting this far in the process. Now, you can sell yourself to your potential employer, so they’ll see your capabilities as an asset rather than an obstacle.

 

Try these techniques:

 

  1. Show enthusiasm. Being arrogant or demanding will make a poor impression. Let employers know that you’re excited about the possibility of working with them and eager to make a genuine contribution.
  2. Describe tasks. Be specific when you’re discussing your past responsibilities and how they correspond to your new role. Show employers that you understand their expectations and feel comfortable with them.
  3. Explore growth potential. Some companies may be open to upgrading a position for a candidate who can take on additional responsibilities. Listen to their needs so you can propose appropriate solutions. Maybe you can generate additional income or train and mentor other team members.
  4. Reassure rivals. What if your new boss has less experience than you or seems to view you as unwelcome competition? Tell stories that show you value learning from others and can take direction.
  5. Try it out. Many companies want a new hire to stay on the payroll so they can recoup their investment. However, there are also situations where a shorter time frame may be mutually beneficial. You might work on one project on a contract basis and see where the relationship goes from there.
  6. Stay positive. Job hunting is often filled with rejections, whether you’re overqualified or struggling to gain experience. Seek support from family, friends, and job clubs. Take care of your mental and physical health. Remember that your efforts will pay off if you persevere.

 

Be prepared to dispel misperceptions and doubts when an employer says you’re overqualified. Find a company that will appreciate your potential and give you the opportunity to take on new challenges.

And, if you’d like some help with finding some opportunities you may be qualified for, 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.

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What if your politics conflict with your boss?

What if you and your boss don’t see eye to eye when it comes to politics?

Like oil and water… 

Discussing politics in the workplace is not generally a good practice. Unless of course you actually work in politics. But that’s another story. Just in case you do fall on the opposite side of  the political views held by the higher-ups, here are a few tips to help you steer clear of any pitfalls.

It’s not entirely out of the question  that your boss’s political views clash with yours. But you know what the important thing is? The significant thing is how you deal with the situation when your boss has some political views contrary to yours. However, it isn’t highly recommended that you share your political opinions at the workplace. But anyhow, you need to know about it to efficiently tackle the condition where politics tries to collide with your career. We are here to give you some pieces of advice that you should follow to calm your boss down when politics ignites the fire between you and your boss. Without any further delay, let’s have a look!

Stay away from contradictions of politics:

The best practice to avoid any mishap in the workplace is to keep yourself away from any statements and discussions that can lead to contentious exchanges in the first place. It is totally okay to have some opposite political views to your boss. Still, we recommend you not to be a part of such discussions in which politics are being discussed. Don’t let your personal views hurt anyone, and don’t let anyone else’s political views hurt your emotions. And the best way to avoid it is to avoid conversations where politics is the topic of discussion.

Be patient while discussing political topics:

Sometimes, a situation comes up and you just want to explode with a response to prove your views right. But that’s the time when you have to be patient. You always have to keep one thing in mind that you are an employee. It can be harmful to your career if you have a conflict with your boss. So, no matter what the situation is, you have to be patient so that your politics can never be a hurdle for your promotion.

Mind your manners:

Communication is the only way to win the heart or to lose it. Keep a thing in mind that a successful career depends on better communication. You must have the guts to deliver your point of view in such a way that no one can object to it. You don’t need to politics at work can be a bad ideaquote great men’s sayings. But i helps to have facts and actual data to prove your point. Don’t add fuel to the fire by adding rude and impudent statements about your boss’s favorite political leader; instead, you should share your views in a better way and accept their rights of having contrary political views.

Recognize your position at the workplace:

If you want to avoid any conflict with your boss at the workplace, don’t forget it’s still work. Keep one thing in mind that only some close employees may be allowed to discuss politics with their boss. If you don’t stand in that close employee’s list, you may just want to  avoid discussing politics at work altogether. It is natural to have contrary views about politics. Common sense says keep quiet at first. So, think before engaging your mouth. And if you see the situation getting worse, just leave the discussion on a happy note.

 

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