Tag: Job

Easy Tips on How to find Perfect Employees for Your Small Business

As a small business owner, finding the right employees can be a daunting task. With limited resources and a tight budget, it is essential to hire individuals who can bring value to your business. Here are a few tips for finding the right employees for your small business.

Start with a clear job description

A clear and detailed job description is the foundation for finding the right employees. It should include all the essential qualifications, skills, experience, and responsibilities for the role. By creating a comprehensive job description, you will attract candidates who are a good fit for the job and have the skills and experience needed to succeed in the role. Additionally, be sure to highlight the unique aspects of your small business that make it an attractive place to work.

Use your network

Your personal and professional networks can be valuable resources for finding potential candidates. Reach out to people you know who work in your industry or who have connections in your community. They may be able to recommend someone who is a good fit for the job or spread the word about your open position to their contacts. Consider attending networking events to meet new people and expand your network.

Attend job fairs

Job fairs are a great way to meet potential candidates and promote your small business. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your company culture and the unique benefits of working for a small business. Be sure to have marketing materials available and be prepared to answer questions about your company and the job openings.

Offer employee referral incentives

Encourage your current employees to refer qualified candidates by offering incentives such as bonuses or extra vacation days. Your current employees are likely to have connections in your industry and can be a valuable resource for finding potential candidates.

Post job listings

There are many job listing websites, social media platforms, and local job boards where you can advertise your job openings. Be sure to include all relevant details about the job, including compensation, hours, and location. You may also want to consider using targeted ads on social media platforms to reach a specific audience. These ads also attract people who are looking for a temporary job, so you can consider them as well. Still, if you go in this direction, you might want to stick to temporary job agencies that will help you even more and let you find the best candidates possible.

Conduct thorough interviews

Thorough interviews are essential for finding the right employees. Take the time to ask open-ended questions that allow candidates to share their experience and skills. Be sure to ask questions that assess the candidate’s technical skills as well as their soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Consider soft skills

While technical skills and experience are essential, soft skills are equally important for success in any small business environment. Look for candidates who have strong communication skills, are team players, and can think creatively to solve problems. These skills are crucial for building a positive work environment and contributing to the success of your small business.

Look for someone who shares your values

Hire candidates who share your company’s values and culture. This will ensure they are a good fit with your team and will be motivated to contribute to the success of your small business. Look for candidates who are passionate about your industry, excited about the opportunity to work for your company, and align with your company’s mission and values.

Check references

Always check references before making a job offer. This will give you valuable insights into the candidate’s work history and performance. Contact the candidate’s previous employers or colleagues to learn more about their work ethic, communication skills, and ability to work with others.

Be transparent

Be transparent with candidates about the job responsibilities, compensation, and expectations for the role. This will help you attract candidates who are genuinely interested in the job and excited about the opportunity to work for your small business. Be clear about the benefits of working for a small business, such as the potential for growth and the opportunity to make a significant impact on the company’s success.

Finding the right employees for your small business requires time, effort, and careful consideration. By following these tips, you can attract qualified candidates who will help your small business thrive. Remember that hiring the right employees is one of the most important investments you can make in your small business. The right employees will help you build a positive work environment, increase productivity, and contribute to the success of your company. It’s important to keep in mind that finding the right employees is not a one-size-fits-all approach. You may need to experiment with different methods to find what works best for your small business.

New Year New You: How to Make a Career Change in The New Year

In theory, the purpose of your career is to allow you to make money. For the majority of people, this is not the case. For many people, their work is their passion, and they reach the highest level of self-actualization through their professional accomplishments. Second, you simply spend too much time in your workplace. About 8-10 hours every single day, which means that you’ll end up spending a huge chunk of your life at work. Can you really afford to spend so much of your life doing something that doesn’t fulfill you?

Moreover, if you’re unhappy at work, you won’t be able to leave this sentiment at the office when you leave home. Instead, your personal life will suffer as well. People you care about the most will also be the victims of your bad career choice and your reluctance to make a change. It is another powerful reason to consider turning things around.

Making a decision to change something is a huge deal, which is why some people want to have a start that carries symbolism. What better way to achieve this than to turn a new page in a new year? With all of this in mind and without further ado, here are some tips to help you make a career change in the new year.

Understand the Situation

Before you make such a major decision (and make no mistake, making a career change is a huge decision), you need to be 100% sure that this is necessary. First of all, you need to try and figure out whether you are really unhappy with your work or if you’re just burned out. You might also be happy with the nature of work but unhappy with your income.

In either of these two cases, the shift is more of restructuring than changing your entire career path. In other words, the problem would be solved by reducing your workload, changing firms, or renegotiating these terms and conditions of your employment. It might be something that a simple raise or promotion can solve. While this is not minor, compared to other changes that you would have to make, things are quite simple and straightforward from this perspective.

Second, just knowing that you don’t want to do something is not as effective as knowing what you would rather do instead. So, try roleplaying a scenario in which you would quit your current job. What would your ideal future employment be? Better yet, make a list of several options and try to find one that’s the most feasible.

Getting Qualified

While we’re talking about a new career in 2022, it is quite unrealistic to expect that you can just make a lateral movement without any prior preparation. Building a career is a multiple-step process, which is why you need to take your time and build up your knowledge base, resume, and experience in the field.

Fortunately, in the digital era, gaining some industry-specific experience is not that difficult. For instance, by being a virtual assistant, you will get to handle a lot of administrative tasks instead of being an entrepreneur or manager. At one point, when it’s your time to take over their responsibilities, you won’t have that much trouble adapting. Sure, the responsibility will be a lot higher, but the administrative side of the business will be, more or less, the same.

You might want to consider the fact that, in this line of work, you might also need some specific qualifications. However, the majority of certificates will require you to take a course (some of which will take weeks and months of your time). Therefore, you need to start as early as possible.

How Far Are You Willing to Go?

Now, the biggest thing you need to understand is that this is going to take some self-sacrifice. You might have to move for work if that’s the case, how far are you willing to go? Are you willing to go to a different city, state, or country (possibly even one with the official language that you don’t currently speak)?

Chances are that during the first period in this career, you’ll make less than you’re making currently. No, this is not just a logistical setback. It’s a change of lifestyle (even quality of life) for a longer period of time. If you have a family, you will impose this on them, as well. However, the thing is that you don’t have to turn a new page on your own. Making a New Year’s Resolution as a couple or as a family can be even better. This way, there will be a lot of mutual encouragement going around.

You must also think about the long-term commitment. When it comes to money, for instance, even if you do like the idea of a certain occupation, how long are you going to stay passionate about it if it continuously fails to provide you with the quality of life that you believe you deserve? Remember that this will change a lot, and it is vital that you understand what you’re signing up for.

Remember that if your current career is depleting you emotionally, you might want to take some downtime. Sure, you have future career options worth pursuing but taking some time off to recharge your batteries is usually a solid plan. Still, remember that taking a break between jobs is like taking a long sleep. If you take too long, you risk waking up even more tired.

Networking Is a Priority

Making a network of contacts, even amongst people you currently believe you’ll never need, is essential for success in any given field. These are the people who can recommend you, mention potential opportunities that you would otherwise miss, and enrich your professional life, in general.

Still, how do you make professional contacts? Believe it or not, networking is not an innate trait. It’s a skill like any other, a skill that you can train, develop, and mold to fit your industry. One of the ways to progress on this path is to look up materials like How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. Here, you’ll learn how to give people your full attention, how to actively listen, and how to make people feel good while you’re around.

Networking also requires the right opportunity. This means attending events where you can meet and mingle with the right people. Courses (that we’ve mentioned earlier) are one such opportunity. Conferences, industry-relevant events, seminars, etc., are also quite handy in this regard.

Adopt a Winner’s Mindset

Keep in mind that you’re making decisions and plans that will be incredibly hard to execute. Therefore, you need all the extra help you can get. Learning how to master your life and be more disciplined can change everything.

For instance, dropping bad habits, exercising regularly, properly hydrating, and getting a good night’s sleep every night can make you feel better and think clearer. This will boost your endurance, mental resilience, and even cognitive abilities, all of which are necessary for a successful career change.

Most importantly, establishing a healthy work-life balance early on and getting the support you need can make a world of difference. Sacrificing your personal life for the sake of your career might make you demoralized. You need to keep a perspective of why you’re doing all that you do, and this is the way to get it.

In Conclusion

Making a career change is a major decision, seeing as how it will affect your quality of life, how you spend the majority of your working days, and much more. Therefore, it’s not a decision that you should make lightly. Once you do make it, however, you have to go all the way. Working out the logistics around it can make this task a lot easier, while neglecting it can make it almost impossible. The choice is yours, and New Year’s Eve is a great potential breaking point.

About The Author

Stacey is a freelance writer living in Minnesota with her cat, and she’s passionate about yoga, languages, home improvement, and drinking strong coffee. Find her on Twitter @StaceyShann0n

How to Take Your Small Business to the Next Level

So you’ve founded a small business, and things are going well. You’re doing a good job running things; you’re making money, and everybody’s happy. Some people might be satisfied with that, but not you. You know that a successful small business is only the first step. The real trick is to turn that small business into a big business. You want to make more money, have more products, more locations, more employees. That’s a good thing. Ambition is what got you this far, and it’ll help you take your business to the next level. Here are a few tips to get you started on the next steps.

Customer Feedback is Key

You’ve heard it over and over – the customer is always right. As galling as that phrase might seem from a customer service standpoint, from a business standpoint, it’s absolutely correct. Customers know what they want, and they know what they’re willing to pay for. Listening to them can be a great way to figure out the most organic ways to start growing your business. You should be collecting customer feedback as often as you can. It’s almost like cheating – your customers will literally tell you exactly what they’d be willing to spend money on; all you have to do is listen and give them the opportunity. This gives you chances to grow your business while also refining the services you already provide. Plus, it strengthens the bond between you and your customer base. People love knowing you’re listening to their ideas, so don’t be afraid to play up the “customer demand” aspect of any new additions to your business model.

Think Early and Often About Financing

Nobody wants to rely on outside financing, but there will always be times when you need a little extra injection of cash. Sometimes things come up that we just can’t predict – Covid-19 just proved that to the whole business world. But extra cash can also be helpful to have on hand if you’re thinking about growing your business. Any growth requires money, and you might not have the cash available on hand to make it happen right away. Being prudent is always smart for your personal finances, but things are a little different in business. Timing is key, and if you have a great idea, you should always strike when the iron is hot. Don’t be afraid to borrow a little money if you’re confident that your idea will be able to help your business grow. You can always apply for an SBA loan from the government or secure a business line of credit. Whatever you end up doing, make sure you pay the loan back as soon as you can. You don’t want borrowed money hanging over your head for too long.

Invest in Marketing

How much are you currently spending on marketing? No matter what the figure is, the answer is pretty much always “not enough.” It may be often overlooked, as opposed to expanding your services or opening something new, but bumping your marketing is one of the best ways to start bringing in more income. Whether through traditional marketing methods such as yard signs to reach local consumers or creating a website to reach your global audience, marketing is an avenue that can take your business to new heights! And the more significant amount invested in it, the higher your yields usually turn out to be.

Pay particular attention to online marketing. Covid-19 has proven the effectiveness of an online-focused marketing plan, so make sure you’re keeping up in that arena. You can expand your main business all you want, but none of it will matter if you can’t bring in enough customers to support your growth. You need to always be reaching more and more people, and marketing is the only way to do that.

Personal Growth Leads to Business Growth

As the head of your business, it’s always going to be in your best interest to seek out and learn new things. The good news is that you’re already doing that. Even reading this article is an effort to pick up some new tips. But you can take that even further. Try to think about what your weak spots are. What are you constantly delegating? Is it marketing? Customer service? Are you a little iffy about the actual manufacturing process of your products? Identify what those weak spots are and get to work strengthening them. You don’t have to be an expert in all aspects of your business, but you should at least know what’s going on. When it comes to learning new skills, don’t be afraid to seek outside help. Conference speakers are experts in their specific fields, and there’s a lot you can learn from them if you try. Besides that, you can always try to find a mentor in your field, or just talk to your peers. Being a successful business owner requires enough humility to recognize that you can always be improving yourself.

Consider a Partnership

You don’t actually have to grow your business all by yourself. Smart, strategic partnerships can make a huge difference, and finding mutually beneficial ones is a great way to give your business a kickstart. Try to think of businesses that are adjacent to yours but not direct competitors. Are you a plumber? Get in touch with an electrician. Run an auto body shop? Form a partnership with a nearby dealership. Recommend your customers to your partner’s business, and they’ll do the same to you. You can even work together on jobs that require both skill sets. Remember that business is all about people, and making connections is never a bad thing. Even if the partnership doesn’t work out, that’s still another name you have in your Rolodex in case you ever need it.

Even with these tips, growing your small business is a difficult task. It’s going to take a lot of time and effort, and there will always be setbacks. The important thing is to keep plugging away at it, stay motivated, and have faith in your own vision. As long as you have those things, success will come eventually.

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COVID-19 Showed Me That My Plan B Was My Real Dream

Adirondack Performing Arts Academy, that was the name on my DBA (Doing Business As). Adirondack Performing Arts Academy or APA Academy as I like to call it, is a performing arts school where children of all ages can come and get private voice, acting or dance lessons or they could join a class.

 

For only being 22 – 23 years old, I was doing pretty damn well for myself. I had a beautiful two story studio, equipped with everything I would need for a performance. A handful of amazing students with more students wanting to enroll. I was the first person in my area to come up with this especially at such a young age, I was at the top of the game and all of my hopes, dreams and fantasies were finally coming true!

 

March 17th 2020, a day not too long ago that I’m pretty sure we all remember. The day that the U.S basically shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic happened. During the pandemic my business was ripped to shreds. I could no longer give lessons, I couldn’t be in my studio…. My studio was sold…. I watched the dream I have had since I was 13 years old come crumbling down right in front of my own eyes. Heartbroken doesn’t even begin to explain how I felt.

 

During the shutdown I had a lot of time on my hands and I had another “side job” I was an editor for an online blog site, a site that I had worked for, for five years. I was running a team of writers with my best friend, we are kinda a dream team if I say so myself. During this time we poured our heart and soul into our team more so than we have ever before. While doing so our company faced many uncertainties and we knew it was time to find our plan B.

 

This is the best thing we could have done for ourselves and for our team….

 

We gained a new sense of family, and we learned more about running a business and a team of writers in two months more than we had in five years. Moving to our new company actually made me think about going back to school to make a career out of writing and editing rather than continuing it as a side hustle and hobby, because if you enjoy what you do “going to work” won’t feel like work.

 

Everything happens for a reason, we may not know why bad things happen when they are in motion but sooner or later you will get the answer.

About The Author:

Ashley Denton is a creative artist whose mediums include music, theater, dance, and creative writing. This girl thrives on coffee, adventure, and exploration. Ashley has been writing professionally for five years and editing for four. Ashley is also one of Puckermob’s newest editors. 

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15 Small Outfit Problems That Make You Look Like A Hot Mess

Whenever we leave the house, we’re bound to run into someone we know. Whether it’s for a run to the grocery store, a trip to the mall or even if we’re headed to go to work – it’s important we always look our best. Even if we’re not in the mood to get dressed up and ready for a quick trip out – people judge us for every little thing we wear.

There are a lot of ways that out outfits and appearance can f*ck us over in terms of other people’s opinions of us, without us even noticing. Sure, we may have showered this morning, put on a brand new outfit and tried to look our absolute best, but there are small little details that fall through the cracks and in turn, make us look like we’re riding the Hot Mess Express.

15. Wearing clothing that has small rips, frays or tears in it.

Sometimes we leave the house in ripped jeans or jeans that are frayed at the bottom. While it’s a style statement and trend, sometimes, it makes us look disheveled and unorganized. Sometimes when we wear things too often and for too long, the threads start to wear and buttons begin to become loose – while you don’t think it’s a big deal, people notice.

14. Wearing too many accessories.

While accessorizing can spice up a plain outfit, going overboard can make any outfit look tacky and cheap. If you are going to a work setting or a really nice affair, you don’t want to overdo it by blinging out a fancy dress or pants suit. Keep it simple.

13. Not ironing your shirt/dress/skirt.

Sometimes when we leave the house in a rush, we don’t have time to iron everything. People will run out the door in a button-down shirt that looks like we’ve slept in it, a dress with way too many wrinkles or a skirt that needs to be fixed ASAP. Not ironing your clothing can make you look sloppy in appearance. And, what’s even better is they now sell hand steamers that you can buy and speed up the “ironing process” altogether.

12. Wearing hair ties as bracelets or accessories on your wrist.

It may seem convenient to keep your hair tie or a rubber band on your wrist in case you want to throw your hair up, but it also looks sloppy and makes you appear much younger than you are. It’s better off to put them in your bag, car, or desk at work incase you want it, rather than keeping it on your wrist all day long.

11. Wearing clothes that are too tight on you.

There comes a time in everyone’s life where we start gaining weight a bit faster than when we were younger – it’s called growing up. Our metabolism starts to slow down and all that pizza comes back in our faces whenever we look in the mirror. If you’re still wearing shirts and dresses from when you were 18-years-old and they definitely don’t fit anymore, people notice.

10. Carrying around a bag that’s too big in certain situations.

When you go to a job interview or a party, it’s better to carry a smaller bag than a large one. Also, you want to be sure the bag is in good condition and isn’t ripping or tearing anywhere, or that there are no dirty stains on it anywhere. Bigger bags can make you appear as though you’re trying too hard.

9. Visible bra straps.

While many women think showing your bra is a “feminist movement,” it does look sloppy and tacky in most social settings. In fact, if you’re wearing a shirt in which your bra is showing, it can even come off slutty and inappropriate – especially in a work setting.

8. Wearing oversized clothing.

Sometimes, with the right outfit, oversized clothes can be chic and cute. But, often times this isn’t the case and instead, appears sloppy and lazy. Finding clothes that are tailored to your body is the key to appearing professional and kept.

7. Day-old makeup.

Even though you think no one can tell your eyeliner and mascara is from last night, it’s pretty obvious when it’s smudged all over your face. It’s better off to wash your face and start fresh rather than be lazy and keep the same, cruddy makeup on. People will think you are irresponsible and trashy if you appear this way.

6. Animal hair on your clothes.

If you have a pet, it’s likely that they tend to shed all over your house and clothing. But, that’s why God invented lint brushes and rollers. Just because you have a dog doesn’t mean you want to show up to a meeting covered in dog hair – it just looks awful.

5. Sweaters with pills all over them.

Every girl knows there comes a time when we need to retire our favorite sweaters (RIP). Although we love them and had some good times in them, when they begin to get “pilly” it’s time to chuck them and get new ones. Wearing pilly sweaters make you look cheap and dirty.

4. Wearing the wrong shoes with the wrong outfit.

Even if you’re trying to be comfortable rather than classy, you can always throw sneakers in your bag for your commute home (which is what we all do). When you’re at the office or at a party/event, don’t show up in your sandals or sneakers just because you have to take the train home. It looks tacky and unfortunately gives off the vibe that you don’t care.

3. Wearing any clothing with stains.

Sure, you may have gotten oil on your favorite t-shirt, but that doesn’t mean you should continue wearing it just because it’s your favorite. If you can’t get a stain out, that means you have to replace whatever item you’ve stained. Going out with stained clothing is horrible for your appearance and will always make you look sloppy and disorderly.

2. Wearing white shirts/dresses/pants/skirts that are no longer bright white.

Eventually after owning white clothing for years, the white begins to fade and it becomes more of an off-white/gray. This is when you need to purchase new whites. Whites should be bright and clean, not dull and dirty. Wearing these “white” items will make you look cheap and as though you don’t wash your clothing often enough – or separate your laundry.

1. Dirty or chipped nails.

If you don’t take care of your nails, it’s an issue. Even if you’re not into getting them done or painting them, you should always clean them and cut them. If you do get manicures and your nail polish is overly chipped, that also is a sign of sloppiness and bad hygiene. The minute you see dirty under your nails, clean them. If they’re too long, cut them. If they’re chipping, take the nail polish off. Clean nails make you look cleanly and responsible.

The 5 Keys To Acing a Virtual Interview

Virtual interviews were rising in popularity even before the pandemic. Now more than ever, they are a favored method for companies to screen candidates. While you may be asked the same questions as you would in an in-person interview, there are unique aspects to this interview style that you must consider. We share 5 key things you must do before a virtual interview.

1. Prepare for the questions

First things first, you will need to prepare for the interview itself and the questions you will potentially be asked. Preparation for virtual interview questions is identical to preparation for questions during in-person interviews.

Here are a variety of question types that are asked in an interview:

  • Fit: Questions that find out if you are a good fit for the position, team, and company.

    • Ex: Why do you want to work here?

  • Behavioral: Questions that gauge how you have acted in certain situations or how you would act in certain situations.

    • Ex: Talk to me about a time you encountered a problem while working in a group.

  • Technical: Questions specific to knowledge and abilities required for the position.

    • Ex: How would you conduct a marketing audit on a company?

  • Company/Industry Specific: Questions to test how much you know about the company and/or industry:

    • Ex: Who are our company’s competitors and how do we all differ?

Do your research to find out what questions are most commonly asked by the company you are interviewing with. Once you have gathered a healthy list of questions, create flashcards.

 

2. Carefully choose the location for your interview

The location and environment where you conduct your virtual interview should not be overlooked. You can choose a room in your house, your office, or a conference room at the library. It doesn’t matter where as long as the location has these key features:

  • Free from noise and distractions

  • Allows you to feel comfortable

  • Has a good internet connection

3. Ensure your technology works and that you have backups

For virtual interviews to happen, technology must be used. Typically, most interviews are conducted using the webcam on your computer.

Prior to your interview, you should run several tests on your tech.

Double-check that internet again to make sure the connection is strong and consistent.

As for your computer, you should check the following:

  • The webcam works and is wiped clean of dust and fingerprints.

  • The microphone picks up sound clearly.

Do some test runs and film yourself in the location you have chosen. How do you look on camera? How do you sound? Does your voice project at a normal conversation level or would you have to speak louder for the interviewers to hear you?

In the unlikely event that your computer doesn’t work, have backup options on hand. For example, if you are using your laptop for the interview, keep your tablet or phone nearby. If your laptop malfunctions, you can quickly switch over to another device.

4. Be conscious of appearances

Appearances matter a lot in a virtual interview. All the interviewers have to judge you by is what they see on the screen.

Your backdrop should have an aesthetically pleasing background; one that isn’t too loud nor too plain. Lighting is also important. Prior to your interview, figure out how to get lighting that complements your face and the background.

If you aren’t sure how to go about this, I’d advise you to go on YouTube and search “how to set up lighting for a virtual interview.”

5. Practice body language and voice

This key relates to appearances as well. You can help your case as a strong candidate through your body language and voice. With those two, you can communicate a lot more than you can with just your words.

Some research claims that up to 93% of communication is nonverbal! So, it’s best to take this seriously.

You want the interviewers to come away from the interview believing you are confident, competent, personable, comfortable, and coachable. How can you do that? Here are a few tips:

Body language

  • Sit upright with your shoulders back.

  • Use your hands while speaking when it feels appropriate.

  • Rest your hands in your lap when you aren’t using them.

  • Aim to be relaxed and loose rather than stiff.

  • When your interviewers are speaking, look engaged.

  • Don’t be afraid to smile.

Voice

  • Speak with “umph” and conviction in your responses.

  • Don’t speak too fast or too slow.

  • Change up the tonality of your voice so you aren’t monotone.

  • Don’t be afraid of pauses. Taking a second to think before you speak is fine and actually admirable.

To practice body language, set up a chair in front of the mirror. Role play, ask yourself the questions, and then answer the questions while looking in the mirror. Analyze your posture and what you do as you speak.

Additionally, you can record yourself on your webcam as if the real interview was happening. Now you can analyze your body language and your voice too. Are you speaking at an appropriate pace? Are you saying “um” or “like” a lot? How can you change up your tone of voice on certain answers to make them more impactful?

Observe, refine, implement, and repeat. Follow that sequence until you are ready to ace the virtual interview.

 

About The Author

Brandon Hill is the creator of Bizness Professionals, a resource to current or aspiring young professionals for well-rounded growth and career development. Outside of his blog, he continues to work in the field of finance.

How to Start a New Career Path

We are expected to decide on and choose a career path when we are teenagers or young adults, heading off to college with our favorite majors in mind. And while some of us know the careers that suit us and would make us happy, not all of us are lucky enough to decide on the right job that’ll fulfill us or keep us satisfied. This could be because we chose incorrectly, perhaps deciding on a career because of pay over our true interests. Or it could be because our personalities have adapted over the years and what we once loved has fallen to the wayside and we no longer enjoy our chosen career path. But what can you do if you wish to start a new career?

Luckily, you no longer have to be stuck in a job that you dislike and get no enjoyment from. There are many options and paths you can take to make the transition from your current job to your next. You may wish to stay in the same industry (or even at the same company!) but work in a different team (e.g., move from marketing to sales). Or you may want to change careers and industries all together which may require you to head back to school and study for certain qualifications. 

Are you unsure on whether a new career is for you, or are you unable to think about jobs that may interest you? If so, then read on for more information on how to start a new career path. 

 

Signs You May Need a New Career

Before you start the motions of changing your career, you need to consider whether this is, in fact, the right course of action for you. Having a singular bad day for a couple of tough weeks can make even the most strong–willed of us wish to quit and try our hand at a new career, but sometimes these feelings are fleeting and fade away into nothing as we realize that we were overworked and overemotional, and that we do like our jobs. Making a rash decision and deciding to quit can have devastating consequences, so you need to be sure that this is the right move for you. 

Now, there are two categories when it comes to reasons that you may wish to find a new job. The first category contains circumstantial reasons. For instance, does your job require you to relocate? Do you not fit in with the company? Is the company closing down, etc. Of course, these reasons would typically push a person to find a similar job just with a different company.

 

Personal reasons can be the biggest contributing factor to you wanting to start a whole new career path. These reasons can be:

• Does your work constantly wear you down? Do you feel tired and exhausted most of the time, and is it impacting your physical and mental wellbeing?
• Do you struggle to see yourself working the same job for the rest of your life? A lifetime is a long time, and you need to be content with the job you have if you are to stay within the field for many years to come.
• Is the money you make no longer satisfying? Does your paycheck no longer cover the boredom or unhappiness you experience at work?
• Have your interests changed? Does the work you do no longer satisfy you?
• Do you believe that your talents could be best used elsewhere?
• Does your current job simply not give you joy?

If any of the above reasons resonate with you, then it could be a sign that you should start looking for a new career. Take your time when deciding whether this is the right move for you, and if you have trusted family and friends, be sure to discuss this option with them for further clarity. They may also offer you additional support that could make the transition between careers much smoother.

 

Decide on Your Next Career

If you have come to the conclusion that you would like to make a career change, then it’s time for you to consider which career is right for you. Make a list of your interests and your talents, and see whether they align with one another and point you in the direction of a specific career. For instance, are you a caring and nurturing individual who is also highly organized but also possesses strong communication skills? If so, then you may wish to consider training to become a nurse.

 

A Career in Healthcare

A career in healthcare is a tough but rewarding path for you to take and consider. If you haven’t got any existing qualifications, then you will have to head back to school to train. However, working in healthcare can be satisfying and allow you to make a difference, making the return to school worthwhile.

If you wish to become a registered nurse, then you will need to acquire a BSN or MSN. Once this has been obtained, you can further your education so that you can focus on a specific niche that you excel or have great interest in. Baylor University offers online DNP programs in Executive Nurse Leadership, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery, amongst many other programs. Deciding to focus in a specific type of nursing can help you earn job satisfaction. 

 

A Career in Education

Educating young minds or teaching adults like yourself can be a rewarding career choice. And much like the healthcare industry, you can make a difference as you help educate the great minds who could excel and offer greatness to the world. However, to become a teacher, you will need certain qualifications and may need to head back to education yourself. 

Typically, you will need to hold a bachelor’s degree in any subject that interests you. And pass any required state exams. You are likely required to participate in a job placement experience. So that you gain hands-on experience. You may also start off as a teacher’s assistant and have to work your way up to becoming a fully-fledged teacher. 

 

Understand that it Could Take Time

Changing your career does not happen overnight. It can take time, so you will need to be patient. Avoid being hasty when transitioning between careers so that you can ensure that you have the financial and emotional support to make the move.  Because it can be quite taxing on a person (especially if you are heading back to school). And remember to practice self-care and look after yourself.

If after reading the above article you feel as though it is time for you to make the move and start a new career path, be sure to put the proper moves in motion. This means looking up the skills and qualifications needed for your new field; whether you need to obtain certain certificates; and whether you are able to study full-time or may need to keep your current job and juggle the two for now. Either way, a change in career can be exciting!

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Homeless Man Leaves Touching Sign Thanking Kind Strangers After Getting a Job

Most of us are so lucky that we’ll never know how hard it is to have to stand in the street and ask strangers for help. But there are so many people who have to do just that, for so many different reasons. They’ve fallen on hard times or lost their job or even their homes, and now they have to rely on the kindness of people they don’t even know.

Talia Schlanger, the host of “World Cafe” on NPR, shared a tweet about a man she’d see asking for help on the street who one day wasn’t at the spot where she usually saw him. She tweeted the circumstances: “For the past year, a very nice man has been standing on the bridge that’s on my way to work with a sign saying he was having a hard time and could use a hand. Today, this is what it read.” And she included a picture of a cardboard sign written in marker that said, “My last week out here I got a job thank you to everyone who has helped during this hard time.”

How nice is it that the man left a thank you note? The sign served not only as a way to show appreciation but also as an explanation to anyone who might have gotten used to seeing him and possibly chatting with him and would be worried that he just suddenly disappeared.

Schlanger followed up the tweet with more information. She wrote that he got hired by a man in New Jersey to build cabinets and was given a place to stay during the job by the same man.

People on Twitter responded to Schlanger’s tweet because they were so moved.

One person asked if she knew the name of the company that hired him, saying they deserved extra customers.

Schlanger’s post was retweeted by the Kale Salad account, and it was also posted on their Instagram, where it received almost 250,000 likes.

And a whole lot of comments!

It’s nice to see some good news to counter all the bad.

h/t: TanksGoodNews

Babysitter Contacts Mother For Payment After Watching Her Two Kids And Instead Gets Her Number Blocked

Whenever you do a job, you’re doing it to make money. No one works for their health, realistically. We all sign up to do a job or perform a service in the result of the payment. But, sometimes, things get lost in translation and problems can occur when you don’t receive your payment for services provided—like, babysitting.

As we all know, moms can sometimes be a bit overwhelmed but, that is no excuse to stiff someone who takes care of your children while you are away. Recently, a woman shared a text message exchange on Reddit between her sister and a mother whom her sister babysat for. After finishing her duties, she reached out to the mom for the payment arrangement they had discussed prior. But, the mother all of the sudden reacted as though she had never had the conversation—even after the babysitter provided receipts. In the end, it was straight up infuriating.

The babysitter contacted the mom to come by to collect the payment, and the mother responded saying that she wasn’t paying the sitter—that the ice cream and pleasure of spending time with her children was payment enough.

Obviously, the sitter was not going to agree to this. So, the sitter replied with receipts of their previous discussion about payment.

After the sitter reminded the mother of the payment agreement, the mother freaked out and refused to pay the agreed upon rate.

The sitter said she would even settle for $100, and that she needed the money for textbooks. But, the mother decided to block her—and call her a c*nt on top of it.

Honestly, this mother is a straight up dick. And, people on Reddit had a lot of thoughts on how to handle her.

I delete my messages often’ OOH OKAY THEN THE SCREENSHOT I JUST SHOWED YOU IS INVALID. how dumb are these people.

–TriggerHydrant

I’d post this on her Facebook page if I could. And on all her friend’s pages, and every childcare page… let everyone know that she refuses to pay as agreed after service has been provided. Maybe someone will shame her into paying what she owes?

–XrayMomma

I doubt this is the first time this woman has pulled this stunt. What an asshole. Small claims court for sure. If anything, to prevent her from doing this to another sitter.

–donadora

What kind of mother thinks that a grown ass adult would watch your shit kids with nothing but “a day of fun” as an acceptable form of compensation?

–JakJakAttacks

I would put the whole thing on any baby sitting facebook groups, CL ads or literally anyone you know/find in the neighborhood. I would also show their spouse, pastor and mother. Hell take out an ad in the local paper. They need a good lambasting.

–Idreamnolonger

We totally agree—down with this mother.

A Stripper Is Making Some Illuminating Comics About Her Work

Jacq the Stripper is both and artist, and as her name implies, a stripper. Online and in real life, Jacq is a fierce advocate for the rights of sex workers and anyone who makes their living from dancing. All that and she paints and draws, too. According to Someecards, Jacq just released her own comic book called STRIPTASTIC! It’s a collection of illustrations that share her personal philosophy about stripping and little vignettes into her and her co-workers’ daily experience.

What the comics mostly illustrate is that every job is just a job. If you dance and take off your clothes every day for money, it quickly becomes pretty mundane. It also seems like Jacq thinks many people misunderstand what exactly strippers provide. They’re not just getting naked, they’re often asked to listen, deal with men’s psychological issues, and also have to deal with some annoying customer service issues. After reading Jacq’s comics, you’ll never consider not tipping again.

Jacq’s shared the secret underwear code she’s become familiar with:

What she really thinks about the stereotype of having “daddy issues.”

But Jacq doesn’t just joke about men, she has a bone to pick with other women who consider themselves feminist, but who don’t include the perspective of actual sex workers when they’re discussing sex work. It seems like in Jacq’s opinion, a lot of women who have never done sex work have too many opinions about it.

But she also makes it clear that everyone has a different perspective on why they get into stripping. Different strokes for different folks:

Though the girls always help each other out. There is such a thing as solidarity, especially around tampon strings:

There’s also some good life hacks, if anyone is taking some very specific liberties with you:

Jacq is turning her job into art, even though it basically already is:

And anyone who reads her book will know exactly how to act the next time they go to the club. Approach the dancers with respect and a fist full of dollar bills.

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