Daily Career Connection

It is unfortunate that youth is wasted on the young, however, that is just the way it is. We make important life decisions at 18 that stay with us for life…or do they?

Society has changed a lot in the last 20 to 30 years and what was once a life decision (or sentence) choosing your career it is now a more fluid proposition. Many people are realizing that choices made by a young person still in their salad days, does not necessarily mean that decision needs to be adhered to.

Here are some ideas when thinking about changing your vocation.

Plan the shift. The most important consideration is the fiscal side of things. Most people have existing commitments like family and a mortgage which usually stops them from even contemplating a career change. However, if you do it the smart way, you will make sure that at the time of the transition, you will already be earning equal to or better than your current salary.
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If you are craving more challenging assignments and tasks, set up a meeting to discuss this with your boss. You want to ask for more responsibility as soon as you feel ready and confident you can perform well. It is also critical that you ask in a very positive manner. For example, “I have really enjoyed working here so far and I really think I’ve mastered my current responsibilities. Do you agree?” If the answer is affirmative then you can press on. “I really want to learn as much as I can here, and I am hoping you might have some additional assignments I could take on?”

Be aware that you may very well get what you ask for. Also, if your boss agrees to give you new and more challenging assignments, he or she will be watching closely to make sure you can handle the added responsibility.

Similarly, there really is no magic formula when deciding when it is time to move on from your current position or company. Each decision to move on is unique to the individual and company. Some times moving on is the only option to continue to grow as an individual and also in your career.
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You want to break into the job market and you feel you are at a disadvantage because you have no work history to show on your resume. This is a common problem; it affects all first-time job seekers, and is one that can damage your confidence. Having no employment history is not as big an issue as it may seem. There are plenty of ways to show future employers that you do in fact have an array of experience under your belt.

There are a number of easy ways to gain experience that you can then add to your work history; the easiest solution is to become a volunteer. There are a number of organizations who are always on the lookout for workers, including charitable and government institutions. They will provide work to just about anyone. While the work may not be glamorous getting some experience is better than none at all. volunteering is also a good way of getting references so it is very important that you maintain a good relationship with your supervisor.
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When you are first looking for a job, there are many steps you can take to help find the ideal position - that is, one which fits both your interests and expertise.

First, you’ve got to have clarity in your own mind concerning the type of position you will pursue. That may sound very basic, but for long term job satisfaction, you need to be comfortable with your interests and passions. You also need to know what type of career will best suit your personality.

If, for example, you are a person who likes to move around a lot and be very active while working, then a desk job is not going to suit your needs. Don’t try to fool yourself otherwise. Take a career assessment test before you begin your job search. There are tons available online that can help offer you insight concerning what you may be looking for in a job.

Consider asking friends and family members about traits and skills they see in you. It may be hard to look past your own good qualities, so you may need someone who can honestly assess other characteristics that you might otherwise overlook.
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