Freelancing can be a wonderful way to work and can allow you more freedom in life in many ways. However, being a freelancer has its downsides and can mean it is harder to switch off; after all your success is down to you alone and it can be tempting to keep working! Here are some tips I’ve learnt: Set office hours Setting office hours can be helpful for both yourself and others. For yourself, it can mean a clear boundary between your work life and your personal life. Without a boss to tell you to go home, it can be tempting to answer one more email or try to tie up the loose ends on that project. Setting office hours can be useful for others too; clients will know when they can contact you and how long to expect for you to get back to them. A common freelancer mistake is to try and be available all the time; others will come to expect it of you and it can all too easily lead to burnout. Of course this doesn’t mean you can’t be flexible or help out in an emergency; but … [Read more...] about The Freelancers Guide to Switching Off
Career Advice Blog
Leader vs. Manager = What Are the Differences?
“All managers are leaders, but all leaders are not managers.” Leaders and managers are not the same thing, although there are lots of overlaps and it is possible to be both a leader and a manager. It can definitely help a manager to develop leadership qualities as well as management qualities, though there is often less relevance the other way around. For example, Martin Luther King was a leader, standing for something bigger than himself which was more of a calling than a job, so we wouldn’t say he ‘managed’ the civil rights movement . At the same time, the qualities we see in leaders such as Martin Luther King, are definitely transferrable to management positions. In summary: Leaders: can be self-appointed (leaders don’t need a managerial role to act) are inspired to make a positive change are leaders because of their personal qualities overall concern is the groups goals and think big are forward thinking inspire and motivate others has a vision and helps others to become … [Read more...] about Leader vs. Manager = What Are the Differences?
The Company Gym: Use It or Lose It?
In an attempt to retain high-value employees, many employers are getting creative with their benefits packages. From in-office daycares to free event tickets, the perks of an extended benefits package may be enough to prevent you from switching jobs. However, one benefit offered by some employers often raises eyebrows among coworkers. An on-site company gym can be beneficial by offering a convenient place to exercise during the workday or after hours. However, the idea of working out with coworkers may leave you feeling a little uneasy and questioning whether the gym is a benefit you’ll utilize. The following are four ways to determine whether you should use your company’s gym or find exercising facilities elsewhere. Assess Your Comfort Level How comfortable are you with the idea of working out within view of coworkers? If being judged by coworkers based on your lack of running ability or limited weight lifting experience makes your nerves spike, this may be reason enough to avoid … [Read more...] about The Company Gym: Use It or Lose It?
Using Your Passions to Find Your Dream Job
Joining the workforce after several years college can be an intimidating thing. After four or five years of supposedly learning about a future career, suddenly you're thrown into the mix and must find your niche, your passion, your dream job. The truth is it can be overwhelming. Although your new job may be great, perhaps other people in your company have jobs you've never even heard of--and might be more your style. Fortunately, there are ways to determine which career path is right for you and how to find the one thing you're most passionate about. One great way to start is through a career advice site such as Noomii, a service that pairs you with a helpful, passionate and professional life coach to guide you through what is often a confusing period of life. Rather than assigning you to a random coach, Noomii analyzes your goals and objectives and assigns five coaches for you to consult before choosing the perfect coach for your needs. These services are offered in a variety of … [Read more...] about Using Your Passions to Find Your Dream Job
Overcoming Top 10 First Interview Fears
Being called for a first interview is an exciting prospect, but it's also one that is stressful. Here are some tips to help you overcome the top 10 first interview fears and present yourself in the best possible way. 1. You won't arrive at the interview on time. Look up the company address online and make a dry run before the day of the interview. If the directions are not clear, call to clarify before your appointment. 2. You aren't sure of the spelling or pronunciation of the name of the person you will be meeting with. Making a mistake in someone's name is a major faux pas when going on a job interview, and one you will want to avoid at all costs. It's better to call the company to get clarification about someone's name than to say it incorrectly at the interview. You may find it helpful to write it down phonetically and practice saying it a few times before your meeting. 3. You won't be dressed appropriately for the interview. When in doubt, err on the side of being too … [Read more...] about Overcoming Top 10 First Interview Fears
Which Careers Have the Most Job Security?
With the layoffs that are occurring across several industries, many job seekers are wondering which jobs are the most secure. The threat of having no long-term security can be terrifying. Fortunately, there are some industries that have a large demand for talent, such as the healthcare industry, and which are unlikely to fire employees because of the high level of specialized training that these candidates must have. IT Technicians One of the most secure industries available is the IT industry. It meets both of the requirements for security: high demand and specialized training. IT professionals are responsible for setting up and maintaining networks for businesses and organizations. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for network and computer system administrators is expected to grow by 28 percent between 2010 and 2020. Teachers and College Professors Education is another industry that has a great deal of security, due largely to the tenure … [Read more...] about Which Careers Have the Most Job Security?
3 Steps to Building Your Brand While Still in College
Very often when we speak to college students the topic of what their goals are post graduation comes up. The responses are mixed but two schools of thought pose reoccurring roles - some students want to get into their dream career immediately and others are just hoping to get any job they can. I know this because of experience. When I graduated from Western International University in 2003 you can bet that all of my family members were wondering what my plans were for my career. As far as goals are concerned both of these are surprisingly not as ambitious as they should be and we'll tell you why. The job market, regardless of the specific industry or field, is highly competitive and if you want to become a viable candidate, it is simply not enough to hope or expect that employment will fall into your lap. Being proactive comprises several key steps and one of them is building your personal brand while you're still in college. Think of yourself as a product or a service. If you go to … [Read more...] about 3 Steps to Building Your Brand While Still in College
Is a Midlife Career Change Right For You?
Gone are the days when we would leave school and enter into a job for life. It is becoming increasingly common for people to change their careers – some do so as often as they change their shoes. Whether you’re on the hunt for more responsibility with a promotion, more money, or a complete change of direction; there are a whole host of reasons why you should change your career. But that’s all well and good in your twenties and thirties. What happens when we enter into our forties, or even our fifties? Is a midlife career change possible, or are we heading into midlife crisis territory? Is Changing Careers a Smart Move? The reality is it is never too late to change your career path. Whether you’re a victim of the economic downturn and have been made redundant, or you’ve fallen out of love with your job; now is the time for action. After all, if you no longer love your job; are you really giving 110%? A midlife career change is a great way to reignite your passion for work, or … [Read more...] about Is a Midlife Career Change Right For You?
How to Make Friends at Work
From learning the company’s standards to adapting your daily commute, starting a new job can be difficult for a variety of reasons. However, one of the more difficult aspects of changing jobs is making new friends at work. Whether you’re trying to earn acceptance into a solidly-formed clique at work or are worried about being disliked, the following are five tried and true ways to make friends at work. Get out There Cowering in your cubicle at work all day will achieve the exact opposite of what you desire if you want to make friends at work. To begin building relationships with your coworkers, you must get out from behind your work desk and socialize with others. From the break room to the boardroom, there are plenty of opportunities to interact with coworkers and to begin building friendships with them. Be Genuine A natural instinct most people feel while getting to know others is to be overly nice or super enthusiastic. While you should come across to your coworkers as … [Read more...] about How to Make Friends at Work
Motivating People to Volunteer
To many people--especially recent high school and college graduates--volunteering and community service can appear to be a step away from their long-term professional goals. Without any pay and performing tasks unrelated to the career aspirations of many soon-to-be professionals, volunteering often gets pushed to the side as one of those things that young people should embrace, but don't. However, this mindset overlooks the ways volunteering can actually contribute to your professional goals. In addition to improving your self-image and offering a sense of fulfillment from the things you devote yourself to, there are many benefits of volunteering that can pay dividends now and well into your future. Here's a look at some of the ways high school community service and other forms of volunteering can contribute to your loftiest goals. Bolstering your resume and applications One of the biggest challenges facing high school and college students is a lack of real-world experience. Yes, … [Read more...] about Motivating People to Volunteer