Australians, like most other people, do not usually stay at one job—or even in one field—for the entirety of their working lives. But, as one might expect, the time spent in the same job varies from person to person, generation to generation, and age group to age group, among other things. This variation within factors is fascinating to observe, and thanks to Valued Opinions™ online surveys in Australia, we can see some trends. Here's what you need to know about job longevity for Australians. Initial Jobs The job landscape has altered dramatically over the previous years and decades in Australia. Australian workers decades ago would usually enter the workforce in a field that they hoped to build a career in. Slowly, over time—and due largely to innovation, technology, and the infinitely more diverse modern market—first jobs became more about getting your foot in the door, making connections, and saving money, and less about landing your long term job on the first shot. … [Read more...] about The Longest Aussies Stay With a Job
Career Advice
Practice What You Preach: Good Money-Management for Finance Students
There are certain expectations that come with life and one is the ability to manage personal finances a little better than your peers. Surely someone studying finance should know how to balance their own books better than a history, engineering or drama student? Well, when it comes to money management, book smarts don’t always translate into street smarts. Those opting for an undergraduate major in finance are just as capable of running into a personal budget crisis as anyone else. If you’re thinking of choosing finance course or already belong to this group, here are a few ways you can apply your macro knowledge on a micro scale. Determine Your Income As your finance professors will teach you, an income statement is one of the essential tools for determining a company’s financial health. There’s no reason you can’t apply this to your own life. Keep track of all your incoming funds - your monthly salary from that part-time pub gig, money from mum and dad, etc. - and balance … [Read more...] about Practice What You Preach: Good Money-Management for Finance Students
Should You Get a Master’s Degree While Working?
At some point in your career, you may begin to wonder if it is a good idea to get a master's degree. A master's degree can open up a lot of new career possibilities, allowing you to go significantly further in your career. However, earning a master's degree requires a lot of time, effort and money, and it can be a very challenging task for people who are holding a full-time job. If you are considering whether it is worthwhile to pursue a master's degree while working, the following information may be helpful to you. Pros of Getting a Master's Degree While Working Career Advancement If you have a master's degree, you will be eligible for a higher-level position in your company or elsewhere. Such a position is usually more financially and professionally rewarding. Getting a promotion will increase your decision-making power and make you a more important asset to your company. … [Read more...] about Should You Get a Master’s Degree While Working?
7 Bad Work Habits To Avoid
As our daily work routines become the norm, we develop habits that help us progress through the day. Many of these habits are beneficial to our work but some can be detrimental and often we may not be aware of, or do little to correct them. This in time can have a negative effect on our experience of work, lessen the possibilities for career development, and can even risk our employment. 1. Poor Planning Poor or lack of planning will result in disorganized working patterns. This can lead to missed deadlines, incomplete work and can create unnecessary stress. Simple measures such as planning a schedule for outstanding work in order of priority will create more efficient, productive and less stressful working conditions. 2. Putting Personal Life Before Work At times we all have to take time off work for unavoidable personal appointments that occur during working hours, and the occasional personal phone call or time spent on social media is overlooked by most employers. However, this … [Read more...] about 7 Bad Work Habits To Avoid
Organizing the Work Halloween Party
Halloween has been a popular celebration for children for many years, particularly in the United States, and in recent years has crossed over to adults and even become a good excuse for a work Halloween party! Done right, celebrating this occasion at work can be a great staff morale booster and team building experience, you'll get to see a different side to your colleagues, get to interact with staff members you would otherwise have little chance to meet on a regular working day, and an opportunity to show a side of yourself, away from your work persona. It's also a chance to demonstrate talents such as organizing, planning and creative skills, as well maybe hidden skills such as story and joking telling! Do and don'ts Do encourage creativity Part of the joy of Halloween is showing off your creative costume ideas. Do arrange games Choose games appropriate for your working environment. These could be judging the most creative or original costume idea, awards for best decorated … [Read more...] about Organizing the Work Halloween Party
How to "Refresh" Your Current Job
In an ideal world, once you become bored with your current job, you search and apply for others, have a few interviews, and then pick your preferred choice from the offerings. Unfortunately, it seldom works like that. Financial commitments, lack of employment in your area, and lack of skills and available training often mean the only choice is staying in your current employment. However, if you can't change your job, the next best thing is to refresh it! Ask for a pay rise Not many things can ignite new enthusiasm for a job than a healthy increase in your salary. Work towards a promotion Look and apply for progression in your job if there are career prospects available. Stretching your mind and developing your skills and abilities will stop you getting bored and will help develop a sense of accomplishment in your job. … [Read more...] about How to "Refresh" Your Current Job
Breaking the Late to Work Habit
There are many habits that can have negative consequences for your job but, of all of them, being late for work is one of the most common. Being late on more then the odd occasion can result in negative outcomes, probably the most serious being losing your job. Even if your boss is lenient enough to put up with your bad timekeeping, chances are your behavior may hinder your chances for promotion, more responsibility or even a pay rise. Not only does being late for work risk these serious outcomes, it also won't probably be doing you any good either. You'll not feel good about yourself for doing it, the rushing to get to work and avoid being late will create stress, and you won't feel as you've got a handle on your life if your working day regularly starts off badly. The good news is breaking this bad and potentially career damaging habit can easily be achieved with the will and desire to change. Get a good nights sleep Running late in the morning is often a consequence of having a bad … [Read more...] about Breaking the Late to Work Habit
Dead End Job? Is Your Career Better Off Than a Year Ago?
Do you know if you are in a better place in your career than a year ago? Do you know how to tell if your stalled in your job field? Or worse yet, you're in a dead end job? There are some very telling ways to understand when you're just treading water in the pool of business. Dead end job? You're Still Doing the Same Thing Has your job description or job title not changed for a few years? If so, you may want to assess your spot in the company. This can be a big red flag of a dead end job that they do not see you in other roles or suited for a higher position. However, this could also be because you are perfectly suited for your spot and they can't fathom you being elsewhere. If this bothers you, tell them that you are looking to rise in the company and seek their suggestions. … [Read more...] about Dead End Job? Is Your Career Better Off Than a Year Ago?
30 Motivational Quotes for Work
In today’s business world, motivational quotes for work can help keep you moving forward. Some companies give their employees opportunities to find inspiration through team building activities, retreats, and visits from guest speakers. Others learn from books and instructional videos. Another great source of inspiration for business employees can be motivational quotes for work. Sometimes, quotes can be the catalyst in igniting a spark for a new idea in the business world. Quotes can give a person the push they need to make a difference in their careers. If you need a jumping off point, here are some great quotes to get your business juices flowing. … [Read more...] about 30 Motivational Quotes for Work
Networking Tips: How to Keep in Touch with Former Colleagues
Ah, the familiar sight of the ‘Goodbye and Good Luck’ card – a staple purchase for workers who want to send their parting colleagues off with a ‘Bon Voyage.’ But as a receiver of one of these cards, what are you supposed to do about all the messages that say ‘keep in touch?’ I mean, what does ‘keeping in touch’ specifically entail? It’s easy to blush and feel awkward as you say your goodbyes, but don’t make false promises. Keeping in touch with old colleagues doesn’t have to feel weird. In fact, here are some tips on how you can successfully maintain good relationships with the people you used to work with without coming off as some kind of crazed stalker – or worse, someone who only uses their ex-workmates to get ahead. Why Bother Staying in Touch? If you are looking for a new job, or are looking to get promoted, having a network of contacts in your address book can help you succeed. Many jobs are filled by word of mouth and guess who knows your employment history, your interests … [Read more...] about Networking Tips: How to Keep in Touch with Former Colleagues