Has your career hit a bump, you’re in a dead end job or you just want a change? You are not alone! You could just go out with your friends and complain about it or you could do something about it. Are you bored, want more money or just want a change? Did you give it your all or did you just expect they would discover your talent? Whatever the reason, if you want to do something about it, you can start here!
Some of you may even be doing well! You are well compensated and unhappy. Boohoo! There are a lot of you out there! The bad economy made it difficult for employed people too. It is hard to feel sorry for you , but I understand. You are unhappy and there are very few opportunities out there. Actually, most employers want employed people because they feel they are a more valuable commodity. There is a still a prejudice against unemployed people whether we realize it or not. The good news is the economy is improving and I expect there will be a lot of movement of unhappy people leaving their jobs. Before you start to check all those online job boards, you may want to take advantage of all the great information online on some of these blogs.
You will notice that I am one (#21) of these blogs. I was probably included because of some great articles such as 20 Interview Questions to Ask Employers, Should Age Matter?, I Will Never Retire!, Interview Tips for Older Workers, How Are Your Soft Skills?, A Couple Tips for a Successful Interview!, Why Your Personal Image Matters!, Are Temp Jobs the New Career Track?, Get Rich without Quitting Your Day Job, What Should You Do?, Interview questions that make you go Hmmm!, Employers Are Testing for skill and Personality and Planning Your Next Career. There is much more, I thought I would highlight just some of my best ones. If you are going to change careers, jobs or just companies, you should not treat this lightly. There is a risk it may not work out! You should give it a lot of thought and investigate and explore a lot of information before you take that leap.
Final thoughts
Think about your career before you make any changes. Did you have career goals and a plan to help you achieve them? Did you just make a bad choice? It is always good to evaluate where you are and what your next step should be. Changing jobs, careers or leaving your company should not be taken lightly. Take the time to really think about what you like or don’t like about your career, job or company before you make any big changes. I just gave you a lot to investigate, think about and read before you make any decisions. No matter what your decision is regarding your career, good luck!
Photo by: Flickr
Carnivals:
Carnival of Retirement at Fat Guy,Skinny Wallet
Yakezie Carnival at Money Reasons
Finance Carn. for Young Adults at Cash Cow Couple
No matter what your decision is regarding your career, good luck!
I recently quit my job to work for myself…but Greg also quit for different reasons. His job really was a dead end job. He was paid well but he had absolutely no where to advance and not a lot of opportunity to make a significant amount of money. It was time to go.
Now may be a good time to reflect on what you both want to do. Set your goals and put a plan together!
I have definitely been thinking about my career a lot lately. Leaving the stable income is definitely scary, but it needs to be done.
Taking the time to figure out what you want to do is always important. I find if I have a plan I am less scared of the unknown. They call it preparation!
I feel like my career is off to a good start. I’ve been working in my field for less than 3 years, my current role for less than 2. I enjoy it but I do have a plan as to how to keep it moving along.
Always think about your future, 5 or 10 years out. Then you put things in place to get the skills and experience so you are ready for the that next step.
“Changing jobs, careers or leaving your company should not be taken lightly.” I could not agree more. We spent several months seriously looking at leaving my job to expand our business. It helped us look at it as rationally as possible and establish our plan.
You should always evaluate and reevaluate circumstances. This is true for careers, personal finance and social lives. I find I do it periodically and put it aside for a day or two and look at it again. If my conclusion remains the same, I develop goals and plans. It keeps it objective!
I love how my career is going on right now. I do admit that there are times when I get bored and want to do something else. But at the end of the day, I still find fulfillment right now on how my career is going on.
Similar to college, your early career should be filled with exploration and experiences. If you can do assignments for other departments occasionally to learn some skills or gain broader experience you should.
I feel my career is a bit stagnant right now, but that’s why I’m side hustling. I need the stability of the job but the mental stimulation of my side hustles!
Take a hard look at your full time job and think how it could be better. Talk to your boss and try to add those assignments. I find if I look elsewhere for stimulus, I will let my main gig slide.
My personal plan for dealing with a lackluster career trajectory is to achieve early financial independence.
The proverbial Take This Job And Shove It.
That’s great! My career was going well and I achieved financial independence in my late thirties.
I gave my life up to move to Canada but it was the best decision ever. My wife was going to move to the UK but there was more opportunity for me in Canada. I trained for many years in school and am in a career I love. When I got here all the jobs I applied for were rubbish and/or they told me I didn’t have Canadian experience. If I hated a job, I’m the type of guy that will make a plan, then dash. I think that’s why having ample savings is good just in case you want to make a move or change in your life. Many people don’t because of lack of security but there’s no point settling if you are not happy in anything, love or life including a career.
Is Canada that different that people wanted Canadian experience? Having sufficient savings always provides security and choices. It has allowed me to do work I enjoy versus just working for the money.
That’s awesome that you were #21 on that list! I definitely would like to write more about career-related topics. For obvious reasons there is a ton of demand for career info and advice.
Thanks, it may differentiate me from the other personal financial bloggers! I now have another goal of raising my “career” profile.
Congrats on being listed on this exclusive blog list.
You combine timely info with a very enjoyable writing style.
I only hope that someday my lowly blog will make the list too.
Agreed! You are definitely in great company. That list is an awesome resource.
Thanks. Now, I have a new goal to move up the list. Just what I need a new goal! 🙂
Thanks! Writing is telling a story in an interesting way. I try to include a point of view and a little of my personality. It helps if you have the skills and experience to make it creditable. This list motivates me to work harder to rank higher! Good luck.
What’s up the Nigerian blog at the top of the list?!
Thanks for sharing the rest though and congrats on making the list!
Thanks. It was #5, I don’t know. They are pretty good at writing those (scam) emails, maybe they are promoting scamming as a career! 🙂
I’m on a very exciting project now but it will likely wrap up sometime in the next 6-12 months. By then, there could be other opportunities on the horizon, but if not I will likely get a little restless shortly thereafter as I really don’t want to take a step back from the large program and the responsibilities and exposure that I’ve gained with this current position.
It is good you are evaluating your situation. You may want to start lobbying for that next assignment now. Stat by planting seeds with the people you report to and also learn new skills to prepare for the next role.
Changing career is different from changing. I am happy i took the decision to change career, definitely i did a good brainstorming before the decision and it is working well for me
Great! Change is always difficult. Changing careers have their difficulties too. Glad it worked out.
Congrats! #21 is Awesome!
Thanks, now I need to move up to number one!
Krant, this is an outstanding review. I once was also looking for a change, but now I am OK and satisfied and happy and well compensated, but that doesn’t mean that I won’t take a look at those websites. What if there is a lot better opportunity waiting in there for me, right?
I always think it is better to look when you do not need to make a change. If nothing else, it may give you a perspective of what is out there.
Congrats on ranking in that list. That’s an honor. I think you are a wonderful example of someone who has made some very different career changes and how you’ve made it work for you.
Thanks, I may be doing another one soon! Now, I need to move up to number one on this list! 🙂
Krantc, Congratulations on your honor. You are in fine company and I agree that you are a purveyor of important career advice!
Thanks, I love to develop people so career advice comes from my love to encouraging and helping people succeed.
Nice collection of great career and jobs related blogs to follow. I don’t have the ability to switch careers at this time but I might be able to do so in the near future. Thanks for posting the blog links.
You’re welcome. It is a good time for you to build resources such as these websites and add to your network.
I just accepted a new job. I think that I weighed all factors, but I will only know if it is the right move is after I get into the new position. I definitely believe in taking control of your own career and don’t sit back and wait for someone to come to you with your dream job.
Congratulations! Your career is always up to you and you decide when it done.
Congrats on your ranking! You’ve written a lot of great career articles. I always like hearing your stories, experiences and advice.
Thanks, I hope to add more and move up in ranking!
Interesting list of things to do. Makes you think about your steps in the future.
You should always think about that next promotion or assignment or experience. Where do you want to do in 5 or 10 years?
I feel like no matter where you go, it’s vitally important to have an “in” at the job you take. A family friend or your parent’s friend that is a SVP of ____ can really streamline promotions and make work life enjoyable vs no knowing anyone.
It certainly can help, but may not be available at every company. I had an “in” by being an alumnus of the same university as the president. Not bad since both of us moved 3,000 miles.
I am always looking at online job boards, even if I don’t want to change career. I am a Flight Attendant but I have bachelor degrees in Journalism, Public Relation and Finances. I guess I like to keep my options open! LOL!
I think it always wise to keep your options open! Do you want remain a flight attendent in 5 or 10 years? Do you have plan? If not, you should.
Congratulations on being one of the top career blogs. Having a career isn’t a priority for me so it isn’t something I put too much effort into. I’m doing okay with my short-term jobs and will probably just continue with them.
I presume it is part of your plan! Do you have a plan B? Are picking up the skills and experience you want or need?
I’m currently working in a well-paid but go nowhere job – largely, because I don’t have the qualifications to move up the ladder. I like where I work so I have gone back to school part-time so I can advance further at my place of employment. There are lots of creative ways of getting to where you want to go!
Start with your goals and develop a plan. It may be education or just experience. Good luck.
YES: I would say that my strong interpersonal skills are one of my greatest strengths; I work easily with others and am always open to various points of view. I also have good judgment about people and an intuitive sense of their talents and their ability to contribute to a given problem. Given the type of employee you are looking for, I think that these skills directly relate to the job. I am extremely hardworking. In addition to maintaining an active membership in various professional societies, I have spent the past two years taking evening classes to further my education and knowledge of this industry.
You are describing soft skills and professional development! First, you need to market yourself through networking and in the interview in order to get that job offer.
These are very good tips. We all know that there are a lot of people that are struggling to excel in their career, yet clueless on what they can do. This post surely helps a lot.
Thanks, I am still learning and changing along with it.