Employed vs Self-employed: Pros and Cons

Posted on January 6, 2022January 6, 2022 by Edna Crane

While employed and self-employed, people both have their own pluses and minuses. One of the things to take into consideration when thinking about this topic is whether or not it would be more advantageous to work for another company versus being an entrepreneur.

Pros for being employed:

The advantage of having a steady paycheck that puts food on the table
Steady hours that ensure an employee is paid for all of the time they put into their job
A company will most likely provide benefits such as health care, life insurance, retirement plans, and vacation time. This is one of the hardest parts of being self-employed.
The ability to work in a team environment and the support of having co-workers to collaborate
Having a smaller chance of being replaced by another employee due to the fact that you have been there for some time and your superiors believe that it would be too much of a hassle or cost more money to train a new worker for the job that you do
Steady pay and work allow an employed person to save more money than they would if they were self-employed.

Cons for being employed:

One of the hardest parts about having a steady paycheck is not getting fired from your job. This could happen due to the fact that an employer might decide to cut costs if they are losing money.
Companies can change management, be bought out, or go under, which could result in layoffs.

Pros for being self-employed:

Freedom is one of the biggest pros for starting your own company. Having your own business allows you to make all of the decisions and do things as you feel they should be done.
Having a new idea and turning it into an actual product is one thing that many entrepreneurs dream of. They would love the chance to create something from scratch and see it become successful.
You will not have a cap on how much money you make, which can result in extremely high profits.
With this freedom and flexibility, you can choose the hours that you want to work and take time off when needed.

Cons for being self-employed:

One of the biggest cons would be the lack of security that someone has when they are employed at a company. This can be from not being able to rely on steady pay to have no one else who will watch your back if something goes wrong.
Another negative aspect is that you have to contribute a larger portion of your income toward taxes and self-employment insurance. When you work for someone else, your company will most likely take away a percentage of your money to cover these contributions for you.
The biggest con would be the risk factor involved with starting up a business. There is no guarantee that an idea will work, and there is always the chance of failure, which could result in losing all of the money and time invested into the idea.

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In Closing

You can choose to be self-employed if you have always wanted the freedom to do things your way. Yes, there are always risks involved with being an entrepreneur, but some people would rather take the chance of success over security any day!

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How To Improve Your Chances Of Getting Your Dream Job

Posted on January 5, 2022January 5, 2022 by Edna Crane

You’re probably reading this because you’re not happy with your current job, and you want to have a role where you feel like a valued member of the team and where you’ll often have a fresh set of challenges to keep you motivated and productive.

The trouble is, you’re unsure of the best way to achieve that goal. What you don’t want to do is end up with another job that’s just as unfulfilling as your current one. With that in mind, what should you do? Take a look at the following hints and tips for some inspiration:

What’s Your Definition Of A Dream Job?

Before you start looking for a new job, you first need to think about your definition of a dream job. For example, is it one that’s local to you, or is it a remote job? Is it a job that has a specific work culture at the workplace? Is it a job that pays a particular salary?

Those are just some of the many things that can define a dream job for somebody. As you can appreciate, each person’s definition is different, so you need to consider which factors would complete your definition of a dream job.

Once you’ve worked that out, you can then start looking for jobs that fit within those parameters. Of course, you’d need to be realistic about your expectations. For instance, it’s unrealistic to assume you’d get a $1 million salary working as a dog walker!

Think About Your Ideal Niche Or Industry

The next thing you need to do is consider which niche, industry, or sector appeals to you the most. You may have decided that your current industry doesn’t appeal to you anymore or that you’d have better career progression opportunities in other sectors or markets.

If you have specific niches or industries in mind, it makes sense to speak with someone that works in them as they can give you a real-life account of what it’s like to work in them. After all: you don’t want to move to a new niche and then find it doesn’t meet your expectations.

Build Your Skills And Qualifications

You will undoubtedly have an array of skills and even qualifications under your belt already. But, you may find that you need to build on them to achieve the goal of working in your dream job.

For example, if you’re a software developer, it makes sense to have some further training to learn about different software development methodologies or programming languages. You can usually get certifications or qualifications that will get recognized by future employers.

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Update Your LinkedIn Profile

One final thing you can do to boost your chances of landing your dream job is update your LinkedIn profile. The thing about LinkedIn is that many employers and headhunters actively seek out potential new candidates to fill new positions. What might surprise you is the jobs they want to fill don’t actively get advertised. Instead, they’d rather look for potential candidates themselves through LinkedIn or other pools of professional networks.

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4 Ways To Hit the Ground Running At Your New Job

Posted on July 28, 2021July 28, 2021 by Edna Crane

If you’re recently undergone a career change, you must hit the ground running as soon as you arrive. This can set you apart if you were part of a substantial group hire, and it will help you stand out from other employees, allowing you to build your reputation at your new company. Hitting the ground running is much easier said than done, though, so here are four tips to ensure you slot into your new role seamlessly.

Know What’s Expected

Starting a new job comes with anticipation and a little apprehension. No matter how qualified you are, there may still be doubts that you can meet expectations. Knowing what is expected of you before your first day will help you be more productive as soon as you arrive at the office. Take time to familiarize yourself with the company and the industry as a whole, as this will help contextualize regular expectations and allow you to look even further. Your new company will expect you to know what you’re doing, and even though there will be some training involved, you can stand out early by having a general idea of what to do.

Prepare Useful Materials

Some industries can benefit from preparing useful materials before you arrive on your first day. For teachers, you can have ready-made lesson plans available at https://studentreasures.com/teachers-lounge/lesson-plans/kindergarten/ to fill time and keep students engaged. In other industries, you can design presentations or reports on your ideas for the future. Whatever industry you enter, you can give yourself a head start, especially when you consider how busy the first few weeks will be as you get used to a new environment.

Look For Problems and Find Solutions

Even the most well-oiled of company machines will have issues. If you want to demonstrate your worth and hit the ground running as soon as you arrive, you can use your problem-solving skills to identify areas of the business that could use some improvement. However, this approach can be a double-edged sword. You don’t want to upset the delicate balance of the company too early, as this causes some ruffled feathers. Still, demonstrating you’re able to find solutions to common office problems looks better than merely highlighting problems as it shows you are proactive and want to make processes more efficient for everyone.

Outline a 90-Day Plan

A 90-day plan is always beneficial for new employees as it helps them get an idea of where they want to be after they have settled at the company. Depending on the role you’re assigned, this could be reducing downtime or making the office more efficient. On a more personal level, you can aim to lead a new project and be trusted with more responsibilities. This gives you vital experience for your career and shows you’re capable of taking on projects that other hires might not be ready for yet.

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Big Strides

Your new job is the chance for significant career progression. If you have waited and waited for this opportunity, you must do everything you can to make the most of it. Showing your worth to the company is a must, and it will put you in a fantastic position to succeed in your new career.

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7 High Paying Careers To Consider In 2021

Posted on April 29, 2021April 29, 2021 by Edna Crane

While it is essential to do what you love for the money to come, it may be difficult to survive from a job if it does not pay well. There are numerous job opportunities available across the various industries, including tech, healthcare, finance, and engineering. If you are looking for a job or contemplating changing your career, the ones mentioned in this list (in no particular order) are worth a shot. These are some of the high-paying jobs to consider this year.

1. Computer Network Architect

Also known as Network Engineers, Computer Network Architects earn an average annual salary of $112,690. These IT professionals are skilled in designing and building computer networks. They also manage these networks and monitor traffic flow to analyze and implement strategic plans for future growth. To join this group, you would need a bachelor’s degree in a tech-related field and work experience in systems administration.

2. Political Scientists

The number of political scientists is expected to increase by 6% in the next decade as many people begin to opt for this career choice. With a master’s degree in public policy, you can become a political scientist working with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and research companies. You can also be accountable for analyzing the effects of government laws and regulations, identify political trends, and give policy recommendations. As a political scientist, you would be receiving an average salary of $122,220 a year.

3. Physicians

One of the highest paying jobs in health care is that of physicians. Physicians’ job titles include surgeons, obstetricians, gynecologists, anesthesiologists, and psychiatrists. Depending on which title you opt for, you would generally be responsible for attending to patients within a clinic, hospital, or individual and group practices. You would also need to prescribe treatments, perform surgery, and educate your patients and their families. A degree in medicine and a collection of specific skills would make you eligible for one of these physician roles. On average, this career path can bring in about $208,000 a year.

4. Computer And Information Systems Manager in Healthcare

With a Masters in public health administration, you can branch into this career path to earn an average of $146,360 a year. Computer and information systems managers are responsible for determining the IT needs and goals of the organization and trying to implement them by planning and coordinating computer-related activities. Known as clinical informatics specialists, they also have to solve software and hardware issues, install new computer systems, and ensure that they are safe and efficient. In addition to a master’s degree, you would need a bachelor’s degree in computer and information science.

5. Petroleum Engineers

In today’s world, there is a high demand for fuel, petrol, and gas. This, in turn, means there is a high demand for petroleum engineers. Petroleum engineers have the necessary skills to determine the best methods of extracting oil and gas. They can also develop and design extraction equipment as well as implement drilling plans. Although a degree in petroleum engineering is usually required, you can still be eligible to enter this career with a degree from the other engineering disciplines. On average, petroleum engineers receive about $137,720 annually.

6. Financial Managers

Like doctors are responsible for ensuring you are in good health, financial managers are responsible for the long-term financial health of their clients. They do this by offering advice to senior management on financial decisions, staying updated on market trends, preparing financial statements, and helping their clients find efficient ways of operating at a low cost. A significant advantage of this career is the various types of financial managers you can choose from. By 2029, the employment of financial managers is expected to increase by 15%. Currently, the financial manager receives an annual salary of about $129,890.

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7. Dentist

Oral health is very important. And this is why dentists are always in high demand. Dentists, usually part of a team of dental hygienists, dental assistants, and dental lab techs, repair damaged teeth and offer solutions to various issues concerning dental health. You can also branch into multiple specialties such as oral surgery, orthodontics, and prosthodontists under this career. However, this requires additional training and education, and licensure. The annual average salary would usually depend on your specialty. However, this usually ranges from $ 159,200 to $ 208,000 or more a year.

There are several career opportunities to take advantage of to be in a higher salary range. Therefore, if you want to take the step to change your career, do not hesitate.

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7 High Paying Careers To Consider In 2021 - #career #careeradvice

How To Approach A Change Of Career In 2021

Posted on February 23, 2021February 23, 2021 by Edna Crane

Perhaps you’re considering a change of career in 2021? With a brand new year ahead of us it’s the perfect time to set yourself some fresh goals. Approaching a career change is both exciting and challenging. You might have some ideas in mind, or be unsure where to start. To support you to get going, consider trying these seven simple tips.

Determine your motivations

The first step is to determine your motivations, you need to establish the reason why you’re looking for a change of career. Defining your motivations will help you to move in the right direction.

Perhaps you’re looking for a new career because you don’t see enough earning potential in your current field? In this case, you’ll want to focus on career paths with high earning possibilities. Instead, you might be looking for a change because your current career doesn’t feel meaningful? Perhaps then you need to move towards an altruistic career, that gives back to society.

Consider your Strengths and Passions

Take things back to basics and write a list of your strengths and your passions. Once you’ve got this list, consider the industries where you might thrive and increase your job satisfaction. If there are things you do like about your current career, list these ideas also. You might not be happy in your current role, but you’ve likely gained plenty of transferable skills that you can take to a new industry. Once you’ve got a solid idea of your skills, it’s easier to decide out which careers to consider in 2021.

Perform detailed research

When you’re approaching a career change, you’ll need to perform a detailed research. Once you’ve got a list of potential industries and roles, find out the exact path you need to take. Research the leading training opportunities, companies, and so on.

To support this part of the process you might like to check out the Good&Co app. The app uses personality and psychometric tests, to help match you with the perfect workplace. The idea is to match employers and employees who are a good fit in terms of company culture.

Build your brand

When you’re approaching a career change, it’s helpful to build your brand online. Use sites like LinkedIn to create your work profile, and make professional connections. Consider setting up a professional website, and writing a blog that discusses industry-based topics. With plenty of competition for roles, your personal brand can help to set you apart from the rest.

Get Networking

Networking is one of the best ways to approach a career change, and several tools can support you to do this:

Bizzabo: Using the Bizzabo app you can connect with new people, whether virtually or in person. You can even host your own professional events, using the Bizzabo platform.

Clubhouse: This application provides audio-conversations on a huge range of topics. You can ‘drop-in’ on these conversations, or you can start convos of your own using the Clubhouse ‘rooms’ feature. With the help of Clubhouse, users can talk to professionals who they may not have otherwise come across.

LunchClub: The Lunchclub app allows you to match with other professionals, and then meet using a 1:1 video chat. Once you’ve input a bit about your industry and goals, the app can match you with people who are a good fit.

Further study or training

Depending on your goals, a change of career might involve further study or training. There are plenty of virtual training opportunities online, whether you’re looking for a degree or a short vocational course. Naturally, some professionals are more suited to in-person training, and as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, these opportunities are becoming a possibility. To learn more about learning a trade-in in your area, take a look at https://tradeschoolsnearyou.com.

Hire a career coach

Feeling a little lost and not sure how to get started? Consider hiring a career coach, to help you set some career goals. With the support of a coach you can:

Determine potential career paths
Update your resume and professional online accounts
Find potential roles to apply for
Create a careers roadmap
Identify training opportunities in your area

With the right support, it’s easier to create a clear roadmap and start making progress.

While you’re working through the process it might be helpful to start a career journal. A journal can help you to break your long-term goals into shorter steps, and to document your ongoing progress.

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How to Start Your Career Change

Posted on September 4, 2020September 4, 2020 by Edna Crane

There comes a time for all of us when you just have to bite the bullet and change your career path drastically. When that happens, you need to make sure that you are aware of what you are doing, and that you know that you are moving in the right direction. This is scary and difficult, and there are no guarantees that everything will work out as you hope they will. This is why so many people get stuck in jobs they don’t like all that much, and it is a very common problem that is hard to overcome. However, there is a good way to approach that much-needed career change, so let’s take a look at what that might involve.

Don’t Be Rash

First of all, you should make sure that you are not jumping into anything or being too risky. Your job is important, at the end of the day: it is what you use to pay your bills and to eat, and you don’t want to throw it all away for nothing. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take any risks; however, it just means those risks should be well calculated, and that you should spend a long time planning your career change beforehand to ensure that you get it right. Don’t be rash, don’t jump into anything, but do spend some time working out the details of what you hope to do before you do it. You’ll be glad you did.

Research Job Opportunities

Before you do anything else, you should spend some time researching the job opportunities that are out there. There are two parts to this. One is to make sure that you are aware of what jobs there actually are, as in which job titles exist. There might be many that you have never heard of, after all, but which could suit you down to the ground. So check out somewhere like Top Craft Market and see whether there are any intriguing job titles which you might want to look into. The other aspect of all this is to make sure there are actually open positions for the job you want – if not, then you know that this is probably not a good time to make the switch, and that you should hold it off for a while instead.

Give Notice

If you want to speed-track things a little, you could consider giving your notice in and then using the time in between to finish up finding a job. Depending on what your notice period is, this can be a good way of approaching things if you are already aware of what type of work you want to get into. Of course, it is a higher risk option compared to some others, but people do sometimes have success this way and it is something to consider at any rate.

As long as you are bold and you make the right decision, you should find your life improves greatly with a career change of this kind.

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3 Careers to Consider during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Posted on July 19, 2020July 19, 2020 by Edna Crane

It is by no means a stretch to say that many Americans right now are fearful for their future employment. Either the job role they hold is in question, or they have already become unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Suddenly finding yourself without work due to no fault of your own can be a stressful time. After all, bills still need to be paid.

But for some people, this could be the push they need to help them get the job they have always wanted or used this opportunity to retrain for a different career.

Healthcare

There are many different roles you can work in the healthcare industry. People will always need to be seen by medical professionals, so taking up a position within the healthcare industry can help you build a long term career and feel more confident about having long term job security.

Choose a more supporting but still worthwhile role within a healthcare facility or look for healthcare jobs that require some degree of training or even choose to further your career with a different position or promotion.

From general practitioners, hospital settings, therapists, physical therapists, opticians, or even care home settings. The options are endless and positions that people will require staff for many years to come.

Become your own boss

You might be thinking, what exactly can I offer to create a business all of my own and become my boss. While this route isn’t as job-secure as working for an established employer, nothing is stopping you from diving in and building the perfect job role for you.

Talk it through with some family and friends and look at what skills you have to offer others and what qualifications you have that can help you build your own business. Look at hobbies, personality traits, and experience gained from current or previous employment and find a way to see how this can all help you start a new business. Look for a gap in the market and find out if you can fill a need that others aren’t and start your journey to become a small business owner now!

Teaching

Do you love to help people learn and have a flair for teaching? Then looking at training to become a teacher or getting a job role in an education setting could be perfect for you. Be it kindergarten, young children, teens, or even helping adults who return to education via evening classes or online learning. There are many job roles in the education setting that could be the perfect job role for you.

Some positions will require you to undergo formal training to allow you to qualify for your chosen job role; others will allow you to learn on the job and train in a more practical setting. All you need to ask is what job role you actually want to do.

Despite the uncertainty of the economy due to COVID-19, being proactive when it comes to looking for your dream job can help you forge a new career path and find the job that is perfect for you.

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Jumping From Part-Time To Full-Time Contracts

Posted on December 16, 2019December 16, 2019 by Edna Crane

More and more companies want flexible workers. You may be wondering why this is and the easy answer is to conclude that companies just don’t want to take on the risk of a large workforce. To some extent, this can be true for some companies. Taking on employees means more risk of a workplace accident and or injury claim. It will also mean having to pay more healthcare plan fees and not to mention a guaranteed salary.

However, there’s also the issue of not having enough skilled and experienced employees. With the competition to hire the best talent so high, companies will keep places for jobs open, just so they can hire the best workers down the line. This means they’ll need to hire more part-time workers instead. Maybe you’re one of those workers but you believe you should be working, full-time. Here’s how you could make that jump.

Show Your Worth

If you’re a part-time worker, you will be under the impression that your relationship with the employer will inherently be short-lived. This is simply not true. Understand that employers don’t want to settle for part-time workers. The rotation is hectic and hard to keep up with. They will also be wary of the employees not giving it their all because there’s no loyalty either way; since there’s no contract. In a way, you’re in the same boat. The employer wants to hire a full-time employee instead and you wish for the same. Your plan must be to show your worth. Volunteer for more hours if the opportunity presents itself. Take on more responsibilities and offer to help wherever it is needed. Speak to your manager, tell them you would like to be considered as one of the first people to work overtime. Employers will notice this and make a note of your willingness to work on a more full-time basis.

Taking Professional Responsibility

Showing up for work at a full-time role is not without its own challenges. However, you must never think that the employer isn’t watching your every move. It’s true that companies are obliged to provide equipment and uniforms for their employees no matter what their contract says. However, if you were to show up for work dressed the part, you would be taking responsibility for yourself; which the employer will notice. For example, if you’re a nurse wearing your own Barco Grey’s Anatomy Scrubs will make you look the part. When the employer is handing out scrubs, they will be impressed looking at you, showing up for work already ready to go and looking professional. This immediately says, you take your profession seriously and come equipped with what you need.

Go For It

Ask and you shall receive. Never be afraid to ask your employer to be considered for a full-time role. Working hard and hoping to be noticed is one thing, but you should also be confident enough to plainly ask to have your name be put forward when a full-time job opens up to availability.

It’s never easy to jump from a part-time role to being a full-time employee. But rest assured that hard work does pay off and turning up for work with your own equipment and or clothes is highly recommended.