Do You Have a Job or a Career?

How do you view your employment? Do you see it as just a job or as a career? Have you given it some serious thought at all? Regardless of your age or experience, you should consider where you are and where you’d like to go with your career. While most of us need a job to meet our expenses, many people tend to really excel when they have a career. Here are some questions and tips to help you in your career search.

• What kind of job do you really want? Many people mistakenly think this is a question that should only be asked by new high school and college graduates. The truth is that you should ask this question, regardless of your work experience, at any time you are dissatisfied with your present job. It’s never too late to move to a new career.
• Now that I’ve graduated, where can I find information about careers that I might like? The Internet is open for business and ready to help you. Excellent Web sites, like KellyServices.com, can give you information and thoughtful insight about the wide variety of careers that are available. If you’re working at a job and are a bit confused about how to investigate real careers, this is a wonderful, effective method to spur your search.
• What are the “hot” careers now and those projected to be popular into the near future? If you’re unsure about your preferred career path, a smart action plan is to learn about the careers and industries that are currently in an expansion mode and which project to be looking for talented employees over the next five to ten years. Remember, you might be the best blacksmith or carburetor mechanic on the planet, but where will you find a career, or even just a job? Once again, if you’re not sure what’s “hot” and what’s “not”, use the Internet to get the information you need. Think tanks, major business magazines, and other sources that have statistics are available to examine and help narrow the search for the best career for you.

• I’ve decided I might like to become a financial professional, but my Bachelor’s degree is in European History. Now, what should I do? First, don’t worry. This is a dilemma faced by many newer graduates. Here’s a suggestion that’s worked for many in the past.
  
  Depending on your current cash flow and needs, decide whether to keep your current job or secure a position, on the lower rungs probably, of a firm that specializes in finance or in a finance department of another respected company.
  
  Then examine the course and degree offerings of the many wonderful online colleges and universities. Your former university may even offer the finance courses you want in a distance learning or online format. Depending on your job responsibilities, you can get the knowledge and educational recognition you need at your own pace while continuing to work and “pay the bills”. It shouldn’t be long before you’re qualified to move up the corporate ladder in finance.
• What are some things I should do if I’m ready to move up in my career or choose a new one? This question may come up at various times during your work life, so don’t be surprised when it pops into your head on a regular basis. Just answer it. Always remember, knowledge is power. Unless your Dad owns the company you work for, you’re already aware that the more you know and the higher the value you bring to your job, the more likely you’ll be recognized, promoted, and better compensated.
  
  You should become just as knowledgeable about the careers (and other companies) you might want to pursue now that you’ve “outgrown” your current position. Use the Internet to do your research on careers and specific companies. You will have access to volumes of information and data you can work into your career plan. Even if you find a new career that intrigues you, in order to translate that desire into a new, exciting professional position, you need to pick the right companies to approach. If you’re unsure about how to accomplish this task, let experienced professionals, like Kelly Services, help you achieve your goal.

Whether your current job is in an industry you like, or should you be ready to explore one or more new careers that might be more exciting and rewarding to you, don’t wait. Take action. Even little steps, as long as they are forward, will start to rev up your engine. As most experts will tell you, it matters less what you do, as long as you do something!

You are already aware (from talking to people you know) that those who are involved in a career they like are generally happy, while those who are just holding a job tend to be dissatisfied and frustrated. You are probably in one or the other of these places right now.

If you’re happy with your career choice, take appropriate action to improve your position in your industry, at your company, or with a new and exciting job opportunity to further your career. Should you be dissatisfied with your current career choice, stop being negative and move forward. Find a career and industry that excites you. Use the Internet to research future career prospects and identify companies you might like to work for. Let the experts help you whenever you need them. Then, go for it! You’ll be happy—probably for the rest of your working life— that you did.