The new year is the perfect time to consider a career change.
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The new year is traditionally a time of fireworks, celebrations, resolutions, and now career changes. A new study by Fiverr and YouGov shows that nearly 6 out of ten American workers want to change something about their job or career in the new year. Some of the changes they consider include your company, industry, or work location. These results underscore the fact that work has changed drastically over the last decade. People no longer have jobs for life and prioritize purpose over profits.
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“As we enter a new decade, it’s important for everyone to consider the opportunities that exist for them now that they might not have had ten years ago,” said Gali Arnon, Fiverr’s director of marketing. “Technology has allowed people to make a living from the phone or computer, work from anywhere and collaborate on a global scale. It has made it possible to measure people by their skills and talent, regardless of anything else. Currently, people are not looking for this “work for life”. Rather, they want to be part of something that has a purpose and represents something greater than itself. ”
If you want a career change in the new year, here are five tips to guide you through the transition.
1. Take a step back
If you’re thinking about changing careers, this is a good time to ask yourself why. Take a step back to understand your motivation. Are you considering a change because you hate your boss or because you don’t really like your job? Try not to make a decision based on fear. If you’re thinking about starting a business because you’re afraid of business layoffs, it’s not a good reason to start. Your goal is to run towards what you love and not get away from something you hate. To feel fulfilled, you will also want to make sure that your future career fits your values and priorities. For example, if your number one priority is your family, a job that takes you on the road 42 weeks out of the year will not be appropriate.
2. Consider working independently
The Fiverr and YouGov study also confirmed that many workers are looking for greater flexibility, the ability to work remotely, and a career that really excites them. If you like, we recommend an independent career. According to the sixth annual “Freelancing in America” study sponsored by the Upwork and Freelancers Union, more people never see freelance as a long-term career path. The proportion of full-time self-employed increased from 17% in 2014 to 28% in 2020. Not only that, but at nearly $ 1 trillion (about 5% of U.S. GDP), self-employed income contributes more to economy than industries such as construction and transportation. Specialized services are the most common type of self-employment, with 45% of the self-employed involved in other areas such as programming, marketing, IT and business consulting.
3. Start a side concert
Do you want to go from employee to employer? One of the best methods to try a new business idea without immediately quitting your day job is to launch a side concert. It’s also a rewarding way to acquire valuable skills while generating some extra income. As your side concert grows, you will have an idea of whether this is a more meaningful and satisfying career path. Finally, you will have the potential to turn your side concert into a full-time business.
4. Hire a coach
As someone who is a coach and has hired coaches for me, I can attest to the power of the coach. They are sometimes called career coaches, life coaches, or business coaches. If you feel stuck, struggling with what to do next, or wondering how to put your ideas into practice, a coach can help. Coaches are especially valuable when it comes to taking responsibility and helping you create short- and long-term action plans. Essentially, they keep you on track and moving towards your goal. Ultimately, getting an outside perspective from a professional can be extremely helpful when navigating a career change.
5. Modify your personal brand
Has your LinkedIn profile remained intact for months or even years? Did you send your last tweet in 2012? Or, worse, do you lack a presence on social media? The new year is the perfect time to revisit your personal brand. Your personal brand is the unique combination of skills and experiences that make you who you are and that will set you apart from the crowd. Cultivating a personal brand has become more important than ever. According to a recent CareerBuilder survey, 70% of employers use social media to examine candidates during the hiring process. Personal branding is also essential if you are a consultant or small business owner. By effectively managing your online reputation, you will be able to control your narrative and differentiate yourself from the competition.
If you are thinking of a career change, the New Year is the perfect time to reflect on the last 12 months, inventory your skills, and chart a new course. In the words of author Melody Beattie, “The new year is before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written.” Take out your pen because the best is yet to come.
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If you’re stuck and aren’t sure it’s time to make a career change, download the free Caroline Castrillon guide: 5 Signs: It’s Time to Make a Bold Career Change!