Are you working a job that you're not particularly invested in? Surveys show that only 20% of Americans have careers that coincide with their passions. It may be time to switch up your career path and find something that fulfills you both personally and professionally.
How Do You Find the Right Career?
To find fulfillment, people usually let their hobbies or passions drive them. Many creative hobbies like writing and design can become lucrative opportunities if you freelance or start your own business, but your passions could extend beyond the creative arts. It could be something that drives and excites you. In the Western world, we use the Japanese concept of ikigai to determine our dream career. It's a balance of finding something that you're good at, something you love doing, and something that provides income and purpose.
Should You Go Back to School?
Going back to school can help you acquire the knowledge and credentials needed to secure a higher-paying position or to completely shift career paths. Traditional school is not always an option for those who have family obligations or full-time jobs. Luckily, an accredited online school can make it easy to take classes at your own pace while you balance other responsibilities. Search for schools that have competitive tuition rates and flexible schedules.
Should You Start Your Own Business?
Doing something you love on your own terms could be the perfect alternative to suffering through an unfulfilling job. If you want to be in control, start writing out a business plan. A business plan will keep you on track and help you figure out how viable your business idea is. Make sure to include essential elements, such as the organization and management of your business, what products and services you'll sell, how you intend to market yourself, and what your financial projections are. The financial plans are particularly important because startups often require substantial capital to take off. The exact cost will depend on your situation and business type, but expenses can range from a few hundred dollars to hundreds of thousands.
What Does It Take to Run a Business?
Branding and marketing are central to running a business, but so is managing your finances. Invoicing is one of the first things you should think about because almost a third of startups fail due to insufficient cash flow. You'll want to make sure that you're receiving your income regularly and on time. You’ll get paid faster if you set clear terms and accept multiple forms of payments. All your invoices should be standardized, too. Use an invoice maker free tool to find a customizable invoice template and easily add your name and branding elements to each invoice.
Who Can I Go to for Help?
Consider career counseling from Job Transitions if you want to switch careers but aren't sure where to start. An objective opinion can help you figure out what type of work your skills and passions would be best suited for. When starting a business, the best way to learn is to network with other small business owners. Networking can connect you with experienced entrepreneurs and potentially even open up opportunities for growth.
There's no need to stick to a career that's unfulfilling. Chase your passions by switching career paths or starting your own business. If you start your own business, make sure you work on your business plan, set up a standardized invoicing process, and network with other entrepreneurs to start off on the right foot.
