This is the time of year we all start thinking about our future. Last year is the past, whether it was a good year or an annus horribilis.
What if this year could be your year? What would you like to do with it? We often make New Year’s resolutions with no intention of keeping them. So why not try choosing just one New Year resolution that is realistic and might make a positive difference to your life and make it stick! Here are a few ideas to get started.
New job
Look for a new job with better pay and prospects. We can feel sometimes that we have fallen in to a rut with a career that’s going nowhere. If this is how you feel why don’t you work on your CV and see what else is out there. Check out the different ways to job search by tapping in to the hidden job market.
Get promoted
You know you’re capable of more but always seem to get overlooked when new opportunities present themselves. There are many factors that influence an employer’s decision to promote someone. Maybe you need to take time to reassess. Check out these tips on how to get promoted and start climbing that ladder.
Change career
If you feel your current career isn’t satisfying or just doesn’t make you happy, it may be time to consider a change of career. People change career for all sorts of reasons and more often than that most think. If a change of career is top of your agenda, plan, plan, plan and you’ll overcome whatever challenges there might be along the way.
Start a side hustle
A side hustle is something you do ‘on the side’. In other words it’s a way to make money in addition to your main occupation. For instance selling on Ebay, Etsy, Vinted or any other online platform. For some, a side hustle can evolve into a major money earner and can become the full time job. But for most it’s simply a way to supplement income. We all feel the pinch with rising prices on the high street, so a little extra income doesn’t go amiss.
Go freelance
If you have the kind of skills that can be offered on a freelance basis this could be an option. Today, with advances in technology, this applies to all but very few career types. Any skill that can be delivered digitally could be marketed via platforms such as Fiverr and Freelancer. This includes virtual PA services, coding, copy writing and marketing. If your skill involves interacting with a team there is software that would allow you to do this. And if you have a client list from a previous employer and your allowed to use this, do it.
Make your hobby in to your career
If you enjoy doing something such as craftwork or cycling, maybe looking at ways to monetise your hobby could develop in to something more substantial. Can you imagine waking up every morning knowing you are going to do something you love. That is truly the holy grail of careers.
Set up your own business
Setting up and running your own business is no simple undertaking. It takes hard work, self-belief and determination. It also needs a great idea with a demand. If you feel you have all of this starting your own business might be an option. Never invest money in to your idea until you’ve tested the market. Ideally, try selling your service or getting orders before you take the plunge. If you go about it the right way setting up and running your own business could be the best thing you ever do.
Take a career break
Perhaps it’s a total life change you’re looking for. You might want to take a sabbatical from work or a total break to go exploring the world. Or perhaps you want to take time to bring up your family. Whatever the reason for taking a career break, taking one should not damage your future career options.
And finally…
New Year’s resolutions are a popular idea at the start of any new year. But most end up being abandoned because they were never realistic in the first place. It is normal to reassess your life at the end of a year and want to make changes for the better. But overloading yourself with a wish list of resolutions is a recipe for disappointment. If you choose just one or two resolutions and stick with these who knows what you can achieve.