Maybe you didn't hit the career lottery the minute you graduated high school or college. 🎰🥴 Maybe you're spinning your wheels working odd jobs in the meantime. Or maybe you're selling whippets out of your parent’s basement. 😵💫 Whatever it is you're doing, if you feel like you're late to the career game, don't give up hope! 🙏
The truth is that your career is a lifelong journey. 🛣️ Even if you change jobs more than some people change their underwear, as long as you're learning, your path surely won't stink! 🙊
Here’s Five Fast Facts on how to play career catch-up:
- 😤 Haters Gonna Hate - Society puts a ton of pressure on people to figure out life and succeed ASAP. However, this does more harm than good and can make us feel like a doo doo sundae. Spend time figuring out what you're truly good at and honestly assess your skills. This way, you'll be more likely to choose a job that's a perfect fit instead of one that simply makes you look the part. Picking the wrong job out of desperation almost always backfires.
- 👥 It's Who You Know - One of the best ways to fast-track your career is to buddy up with an industry insider. People often find the best jobs through their network, so make sure yours is strong. Get your LinkedIn profile up to date and seek out those in sectors you're interested in. You can also meet folks at in-person trade shows, career fairs, and industry conferences.
- 🤳 For the 'Gram - It's easy to compare yourself to others, especially when Instagram is full of entrepreneurs on private jets. Hot tip: many of them fake it. The only person worth comparing yourself to is…you! Set career goals for yourself and chip away at them little by little. Stay consistent, put in the work, and you'll have an actual career to be proud of.
- 🏗️ If You Build It… - If you're already working in your dream field but feel like you're behind, take advantage of development opportunities. Even if your company doesn't have a formal program, chances are there's a senior employee who can show you a new skill or two. Look at the next job on your career ladder and make moves to get yourself ready. This might look like getting a certification or taking on leadership opportunities.
- 🍗 The Secret Sauce - Need some late-bloomer inspo? Famous chef Julia Child didn't publish her first cookbook until she was 50! And our favorite chicken king Colonel Sanders didn't open his first KFC franchise until the ripe ol' age of 62.
🔥Bottom line: Now that you've been pep-talked, it's time to take some action! Take a look at these top jobs that don't require a college degree and start applying. If you find out you're making less than the Gen Z new hire, head here for tips on how to handle it. Oh, and beware of employment scams. Some of them are sneaky AF.
Are you working in your dream career?
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