I have met and known many individuals who struggle along, living at home, on unemployment or receiving some other type of assistance. When you stop to ask them why? Their response is often, “I still haven’t found my career job or calling.”
It is important to not let your long term goals hold you back from short term survival. In the career realm, it is ideal to have both short and long term career goals. In order to succeed you really must have shorter and longer range plans, and follow both.
If you are unemployed or still in school, start seeking out an interim job. Ideally, this would be more than just any job. You want to find a lower skilled job within a structure that will also help you achieve your long term goals as well. Do you want to be a fine chef someday? Then get a job as a busboy in a restaurant. Do you want to be a kindergarten teacher? Then babysit the neighbors’ kids. Think of a lower paying job as one of your stepping stones to your future.
Not only will these jobs build your resume, they will also help pay the bills. In addition, working will keep you in the groove of work. It helps you to show reliability and responsibility.
This sort of step is critical even if you are planning to start your own business. Having some experience working in the field you hope to compete in will give you an edge. It can also be helpful when you are trying to determine a career path. Whether changing careers or just getting started after graduation, trying out some lower level jobs in a variety of industries can be a great way to test the waters.
Related Articles:
*Should You Work for a Small or Large Company?
*Getting Paid to Do What You Love