Last Updated on Dec 10, 2021 by James W
No matter your age or interests, you should always be learning and developing. Otherwise, you remain stagnant, and this will quickly lead to you getting bored and disillusioned with your job. If you are looking for an opportunity to learn new skills or transition into a whole new career but need to pay the bills while you are at it, we have five ideas to help you.
Become a Tutor
Teaching other people is a wonderful way to develop your communication skills, reinforce your own knowledge on a subject, and earn some money at the same time. With the recent pandemic, there has been an increased demand for tutoring online, so you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home to do this job. Plus, it is incredibly satisfying when you can help someone grasp a new concept or start acing their exams.
Start an Apprenticeship
The average person will shift to a new career between five and seven times over the course of their life. You may have recently been furloughed or made redundant due to coronavirus, making this the perfect time to seriously consider what you want to do for work.
If you don’t love your job, maybe this is an opportunity to retrain in a new field. In many countries, governments incentivize companies to take on apprentices, and it is a great way to up your skill-set while getting a regular paycheck.
Join a Mentorship Program
If you are already doing what you love but want more career development in that position, a mentorship program might be for you. In essence, a program of this kind involves forming a one-on-one relationship with someone who is senior in your field. They can help you to set career goals, network within your field, and increase your knowledge.
If you can’t find a formal mentoring program, you could always approach a senior colleague you admire to see if they would be amenable to mentoring you. Alternatively, a quick Google search should put you in contact with a small business group mentoring program in your area.
Negotiate Ongoing Training with your Current Employee
Many organizations offer training programs to upskill their current staff members. There are benefits here for both the company and the employee. The employee stays up-to-date with industry trends and changes and is likely to feel an increased sense of satisfaction and engagement.
The company gets to take advantage of your new knowledge and enthusiasm. They also create an environment in which people are more likely to grow and advance within the organization rather than moving on to greener pastures. If your employer doesn’t already have a learning program, talk to your boss about whether they might implement one.
Find a Paid Internship
You might be wondering how an apprenticeship differs from an internship. Essentially, an apprenticeship is an ongoing employment opportunity where you learn on the job, whereas an internship is a temporary position that can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Think of it as a chance to try what it would be like working in a particular industry or for a specific company.
Not all internships are paid, so if you want to learn and earn, you need to find a paid opportunity. There is always a chance that you will be offered a full-time gig at the end of the internship, so it can be a great way to get your foot in the door.
The secret to being satisfied in your career is to never stop learning. Try out the tips above to ensure you never stop earning either!
