How to Identify and Follow Your Passions

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Today’s job market is more flexible than ever before, which gives you total freedom when it comes to choosing a career. With fast, low-cost air travel and the internet, location needn’t prevent you from doing what you love. Similarly, technology is allowing industries to develop at a rapid speed, which means new specialisms are constantly being introduced. 

While it’s great to have the freedom to do what you love, it can make it tricky to choose what career path to follow. If you’re having trouble deciding what you’re really passionate about, take a look at these top tips and identify what really motivates you…

Forget about money

Although your finances will inevitably have an impact on your career choices, cut money out of the equation to begin with. When you aren’t focused on the salary you can obtain, you can think more clearly about what industries excite you and what causes you feel passionate about. Almost every sector offers high-paying roles but not every job will give you the same satisfaction. Prioritize finding your passion before focusing on how much you can earn, and you’ll be on the right track. 

Explore different options

If you have varied interests, it’s always a good idea to gain as much experience as possible. If you’re torn between the financial sector and the sciences, for example, spend time investing in commercial real estate before interning at a research lab. You’ll gain experience of what different roles entail and get a real glimpse of what your day-to-day work life would feel like. 

If you’ve recently graduated from school or college, you have enough time to try out a variety of careers to see what suits you best. Make the most of the opportunity and get as much experience as possible before you decide how to spend the rest of your working life. 

Be prepared to make a change

If you don’t get the chance to try various job roles before you commit to working in a particular industry, you might quickly find that your dream job role isn’t all it was cracked up to be. If so, there’s no need to despair. Being prepared to admit that something isn’t right for you isn’t a sign of failure. 

In fact, you might be extremely successful in a particular role but still get no joy or satisfaction from your work. Being willing to start over in a new industry may take courage but you’ll be rewarded when you’re in a role you love and you’re excited to go to work every day. 

Choosing the Right Career Path

We’re asked to map out our future careers at a relatively young age, so it’s not surprising that so many people find they’re unfulfilled after they’ve spent a few years working in a full-time role. Fortunately, you’re no longer expected to remain in the same role for life. With endless possibilities, now is the time to find your passion and follow it. Do this and you’ll be far more fulfilled now and in the future.

 

Want to Become an Electrical Engineer? Here’s What it Takes

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Are you looking for a career change? Do you have an interest in electronics and other technologies? Then a career as an Electrical Engineer might be the way forward for you. One of the highest paid jobs (salaries average around $101,600 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics) and always in demand, it’s easy to see why so many people enter the industry each year. 

But before we get into how you become an Electrical Engineer, let’s look at what they do in their role.

What is an Electrical Engineer?

Skilled and experienced professionals, they work within fields that are related to electronics, electromagnetism and electricity. Such industries include the aerospace industry, Power Generation, defense and Artificial Intelligence. Because of the scope for this role, the opportunities and possibilities are endless. 

Skills That Are Needed

As there are so many fields that an Electrical Engineer can enter, it’s important to recognize that character attributes are hard to define. But when it comes to skills, there is a certain set that they will require in order to perform their role. These skills include, but are not limited to the following:

  • An in-depth knowledge of electronics – including how to operate a variety of machinery and equipment (such as different types of Solenoid valves in hydraulics).
  • An understanding of engineering, science and technology.
  • A logistical way of thinking.
  • The ability to predict physical laws and principles.

How to Enter the Industry

Obtain a high school diploma – so that you can access a university or college course related to electrical engineering.

Enroll in an electrical engineering program at a respected college or university – to do this, spend some time comparing and contrasting different options, paying attention to their employment rates and what past students have said about the course. If you really want to impress, you could also look for one that’s course has been recognized by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Choose a subfield – during your degree, you can choose modules that are in particular engineering subfields. These specialities will demonstrate your interests and experience to employers. If you’re unsure as to which to choose, it’s a good idea to talk to your professors, who will help to guide you.

Try to find work experience within electrical engineering – this helps to demonstrate to future employers that along obtaining a degree, you worked to gain useful experience to help develop your skills.

Extend your skills by opting for a masters or doctorate – although this isn’t always essential, for those that want to progress quickly in their career, these degrees can be an effective way of doing this. 

Find a job within the industry – once you’ve completed your degree/s, spend some time hunting for a job within the industry. As the demand for Electrical Engineers is high, you shouldn’t have an issue. 

However, as it’s a popular career, it can sometimes be difficult to obtain one – which is why it’s so important to differentiate yourself from other candidates through crafting your CV and acquiring the right work experience.

Final Thoughts

So, there you go! There is a brief guide as to what it takes to become an Electrical Engineer. Of course, before you take the leap and settle on this career, it’s important that you comprehensively research the key steps and look into what the job market is like. This will help to prepare you and give you an invaluable insight into the role.

What do Employers Really Want in a Candidate?

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Are you looking to gain a promotion or change career completely? If so, it’s essential to make yourself as attractive as possible to potential employers; with so much competition for job roles, you need to stand out from the crowd. Here are just a few ways you can go about it. 

Transferable skills

Having the right skills and education that are relevant to the job is crucial and something that will likely be the deciding factor in you getting a job. For example some jobs might require a masters or a doctorate degree. If the job is in an office, then knowledge of running an office, using compatible software, and using the skills that office workers need daily is crucial. But there are other skills that employers will look for which can be transferable. Writing, for example, is a great skill to have and will come in handy in just about all workplaces. Being a skilled writer will help you in just about any job role. Whether it’s creating content or just communicating with other employees, it’s a necessary skill and being able in this area can make life much easier for you at work. IT is another; pretty much everything we do these days is online, and even businesses that don’t sell online still need to have a presence on the internet. For this reason there’s no escaping it, and in almost any job you do, having some knowledge and understanding of IT is going to be advantageous. Marketing is another great skill to have. It’s something that every single company needs and relies on for their success. A marketing qualification could go hand in hand with content creation or graphic design for example, it gives you the edge if you have a background understanding of what angle will be best received by an audience. 

A driver’s license with access to a vehicle

Even if the job you’re applying for has nothing to do with driving, having a license with access to a car is always going to be a good thing for employers. This is especially true if you live a little further out, or if you’re required to work very early or late- even on some days. There are occasions when public transport won’t be running or will be delayed, and being able to drive generally means you tend to me more reliable as an employee when it comes to getting to work. If the job you’re applying for requires you to drive with your own car (for example, courier work or community care work) then without this you’ll be completely ruled out. 

Relevant or interesting hobbies 

It might seem a little unusual as to why employers are interested in your hobbies. After all, most of us are very different in our regular lives outside work- so why do they need to know? But actually, hobbies can give a massive insight as to who you are as a person, the kinds of skills you’re likely to have and even how well you work with others. If the job is very team focused for example, then having a team sport on your resume is going to help you stand out. But be wary, as sometimes hobbies could put employers off. For example, if the job you want requires you to be very level headed and make rational decisions, having a high impact sport on your resume might suggest you’re a bit of a risk taker. While you won’t want to lie, it’s essential to tailor your resume to what employers are looking for. Decode the job ad, try and work out the kinds of skills and personality they want for the role and then present yourself as this person.

Good communication and body language

The things we say only communicate a small message– the rest comes across in our non verbal cues such as body language, expression and more. When interviewing, most employers will be looking for candidates who are confident, open and comfortable and so be sure to stand (and sit) up straight. Control your nerves and go in with a relaxed peace of mind, and your expression and body language should convey this. 

Voluntary work or other experience

If you’re hoping to work in a brand new sector and have no experience at all, finding a job can be very difficult. The way you can get around this is by doing some voluntary work. If, for example, you want to work in the criminal justice sector, you could look for voluntary positions with the police, courts or probation. If you wanted to work in healthcare, you could volunteer at a hospital or clinic. Voluntary work shows that you’re serious about getting the skills you need to move up in your career, something employers will appreciate.

Why You Absolutely CAN Have The Career You Want

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Working is something we all must do. Some people work in careers that they absolutely hate; others are stationed in the perfect possible place. Those that work in jobs that they truly dislike are to be respected – all work is noble work, and sometimes you have to do the dirty work in order to get through the weeks and months. It is possible for those individuals to get out of that position and work in a place that they’ll love, however. It sounds impossible because we’re kind of placed into a particular part of society, but the mould can be broken. 

This sounds incredibly harsh, but if you spend multiple decades stuck in the same job that you hate, then that’s on you. Sometimes you have to stay put in places, but not for a horrendous amount of time. If you want a particular job in a certain field, then you can make it happen. Many of us have been told and condition into believing that we should stay in our lane. Don’t do that – you’re better than that. Even if it sounds like quite a challenge, you should attack where you are now and try to improve your professional life. Still sound a little far fetched? Well, here are some reasons as to why you, yes you, can get the career you want:  

You Don’t Have To Be Special  

Those that are in positions that they want to be in, and those making lots of money at the top are seen as better individuals in almost every aspect. It’s like they were born different from the majority. Nope. They’re exactly the same as you – they just went out and did something. They took risks, and they were rewarded. You can do just that. Nobody is special in this world – we’re all the same. 

There Are So Many Opportunities Now

Because of modern technology and the increased population, there are so many different avenues that a person could go down. Literally, all you have to do is search on Google, and you’ll be inundated with thousands of different jobs. Whether you’re searching for trucking companies hiring teams, or a recruitment agency that hunts for administrators, the results will be in front of you in a matter of seconds. 

Now, it’s not as easy to then successfully get these jobs, but the first step is right there in front of you. Social media also allows you to network and get in touch with all the right people.   

Education Is Available Everywhere

Heading back to school as a mature student has always been an option for people. Now, however, there are online courses regarding just about anything. If you want to grab an education from the comfort of your own home, then that’s entirely possible. There are also free lessons and video tutorials scattered around the web for you to take part in. 

The Biggest Barrier Is You

Most of us are trapped inside our own minds. When the idea of getting into something we want comes along, fear keeps us shackled. Now, for some reason, we’re scared of so many things that won’t even come to fruition. If you want something in life, all you have to do is go and get it. What’s the worst that can happen? Learn to batter those fears and live the life you want – there’s really no problem in front of you.

Broaden Your Horizons and Build Your Career with One Perspective Change

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When we talk about things like work/life balance or work vs play, we immediately assume that the two things are opposed and competing. This is a huge problem, firstly, because it means that it’s pretty well accepted that you hate your job but stick to it because it funds your lifestyle and, secondly, because life doesn’t have to be like that at all. 

When you change your perspective and begin to think of work as a part of your life, and not an inconvenience you have to put up with, you give yourself a chance to push for something more compelling and more fun. If you’re not convinced here are two stats to change your mind: American spends 90,000 hours at work over their lifetime and yet, 87% of Americans have no passion for their jobs. 

Convinced now? Here’s what you should do.

Make Contacts Wherever You Go

If you want to improve your social life and your work life, building your contacts is essential. Now, how you do this is up to you but it’s a good idea to go to a mix of different sorts of events. Meeting friends of friends is a good way to broaden your social group but going to events for people with similar interests or networking events for more industry-specific stuff is a good idea too. 

Building your contacts is especially important if you want to move up the job ladder without sending a million applications out. Executive search often comes down to who you know and how much they rate you, and not who is lucky enough to see the ad online. 

Follow All Your Interests

Your career probably comes with a few prerequisite skills and if you are going down a particular niche pathway, you could be forgiven for focusing on building those skills and nothing else. But increasingly, life isn’t like that. Our jobs tend not to last our entire career and you could go through a wide range of roles and industries in your working life.

If you want to enrich your career and your life, a better approach is to follow your interests. Sure, flower-arranging or tinkering with an old motor might not have anything to do with your job in IT but both hobbies could lead you elsewhere. Plenty of people get into jobs by accidentally becoming an expert in a hobby or interest. You’ll only get there if you pursue your interests first.

Be Determined But Flexible When Setting Your Goals

Life goal setting is difficult because what you want to achieve isn’t often a concrete thing but a more complex idea. For example, everyone wants to be happy and that’s a worthwhile goal. But how on earth are you going to achieve ‘happy’? 

Having big, undefined goals is actually a good thing as long as you can identify achievable, smaller goals along the way. Setting smaller goals will help you see your progress but they can also be more flexible and change as new opportunities present themselves. 

There’s no one way to live your life but once you allow yourself to broaden your horizons, you’ll find that more good things come your way.

How to Find the Right Career and Be Your Authentic Self

The Compass – How to Beat the Rising Employee Quit Rate

A recent Gallup study shows that the employee quit-rate (the percentage of employees quitting their jobs) in the US is at an all-time rise. The study results reflect characteristics of Millennials and Z generation so there is no reason to think the situation is different in other countries. The phenomenon is relevant to employees at all levels and all company sizes, from small start-ups to Fortune 100 companies. It is as relevant to entrepreneurs that have doubts about the future of their business.

There is little need to expand on the significance of key-talents (or any talent for that matter) leaving an organization – as the study points out – it’s better to keep a star than hire a question mark.

For the employees themselves, whether they are already halfway through their career or just starting (or even freshly graduated and pondering what career-path to take), making the right decision is paramount to their future fulfillment and well- being.

It is at least as critical for an entrepreneur that finds themselves unhappy and unfulfilled with the direction their business took.

The key to solve those problems is to understand what an effective career and development planning is and to act on it.

Obviously, when one is content at work, this problem does not exist. The challenge begins when you reach a crossroad – a point in time when you need to decide on your next step in your career, or when you feel stuck in your current position or job and you are looking for change.

Unfortunately, many make career decisions without understanding what is involved in it and end-up with a result that may be good for a while – change itself might increase wellbeing – but not for long.

In the absence of this understanding, people oftentimes choose their (next) job based on:

1.   What will give them reasonable results (income, benefits)

  1. What they don’t mind doing
  2. What they are not too bad at

This is a survival, outside-in approach that leads to mediocrity – he level of engagement and motivation is mediocre at best; The level of added value is mediocre; The result is a disengaged career path, when people just wait for the work-day to go, by counting the hours, for the week to end and so on….

But what if one would focus instead of this on:

  1. What they are really passionate about
  2. What they excel at and always did
  3. What will give them the best possible results and fulfillment

This is an inside–out approach that taps first into internal sources and is called the Greatness Model. It is the model to aspire to for career decision making if you want to be happy and fulfilled.                                                                                                                              Graduates will benefit from applying it when setting their career course. Employers should find a way to help their employees to use it. Entrepreneurs need to utilize it to find the next phase of their business.

The good news is that there is a way, and it’s called The Compass.

The premise that lies at the heart of The Compass is rather simple – whenever at a crossroads, one should ask themselves 4 questions:

  1. WHERE do I want to go? And in the employment context – what is my best next version?
  2. WHY do I want to go there? In other words, what are my drivers, values, passions and motivations?
  3. WHAT is stopping me? What are my limiting beliefs, internal barriers and inhibitions that prevent me from getting to my desired destination?
  4. HOW do I get there? What is my road map? My plan?

And in a bit more detail:

The NORTH – What is my genuine direction? What is the next best step on that path? Where can it lead me in 5- or 10-years’ time? Will I be happy and fulfilled there?

The EAST – Why do I want to go there? Is this my dream or someone else’s (parent, spouse, myself when I was a child)? How authentic is it? Will this truly make me happy or just fulfill a need (financial, societal?)

The SOUTH – Why have I not done it so far? What might stop me from doing it in the future and how do I break through these barriers?

The WEST – what is the practical plan to get where I want to get? What do I need to do tomorrow, next week, next month, next quarter to get to my destination in the timeframe I have chosen?

The Compass is a tried-and-tested award winning methodology that has so far helped tens of thousands of people all over the world find their True North and actually get there.

Globally recognized thought leader in personal and organizational development, Aviad Goz is the founder and Chairman of N.E.W.S.® Coaching and Training, and the founder of Momentum Group.

Aviad started his career as a facilitator and coach in 1986 and has worked successfully since then with key-talents, managers and executives in more than 2,000 organizations around the world. Some of the companies he has helped navigate through crossroads to achieve success include Fortune 100 companies such as PwC, Microsoft, Intel, Cisco, IBM, GE, HP, Pfizer, P&G, and Coca-Cola, to name a few. Alongside that Aviad has led many unique projects such as certifying military commanders as coaches, working with religious leaders, coaching famous artists for international careers and more.

Over the course of the years, Aviad notices that individuals and organizations struggled to manage themselves effectively when they are at crossroads. He managed to identify four main reasons why individuals, teams and organizations usually get stuck in such circumstances:

– no clear direction or a vision for their future;

– lack of motivation and drive in moving forward;

– poor planning and execution capabilities;

– and inhibiting beliefs and fears;

This realization provided Aviad with the inspiration to create the N.E.W.S.® Compass™ in 2003. After an extensive research and study, he designed a unique compass-like structure where obstacles that prevented people and organizations from reaching their goals could easily be identified, and practical solutions could be put in place to help them overcome their challenges and lead them toward new heights.

Recognizing the N.E.W.S.® Compass™ huge potential for impact, Aviad used the insights gained through his experience as a coach and facilitator, working with industry leaders, to skillfully construct additional need-based, customizable solutions for navigating through changes and challenging times. To date, in response to the needs of industry, he has created 8 programs and solutions based on the N.E.W.S.® Compass™ for different applications, all relating to various aspects of development for greatness. These programs are now being used around the world in over 30 countries.

Through all these various ventures, Aviad’s mission to lead individuals and teams towards evolution and breakthroughs in their development has remained steadfast. His deep motivation and commitment continue to propel his creativity to new levels. To add to his visionary success, Aviad has also authored and published 12 books and numerous articles on development in Human Resources and Organizational Development magazines. His most recent book – The Compass: How to Navigate Your Life and Career in Times of Change was published in 2013. Over the span of his career, Aviad has trained generations of trainers and coaches all over the world and helped millions to lead more productive and fulfilling lives.                                                       

You are welcome to visit Aviad’s website: http://www.aviadgoz.com

How To Make A Career Pivot

Did you know the average person changes careers 12 times?

It’s not a matter of IF, but WHEN you change your career.

The toughest part of changing careers is the job search process.

It’s slow and hard to navigate.

That’s why I created this free mini course which is a prelude to my career pivot course.

If you know how to make a career pivot, it won’t seem like an overwhelming process.

Learn the system and repeat it every time you feel like changing careers.

Top Tips On Changing Career in Your Later Years

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No matter where you are in the world, there is a rather high chance that you do not find work the most riveting activity. You might even be unhappy about it, which is nothing out of the ordinary nowadays. Employees who are unhappy with their position or job outnumber the happy employees by two to one according to a recent study. That in itself is a staggering amount of miserable, especially in a scenario which is so ubiquitous to everyday life. If you do not start making a change now, then no one will do it for you. Life is full of opportunities, and changing workplace, moving onto greener pastures, is nowhere near as impossible as some make it out to be.

With that out of the way, let’s look at some ways in which you could work on switching careers, past your initial school phase of life.

Start a business

If you’ve had enough of working the 9-5 then perhaps starting a business is right for you. There are many opportunities to enter the world of business, including retail ideas, professional services, and franchises that offer everything from mosquito control business opportunities to opening your own fast-food joint. This career change can be inspiring; however, it doesn’t come without challenges, and you’ll have to consider finances, planning, and marketing before leaping in.

Go back to college

Since the issue is becoming more and more known around the world, universities aimed more at adults have been popping up all over the place as of late. They often boast of somewhat flexible attending times and are set up in a way in which you can easily attend in whatever schedules work for you. Working full time and don’t have time to participate during the day? Come in after work during the evenings! Working part-time and want to attend during your days off? That could most probably also be arranged. Getting educated during adulthood has never been easier, and if you want to transform your life during your downtime, then there is no better time than now. The path towards a career you’ve always dreamed of could be a mere few phone calls away, and stalling is not going to help anyone at this point, so it’s better to get interested sooner rather than later.

Re-train with an apprenticeship

For some people, getting into an evening college course or something along those lines is not an option. Maybe due to the lack of money in the first place, being unable to pay school fees and whatnot, but perhaps just due to the fact that they have rent to pay next week, and cannot allow themselves for much downtime. Perhaps, despite the flexible hours, you just could not work out a schedule, which would work in the long run. This is the moment where you should consider getting a placement as an apprentice and getting interested in apprenticeships for employers.

Being an apprentice often carries some sort of stigma, being related to essentially making coffee or tea for the employees while you run around doing menial tasks for less than minimum wage. Now while this is not entirely wrong, and it certainly has happened to some people in the past, times are changing, and being an apprentice carries a bit more weight nowadays. If you’re lucky, you can find an apprenticeship with an actual full wage, even if minimum, but surely still enough to pay the rent. You may not be able to splash the cash like a madman for the time being, but this is virtually guaranteeing you a foot in the door to your desired field, which is worth considerably more in the long run.

Create the perfect CV and covering letter

If you don’t have a chance to impress in person, your CV should be your trump card. This seemingly innocuous piece of paper or Word document stands between you and the opportunity to get that dream job, so it has to do the business. Focus on using your CV to demonstrate and showcase your skills and think of it as a pitch. Imagine you’re on The Apprentice and think about how you’re going to use words to convince the person reading them that you are the best candidate. Keep things brief and concise, and highlight your strengths.

Consider how you can use your CV to make you stand out. Have you invested time in developing your skills thanks to courses from external providers? Do you speak different languages or have you worked abroad? Do you volunteer or have you traveled the world? Have you got additional qualifications that aren’t mentioned on the job description or have you completed placements or gained experience in environments, which could further your cause? Put yourself in an employer’s shoes and see if you’d be impressed by what’s in front of you.

Many organizations ask for a cover letter. Your letter should be punchy and to the point. Don’t ramble or repeat yourself. Explain who you are, why you’re applying, and what you feel you could bring to the role. Tailor the letter to the type of position and the company to which you’re applying. If the job is creative by nature, you can be a little more imaginative and original with your letter, but if not, it’s best to stick to a traditional, more formal template.

If you’ve been asked to respond to questions as part of the application process, plan your answer first. Look at the word count, break down the question into parts and answer each bit, backing up your statements with examples and case studies. You could link to a portfolio of your work, for example. Make sure your responses are clear, relevant, and well thought out. Don’t waffle to fill the space or go over the same subject time and time again. Create a logical answer that responds to every element of the question and showcases you in your best light. Before you hit the send button, always check your spelling and grammar.

These are just some of the things you can do to make a top career change in adulthood. You don’t have to be stuck in a dead end job for the rest of your life, and there’s a world of opportunities just waiting to be explored to help you build a successful and exciting career that you’ll love for years to come.

PRO’s and CON’s Of Moving To A Medical Career

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Changing your career is becoming easier for people especially nowadays with education been so readily available such as been able to study from home. Many people are now multi-skilled and aren’t afraid to make a move into something completely different and towards whatever compels them. A career that people often get drawn towards is one in a medical environment as it’s not only rewarding but you’re able to make a massive difference to a lot of people’s lives. So should you be considering making a move into a medical profession? Have a look below at some of the pro’s and con’s that you should be considering.

PRO’s

  • Get To Work With People-  Not only do you get to work with the population and help them with their medical needs you also get to work with a variety of people from all sort of backgrounds. Often this leads to a higher overall level of education and diversity within teams.
  • Use Specialist Equipment- When studying for a career in the medical industry you have access to specialist equipment such as a microplate, laboratories and research facilities. This can be very interesting and fulfilling.
  • Wide Range Of Opportunities- There is an abundance of options available to a student who has studied for a medical profession, you can find jobs in all sorts of areas such as dentistry, medical sciences, hospitals and general facilities. Meaning there is a choice to suit everyone.
  • Helping People- Of course, this goes without saying and it is often the main reason people get into a medical career. They want to help people and be able to see the difference that they are making to someone life. Whether it’s simply listening and understanding someone’s problems or performing a lifesaving operation someone in a medical profession has the ability to make a difference.
  • Highly Recognized Field – Because medicine is recognized globally it gives you a wide range of career opportunities across the world. Some people find this particularly attractive if they are looking to emigrate and establish careers elsewhere.

CON’s

  • Income- Now you would probably expect to see this in the PRO’s however unless you are extensively educated in your field of work you will find that a career in medicine isn’t as highly paid as you would imagine. All them protests don’t happen for no reason at all.
  • Long Hours- It’s definitely not a secret that a career in the medical industry can include long hours that often include night shifts, this is one of the things that is often considered a downfall to any medical career.
  • Long Education-  Although it’s very rewarding to become educated in this line of work it can take a serious commitment to the amount of time it can actually include. If you don’t enjoy education and don’t want to be learning right through your career, then this isn’t a field to become involved in.
  • Responsibility- Some people thrive with having a high level of responsibility however if you struggle with this then a career in medicine definitely isn’t for you. You will often probably on a daily basis be involved in something that has some level of responsibility. At the end of the day, you are dealing with people’s lives.

These are just a few of the PRO’s and CON’s that you can expect from a Medical career. Do you have any others to share? Please leave them in the comments section below.

Starting A Successful Music Career In 2019

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Whether you decided to try to make your way in the world of music this week or you’ve been at the grind for years, all musicians are in the same boat. It’s hard for creative people to make their way in the world, but this is certainly the case in the music industry. The market has become so competitive because it’s easy for people to make music. DAW software is cheaper and more accessible than ever (some music software is free), so there’s nothing stopping people from getting started. But how are you going to stand out? Whether you’re a brand new artist or you’ve been at it for years, it’s hard to get ahead. Even those who have tasted success can struggle to hold onto it. In this article, we’ll talk about the things you need to consider if you want to start a successful music career in 2019.

Figure out what makes you unique.

If you want to do well in the music world then you need to adopt a little bit of a business mindset. Of course, the goal is to avoid draining all the excitement out of your career because creating music requires a degree of passion and creative freedom. However, you do need to develop a personal brand for yourself in the same way as any other entrepreneur, so you need to think about your image and identity in that sort of manner. You need to figure out what makes you unique in terms of your sound and your presentation. You don’t need to be eccentric for the sake of being eccentric. Take a look at bands such as Radiohead; they dress in a casual manner, but their music is the thing that makes them stand out.

So, what’s your USP? If you’re making rock music then why should people listen to you rather than the thousands of other rock bands out there? If you’re a rapper then how are you going to stand out? Are you just going to use the same trap beat as every other aspirational hip-hop artist out there? You won’t come up with a fresh new sound straight away. Even the most successful artists of all time started out sounding pretty similar to the musicians who influenced them. It’s all part of the creative process. You have to learn by creating. As time goes by, you’ll start to find your sound. You could consider vocal school to try to develop a stylistic identity for yourself and learn to adapt to a variety of different singing styles. It’s important to learn to be flexible if you want to be unique. Many artists stand out because they pull influences from many different places rather than simply sounding like artists from one particular genre, for instance.

Develop a strong work ethic.

The rise to the top might seem effortless from the outside, but artists don’t just emerge from nowhere. It takes years of grinding to reach the top. It took a lot of rejections and a lot of failed attempts for many of the world’s most accomplished musicians to reach the global platforms they have today. Don’t trick yourself into thinking it’ll happen quickly. You need to develop a strong work ethic if you’re going to start a successful music career in 2019. Maybe you’ve been trying to “make it” for years, but you’ve only been dedicating a small amount of your time to the cause. You need to be committed if you’re going to get anywhere. Take the time to make yourself visible and get your brand out there as well as working on your music itself. As explained in the previous point, you need to adopt a business attitude if you want to make it in this tough industry. Keep grinding, and make sure you only do it because you love it. That’s the key to making music which sounds good. Take the time to hone your talent.