Understand who you are and why
What excites you, inspires and motivates you? Why those things specifically?
What are you most passionate about?
This is likely to be connected to your purpose, or it is your purpose and you've yet to realise.
Get to know the way your mind works and how it responds to your heart
Are you easily distracted? Do you get upset over small things? Do you often find yourself torn between your thoughts and feelings? Do you live a healthy and balanced lifestyle?
Having a clear mind and the ability to think logically/rationally will help you to control your feelings which will enable you to make better decisions and lead a healthier life.
Know where you stand with yourself
You are worthy of respect and you are valuable
Intuitive and instinctive people will pick up on a lack of self appreciation fast and, while perhaps not deliberately, those who can see that you do not like/love yourself are likely to regard you in that way. Hold yourself in a manner that says, "I am confident in who I am and what I bring to the table". Set boudaries that align with how you want others to treat you.
Take action
E.G. If in 6 months time you want to be clear of a small debt, start paying off an affordable amount each month via direct debit from now. Once cleared you can begin saving that same amount to put towards the career/dream you want. Without a plan of action the debt could get worse. Another example: if you want to start a podcast in a year or so, spend a minimum of 2 hours daily researching and planning your topics, guests, etc. Start today!
Know where you stand with yourself
Being comfortable in your skin is key, literally. If you care what others think you need to know why and you then need to work on letting go. You cannot cover the costs of living with other people's thoughts of you so, learn to not give a lolly!
Intuitive and instinctive people will pick up on a lack of self appreciation fast and, while perhaps not deliberately, those who can see that you do not like/love yourself are likely to regard you in that way. Hold yourself in a manner that says, "I am confident in who I am and what I bring to the table". Set boudaries that align with how you want others to treat you.
Take action
E.G. If in 6 months time you want to be clear of a small debt, start paying off an affordable amount each month via direct debit from now. Once cleared you can begin saving that same amount to put towards the career/dream you want. Without a plan of action the debt could get worse. Another example: if you want to start a podcast in a year or so, spend a minimum of 2 hours daily researching and planning your topics, guests, etc. Start today!
Create as many CV's as are applicable to your different skill sets and career goals
It's great if you've worked as a Secretary, Builder, Fitness Instructor and have also volunteered as a Production Assistant. However, if applying for an administrative role, your CV should only include your admin work history and the relevant/supporting skills and achievements. It's the same for your personal statement!
Apply for (temporary/short term) jobs you have an interest in
It will be incredibly unfair to the prospective employers and also a great disservice to yourself if you send applications for everything you know you're capable of doing, while knowing that you've no real interest in over half of them. Have a strategy (and don't be put off if you have low funds. Some resources are free), be realistic, keep your real career aim at the front of your mind and remain honest with yourself about what you want from the temporary job (s) and why.
Always be prepared!
Thorough preparation for an interview is a must. You need to work - lengthy gaps on your CV doesn't look good, you've bills to pay, maybe debts to clear and, most importantly, you're in pursuit of a career that requires you to be in a good place financially before you can even begin to get started with the official chase. However, you must also be prepared for any sudden career related opportunities that pop up - you don't want to miss them but, you also want to keep your paid job. What will you do if the most amazing career related opportunity crops up and clashes with a day you're at work? You've got to know what you'd do in this situation well in advance.
Keep it real
Let the prospective employers know (at the interview stage) that, whilst you're passionate about the role you're being interviewed for, long term, you see yourself with a career in your chosen field and intend to pursue non conflicting opportunities outside of the job. This will be fair and better for you in the long run rather than pretending you have no other interests, goals or passions and taking the job with it being expected that the job will be your life! You know how it can go in the working-for-somebody-else world.
Balance is essential
Establish a routine for yourself so that you can fit everything in giving priority to that which is a necessity. You will need to make a realistic and achievable list, perhaps change the time you wake up each morning and rearrange other commitments throughout the weeks/weekends.
Trust those who stick by you
Self belief is crucial if you're going to stand any chance of being able to successfully hold down a job while also chasing your dreams. It also helps to have trust in your nearest and dearest, that they will support you any way they can. If you don't have anyone (which I hope is not the case), pray. If you don't believe in God, step out of your comfort zone at least once a week to go and meet new people at events/places relating to your career goal with whom you can (potentially) create trustworthy friendships.
Yes, it's a lot and can be stressful at times, but, I think it's better to walk down the road filled with challenges and major learning curves than to walk down easy street. Stick with the challenges because, once over the hurdles, the rewards are likely to be long lasting. YOU'VE GOT THIS! So you choose, so it shall be. Stay focused.
It's great if you've worked as a Secretary, Builder, Fitness Instructor and have also volunteered as a Production Assistant. However, if applying for an administrative role, your CV should only include your admin work history and the relevant/supporting skills and achievements. It's the same for your personal statement!
Apply for (temporary/short term) jobs you have an interest in
It will be incredibly unfair to the prospective employers and also a great disservice to yourself if you send applications for everything you know you're capable of doing, while knowing that you've no real interest in over half of them. Have a strategy (and don't be put off if you have low funds. Some resources are free), be realistic, keep your real career aim at the front of your mind and remain honest with yourself about what you want from the temporary job (s) and why.
Thorough preparation for an interview is a must. You need to work - lengthy gaps on your CV doesn't look good, you've bills to pay, maybe debts to clear and, most importantly, you're in pursuit of a career that requires you to be in a good place financially before you can even begin to get started with the official chase. However, you must also be prepared for any sudden career related opportunities that pop up - you don't want to miss them but, you also want to keep your paid job. What will you do if the most amazing career related opportunity crops up and clashes with a day you're at work? You've got to know what you'd do in this situation well in advance.
Keep it real
Let the prospective employers know (at the interview stage) that, whilst you're passionate about the role you're being interviewed for, long term, you see yourself with a career in your chosen field and intend to pursue non conflicting opportunities outside of the job. This will be fair and better for you in the long run rather than pretending you have no other interests, goals or passions and taking the job with it being expected that the job will be your life! You know how it can go in the working-for-somebody-else world.
Balance is essential
Establish a routine for yourself so that you can fit everything in giving priority to that which is a necessity. You will need to make a realistic and achievable list, perhaps change the time you wake up each morning and rearrange other commitments throughout the weeks/weekends.
Trust those who stick by you
Self belief is crucial if you're going to stand any chance of being able to successfully hold down a job while also chasing your dreams. It also helps to have trust in your nearest and dearest, that they will support you any way they can. If you don't have anyone (which I hope is not the case), pray. If you don't believe in God, step out of your comfort zone at least once a week to go and meet new people at events/places relating to your career goal with whom you can (potentially) create trustworthy friendships.
No shortcuts
Do things properly, always. Cutting corners may get you to your destination sooner, however, amongst many other things, you might find yourself without the knowledge, education and capabilities needed to sustain your achievement (s) long term. Be patient. Where you want to be starts with knowing where you ought to be right now! Yes, it's a lot and can be stressful at times, but, I think it's better to walk down the road filled with challenges and major learning curves than to walk down easy street. Stick with the challenges because, once over the hurdles, the rewards are likely to be long lasting. YOU'VE GOT THIS! So you choose, so it shall be. Stay focused.
Written by Charley Jai - @charleyjaiuk
All details and information correct and up to date at the time of publishing.
