If you’ve ever sat at your desk and wondered what you were doing, why you were there, and how you’re making a difference, you’re not alone. Research suggests that the number of people who are happy in their careers is only around the 15% mark. This means more than 8 out of 10 people that you meet may be standing squarely in the same shoes as you. So what’s the solution?
Is Entrepreneurship the Answer?
Starting your own business might be the perfect solution to your lack of passion problem. There’s never really a wrong time to start a business, but the Startup Grind site recommends waiting until you feel internally comfortable or you’ve already made a few pre-sales, such as if you started as a hobby. As you get more comfortable making sales, it’s time to format your business structure. This is an important step that determines how your business is run, as well as your personal liability. For this, you can use an online formation service that files paperwork on your behalf based on your state’s guidelines. This service will then send you the documents you need to get up and running quickly.
Find A New Job
Our next most logical conclusion is to look for a new job. If you’ve been in your position for quite some time, this might be a scary proposition. Monster acknowledges that there are plenty of fears here, including the concerns that you may not like your new job. But there’s no reason you can’t spruce up your resume and submit it to see if you get any bites. (Bonus tip: Try completing your resume in Word then saving it as a more professional-looking PDF.)
Consider Going Back to School
Although having a degree is definitely not required to be a business owner or even obtain a high-paying job, having the right degree can help, depending on your industry. The University of Northern Iowa explains that a degree in business, communications, finance, psychology, or one that is specific to your industry might be a boon to your entrepreneurial plans.
Get Certified
Whether you already have your degree or simply don’t want to wait two to four years for a diploma, getting certified is also highly beneficial. Seeking a certification is also an excellent way to switch paths completely. For example, if you currently work as a dental assistant, you might consider getting a web design certification or taking a computer coding camp.
Volunteer
Volunteering is unpaid work that comes with benefits greater than a paycheck. When you volunteer with causes you love, you’ll find fulfillment, and you may inadvertently run into someone who can put you on the right path toward a career doing the same. And if you’re out of practice applying and interviewing, volunteering can help you here as well since many volunteer opportunities require a thorough background check and face-to-face conversation.
When you hate what you do at work, your home life suffers as well. And considering that you spend as many hours at work as you do in bed, changing what you do during the day can have a profound and positive effect on your life as a whole. Whether you choose to start your own business or simply update your resume, there’s never been a better time than right now to pursue a future that you can be proud of.
Jesse Clark is a traveler, so she’s no stranger to experiencing wanderlust and that strong desire to travel. She’s already had enough experiences to last a lifetime, but she’s not stopping anytime soon. Visit Jesse at www.soulful-travel.com.
ED A. MURRAY 