With the pandemic having such an impact on employment, and the future of many jobs and industries looking uncertain, it’s completely natural to have a career rethink. So many things have been put into perspective this year. Lots of people have found themselves questioning what’s important to them, what they truly enjoy and what they want to spend their time on. With disruptions to the normal daily routine of ‘wake, work, home’, you might be feeling ready for a change. You may have found yourself wondering if your current job is something that you enjoy doing and if it is truly what you love. If you are feeling stuck in a job rut, but unsure of what to do about it, here are some ways to find your passion, and channel it into a career.
Transitional Degrees
Maybe you’ve got your bachelor’s but can’t find a job in the field, or you want a change of industry. Transitional degrees might be the way forward. Simply put, a transitional degree, also known as a conversion course, allows you to bypass certain elements of a new degree, moving you into a new field at an accelerated pace. One popular field in which there are many transitional degrees available is nursing. From labor and delivery to infection control, check out https://onlineabsnprograms.com/ for a collection of possible courses to specialize in. Depending on your area of specialism, courses can be completed in as little as a year. Transitional courses build on the knowledge you already have, which not fast tracks you into the industry, but is also more cost-effective. There has never been a better time to make this leap, as the Institute of Medicine has called for 80% of the nursing workforce to hold a Bachelor’s degree by 2020. Furthermore, many of these accelerated nursing courses can be studied online, making them even more accessible and allowing you to save money on accommodation and travel.
Artists and Makers
Are you a keen painter, or maybe you love making jewelry? Whatever your creative hobby may be, you could turn it into a career. Online marketplaces such as Etsy are incredibly popular, as more and more people look to independent makers and small businesses for their online shopping. Platforms like this one cut out the costs of renting a shop and all the bills that come with it, so they are great places to begin selling your work. There is usually a small listing fee, but you can set your own prices and shipping information, link your shop on other social media accounts, and take personalized commissions as well as selling your pre-made items. Selling online is also a good way to test the waters, working out what customers are interested in, testing new products and growing a client base. There’s also often less pressure than in a physical store, as you can work at your own pace to create your best work and build personal relationships with your customers.
Graphic Design
If you are a whizz with a tablet or Photoshop, getting your designs on different types of merchandise is very simple. With sites like Redbubble, artists and designers can upload their work and have it printed on anything from mugs to shower curtains. The added bonus is that the designer doesn’t have to do the printing themselves, so you don’t need expensive equipment or lots of space and time. Designs are uploaded from the comfort of your couch, and shoppers can select what items they would like your work to appear on. The items are then locally printed and shipped off, and there’s also the option of international shipping. As with Etsy, independent artists are in popular demand, especially in the lead up to Christmas. So, whether you’re got some gorgeous floral designs, or a Star Wars-inspired slogan, it could end up on someone’s travel mug!
Volunteer
If you’re not sure what direction you want to go in, volunteering is perfect. Not only do you gain valuable skills and experience in a huge range of fields, but you are working to help a great cause. You could help out at a local thrift store, soup kitchen, animal shelter or food bank, meeting like-minded people and supporting charities. Some even hire internally from their pool of volunteers when vacancies arise. Volunteering opportunities vary depending on your location, and there’s plenty of choices online. Joining local community notice boards and Facebook groups will also give you more information on volunteering in your area. Whether you volunteer on a local or international scale, every act of kindness matters and the skills you gain can help inform your future career decisions.
Writing
This is a great one if you enjoy learning new things and a varied day-to-day workload! Freelance content writing can open you up to a whole range of different topics, whilst sharpening your writing and editing skills. It can also be done from home, in your own time, and is a great way to keep your mind ticking over whilst bringing in some extra income. Due to the vast nature of topics you may be asked to write about, you may stumble across an industry or writing style that particularly interests you. Sometimes there can be too much choice as to what to write or research on your own, so by following specific briefs, your work is streamlined and turned in directions you may never have expected!
Become a tutor
Do you have experience working with or teaching children? Tutoring, whether in person or online, is a hugely popular industry, especially with school closures due to the pandemic. This is a demanding but rewarding job, and prior qualifications and specialties can often be used to tailor your teaching and match you with the right child. You can join an agency, or become a freelance tutor, using your knowledge and skills to help children all over the world further their education. Tutoring can take place in someone’s house or online in China. The content can, of course, vary, with some companies providing lessons plans to their tutors, or you can write your own. This makes for a very flexible and enjoyable experience and can inform decisions as to whether you may wish to pursue a career in education. It can help answer questions such as what subjects you may like to teach, the age ranges and class sizes you are comfortable with and what teaching styles you prefer.
Animal care
Who wouldn’t want to snuggle up with a puppy on a cold winter day? If you have an interest in animal care, consider signing up to a pet sitting website or company (you can find some great ones on BringFido), which lets you look after and walk dogs in your local area. This is a great opportunity to get some fresh air whilst hanging out with and learning about our furry friends. There can also be networking and educational opportunities, too, providing you with the option to gain and share knowledge. Volunteering at your local animal shelter is also a great idea if you’re still not sure, or just want to join some more experience. If animal welfare interests you, the ASPCA have several online training courses, all of which are free and readily available. These courses varying depending on your level of experience and knowledge, and you can learn about topics such as behavior, toxicology and animal law enforcement.
Baking
If you’ve got a knack for sweet treats, why not make your kitchen your new office? Bakeries and cafes may be closed due to the pandemic, but customers are still hungry for that sugary fix. Check out local community boards and newsletters and see if there is a gap in the market for birthday cakes, Christmas treats or cookies. Having a vehicle is even more of a benefit, as you can offer delivery of your creations right to their front door. People are definitely feeling the need to treat themselves during these strange times, and with many working from home, they have to skip that daily coffee and cake from the place next door. There’s also a whole host of online courses, from YouTube and Skillshare to accredited bakery business courses, so you are bound to find one that suits for skill level, budget and time frame. You can even take it one step further by helping other budding bakers and uploading your own courses, videos and guides.
If you’re still not sure where you want to go, and you can feel a career crisis looming, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. No one is expecting you to have life all planned out, and there’s enough to worry about as it is! Taking time for yourself, hanging out with your loved ones and doing something every day that you enjoy are all important things that we can often easily forget to do. Any hobbies and passions are crucial in a work/life balance, so keep making art, baking, writing and petting dogs- we can all get through this together!