Working for More Than Money

Published by: Cherie McLaughlin

Published on: 10 Dec, 2021

Making a change to move to a new country, can also lead to an exciting change in your career path. This change can be the most fulfilling decision you can make. 

You have probably always heard the adage that if you love your job, you will never work a day in your life. There is some truth in this statement, and launching a new career when you move to a new country may enhance your personal and professional life more than you ever imagined. If you’re not sure if the time is right, it’s time to self-evaluate.

TogetherInTheUK provides resources for immigrants to the UK to help them adapt and thrive in their new homes. Today’s post is just one of many free readable resources that can help you do just that.

Is a Career Change in Order?

People change careers for many reasons, from wanting to make more money to needing to be closer to home, have a more flexible schedule or to make better use of their talents.. However, one of the most important reasons to make a change is one that is often overlooked: stress. Work stress is a global issue that can have a significant and negative impact on your health. According to Corporate Wellness Magazine, workplace stress is caused by both physical and psychosocial stressors. These include things like poor ergonomics, job insecurity, and unreal expectations.

Another reason to move along is if the job you currently perform makes you feel worse about yourself each day than you felt when you arrived. Ask yourself questions such as:

  • How many days each week am I excited to go to work?
  • Do I feel tired before lunch??
  • Is this job good for my mental or physical health?

These questions are just a start, but they can lead you in the right direction so that you can reflect on where you are and where you want to be.

Starting Slowly

If you do, ultimately, decide that it is time to change careers, know that you have a long laundry list of potential options. If you’re not quite ready to commit to something new, you can always choose to freelance in an area where you have experience and passion. This might include working part-time as a self-employed:

  • Marketing consultant. As a marketing consultant, you can help businesses get their startups off the ground or assist in growing existing organisations. You might help establish social media channels or work to boost a company’s positive reviews or viral content. In today’s digital world, consumers tend to trust recommendations from friends and family and even strangers.
  • Business plan writer. Have you launched and grown businesses before? If so, and you are adept at envisioning how a company should operate and achieve success, working as a freelance business plan writer may be exactly the avenue to take.
  • Photographer. If you have an eye for composition and the ability (or existing knowledge) to learn how to operate professional photography equipment, you can use your creative talents as a photographer. According to Lisa Lander Photography, the average wedding photographer can charge £1679 or more for a single day. Becoming a photographer also serves the purpose of keeping you active while earning an income

Education That Pays

It isn’t always easy transitioning into a new career, even if you already have experience. But, fortunately, the internet has made access to education an affordable and nearly instantaneous option for most people. A few courses or certifications to consider are:

  • Learning English. First, if you are not fully comfortable speaking conversational English, it can benefit you to take a class. Check out Learning English | TogetherInTheUK for some top tips and courses
  • Software development. Thanks to the internet and the advent of other technologies, software developers are in higher demand than ever. Comfortable with technology? You can make up to £70,554 in the UK by learning Java.
  • Hazardous waste manager. While it doesn’t sound like the most glamorous job in the world, if you care about the environment, working as a hazardous waste manager is a lucrative option. Only a certification is required, and you must be comfortable around toxic substances.

Most Bustling Industries in the UK

Don’t fret if you don’t see anything that sounds appealing to you listed above. There are plenty of industries in the UK that are always on the lookout for the best talent. Although the United Kingdom is dominated by service sector positions, there are also plenty of opportunities available in engineering, creative processes, hospitality, law, and construction. Care and haulage are shortage occupations right now so there are lots of opportunities in these sectors/

Should My Hobby Become My Career?

If you currently have a hobby, you may be able to monetise this into something that supports you and your family. However, there is a significant caveat here, and that is that you can easily become burnt out when you’re doing something solely for money. If you truly enjoy what you do and can sell your talents (think paintings or handmade furniture), then turning your current hobby into a career may be a smart move.

There are many reasons to change jobs, and moving is just one of these. It may not be easy, but when you are ready for a change, you have to make changes in all aspects of your life. You are not limited to working the jobs that are currently on your c.v., and it’s never too late to learn something new and take control of your life no matter where you live.

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