The typical man spends about a third of his life at work. Shouldn’t that work be fulfilling and enjoyable? Maintaining a job you’re not engaged in can significantly lower your quality of life.
Of course, life is unpredictable. And necessity leads many people into careers where they are undervalued, underpaid, and/or that shows no promise of meaningful advancement. If this describes your situation, did you know that you can start taking steps today to improve your prospects in life? Global Playboy Magazine is all about helping men get the most out of life, which is why we’ve provided three practical ideas for how you can move your career forward for a happier, more fulfilling life.
Start a Business
Perhaps the most drastic way to change your career is to start a business. Owning a business is a different animal than working under people. It often requires long hours, takes a lot of energy, and presents a lot of challenges. Then why would anyone do it? Simply put, being a business owner gives you more control over your destiny, and if you’re doing something you’re passionate about, it can be the most fulfilling option.
In such a competitive marketplace, there are many steps to opening a business. You must develop a budget, determine whether you need funding, obtain said funding, draw up a business plan, handle legal matters, and much more. But before you worry about all of that, ask yourself this question: What am I passionate about? Then, research the feasibility of making a profit from that passion. Research the local and global markets to see what niche you can fill, determine your target audience, and figure out how you can offer something other companies don’t.
It’s also never too early to start thinking about how you will market your product or service. While quality is critical to the long-term success of any business, you likely won’t succeed without people knowing about what you can offer. By getting a solid marketing plan in place early on, you can put your company in a strong position in the industry. From creating your first logo to developing a website to utilizing mobile marketing services, dedicate time to developing an effective marketing strategy.
Change Your Industry
Maybe you have no desire to be a business owner. One other way you can improve your prospects and life is to switch careers by working in a different industry as an employee. Research and brainstorm other industries that line up with your interests, skills, and values. Carve out time in your schedule to research and apply for jobs. There’s no limit to the number of jobs you can apply for; the more options, the better!
Moreover, build up a presence on LinkedIn and other social media platforms, and start networking to meet people involved in your desired industry. Remain open to job shadowing, volunteering, and internship opportunities that can help you find your footing. Of course, if you don’t have the education or training requirements to work in your desired industry, you will need to address that as well.
Pursue a Promotion
Perhaps you like your current job but want higher pay and/or more responsibility. Make sure you are performing all of your current duties in an exemplary fashion. Ask your manager for more responsibility; request to assist with specific tasks and projects that are related to the promoted position you are seeking.
Also, don’t be afraid to ask for a promotion. Even if the answer is no, you will be on the radar for future consideration. And if it doesn’t look like there’s much hope for advancement in your current job, start looking for jobs elsewhere that can help you meet your goals. Consider acquiring a new skill employers would find difficult to turn down, such as a project management diploma.
You don’t have to keep leading an unfulfilled life. If you’re unhappy with your current work situation, start taking steps today to change it. Starting your own business, moving to another industry, and working towards a promotion are a few ways that you can do just that. Since so much of your life is spent working, make sure your job raises your quality of life.
