Further Your Career by Following a New Path

Are you stuck in your current job or just want to try something new? Maybe you once wanted to be an astronaut, but life’s path took you in a different direction. You can change the path you are on simply by grabbing hold of the steering wheel and not being afraid to turn your career down a new road to self-betterment! Here are a few tips that can help you take a new path even if you’ve started on your career path.

College

Do you already have a degree? If not, or if you want to upgrade your current degree, you may consider getting a degree online. There are many accredited colleges that now offer online degree programs for basic and advanced paths. You may not have the luxury of taking time off from work to go back to school and this makes getting a masters of public relations online an even better decision.
Many online degree programs offer scheduling flexibility to fit your needs. There are also several options for being able to pay for additional schooling. Ask the company you work for if they have a tuition assistance program. You can also apply for grants and student loans for many online programs.
 

Take Stock in YOU!

You may not think you have desired skills, but if you have been working at the same company, or in the same area of expertise for several years, you most likely have an incredible resume from your wealth of experience. Are you a “jack-of-all-trades,” the “go-to” person for “everything,” or, at least, everything in your areas of expertise, in your company? Write down everything you have done and do, and note how long you have done each thing. The results may be quite surprising!
Don’t be afraid to ask for a raise, look for a better position within the company, or try looking outside the company for better pay for your skills. Often the company that you are currently with will match a better offer from a competitor in order to keep you and your skills with them. Never stop making yourself more valuable to the current company you work for. This means learning all there is about the industry you are working in and looking for ways to make your work’s process more efficient.
 

Your “Other” Skills

Do you have skills outside of your current work? Do you cook your own meals, manage a crazy household, or have crafting ability? Write a blog on your experiences. There are several sites that allow you to set up a free blog and you can get help to monetize it after you’ve created a following. Make some of your crafts and take them to local flea markets. You can also sell your wares online, starting with a site like www.etsy.com, for minimal fees. Exploring your “other” skills and using them to help make you money is just solid economic advice.
 
Trying any of these activities to better yourself will make you feel better about your professional self. At the very least, you may make new friends and get great advice along the way. These experiences will shape you into a great person and employee for whichever rout you decide to take.