Onsite! TV

Tag: career advice

  • Restarting Your Career: 3 Tips for a Smooth Transition After a Career Break

    Restarting Your Career: 3 Tips for a Smooth Transition After a Career Break

    If you have never taken a career break, you may find it difficult to understand the struggles of those trying to get back into the workforce. Transitioning after a career break is often challenging and can be overwhelming. People take breaks for different reasons, including maternity leaves, caretaking, traveling, or trying to find themselves. However, the process of getting a job after the break is often unnecessarily complicated. For one, the CV is looked at and treated differently. Thus, if you have taken a career break and want to restart your career, you will learn three tips to help with a smooth transition.

    Figuring Out What You Want With a Career Break

    Career breaks often arise out of necessity. However, despite their disadvantages, they also have numerous benefits. For example, career breaks can compel you to consider your previous and current choices. When returning to the workforce, you can ask yourself if you enjoyed working at your last workplace and still want to do the same job. Career choices also allow you to reflect on your skills and strengths and how they have evolved while you were away.

    Additionally, you can consider your weaknesses and what areas you need to work on. This way, you can determine where your interests and skills are a good fit so you can align them with your career objectives. Therefore, if you only held a particular job because of financial reasons or because you had yet to figure out where your interests lie, a career break can help you recalibrate. Here are three tips for a smooth transition after a career break.

    Update Your Skills

    One of the things that can give you a competitive edge when restarting your career after a break is learning new skills. The good thing about most hard or soft skills is that you can pick them up at any age as long as you are committed. You can update existing skills or learn new ones to have an edge when applying for jobs.

    To learn or update your skills, you can take short courses, do online training, volunteer, or pay for workshops and physical classes. This will make you a sought-after candidate and equip you with the qualifications employers desire.

    Network

    Networking will help you transition more easily when returning from a career break. Reaching out to your network will give you an idea of the changes since you left. This way, you can stay updated with relevant information. You can also ask for resources, insights, job openings, and training to help you transition.

    Get Coaching

    Sometimes, taking a career break can leave you doubtful of your skills. You may think you have lost sight and control over many things, making you unconfident. In such cases, getting a coach will help you regain confidence and mastery. Find a qualified coach who can mentor and offer guidance and direction.

    They can teach you how to explain your career break and advise you on what courses and skills you need to return to the workforce. They can also advise you on combining the changes in your life so they don’t affect your productivity at work.

    Navigating an ever-changing work landscape after a career break can be terrifying. However, following the tips in this article, you can avoid being overwhelmed and fearful and get a great job.

    #Clique, have you ever taken a career break? What was your experience like after you returned, and what did you do to ease the transition? Let us know in the comments.

  • Ambitious Goals vs. Realism: Finding the Perfect Balance

    Ambitious Goals vs. Realism: Finding the Perfect Balance

    Goal-setting is an important aspect of professional and organizational growth. Without it, there may be nothing to keep you going. Goals keep you motivated and provide a vision for the future. However, goal-setting must be done carefully. While you must set ambitious goals, your goals must also be realistic. Ambitious goals allow you to dream big. They keep you untethered and eager to invest great energy into following your passions.

    However, you run the risk of disillusionment, which can discourage you from chasing your dreams. On the other hand, realism keeps you practical and aware of constraints and challenges. However, it can make you afraid to dream big and can cripple your creativity. Therefore, you must strike a balance between ambitious goals and realism.

    Balancing Ambitious Goals and Realism

    Setting SMART Goals

    The SMART framework can help you balance ambitious but realistic goals. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Specific means your goals are detailed to the last. Measurable means your goals can be evaluated based on certain parameters. Achievability ensures your goals are practical because you must consider your resources and capabilities. Relevant means that your goals align with your objectives. Finally, time-bound means there are target dates to keep.

    Keeping your ambitious goals within this framework can help you maintain your aspirations while remaining practical. You can dream as much as you want to and aim high, but you will also stay within the boundaries of realism.

    Consider Organizational Objectives

    Another way to balance ambitious goals with realism is to consider the scope of your goals within your organizational structure. If your goals don’t align with the organization’s vision and mission, achieving them will be difficult. Hence, set your goals to fit in with the organization’s structure so you can keep dreaming big while staying grounded.

    Consistency

    Another way to balance ambitious goals and realism is through consistency. By building and acting on your goals over the years, you gain experience that can help you predict steps. Consistency keeps you focused and enables you to think of the long rather than the short term. It also allows you to set realistic goals because you know your capabilities, strengths, weaknesses, and resources. Furthermore, consistency helps you track your progress and note areas you must work on.

    Minimum Baseline For Ambitious Goals

    If you fear being over-ambitious with your goals, you can resolve this without giving up your dreams. You can set a minimum borderline for ambitious goals. This way, you have minimum work to do to achieve your goals. Setting a minimum baseline for ambitious goals makes you feel safe being ambitious. You know you’re putting in the work required to make your dreams a reality, moving you closer to your long-term goals.

    Balancing ambitious goals with realism may be challenging, as that can seem ironic. However, you gain a lot if you balance ambition with realism. Setting SMART goals, having a minimum baseline for ambitious goals, being consistent, and considering organizational objectives will help you do this.

    #Clique, what steps do you take to balance your ambitious goals with reality? Let us know in the comments.

  • Is It Time for a Career Change? 3 Signs to Watch For

    Is It Time for a Career Change? 3 Signs to Watch For

    Nearly everyone who gets a job desires career growth. Sometimes, this means evolving into other fields different from what you initially envisaged. Hardly does anyone have a clear vision of what their career will look like in three decades. Hence, change is constant in the job environment, which is one reason people change careers. However, when do you know the right time to change career? In this article, you will learn how to make a career change once the time is right.

    Why Do You Need a Career Change?

    The saying, “Change is the only constant thing in life,” is true. The average person is usually excited to start a new job. However, circumstances can make them weary of their current job and begin seeking a career change. A report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2023 revealed that the average person has changed jobs at least 12 times by age 50. Some also change to different fields, hoping to find the perfect job, which is often an illusion.

    People change careers for several reasons: boredom, challenges, toxicity, and growth. Therefore, if you are considering a career change, you are not alone, as numerous people feel the same. Career changes are significant and can impact every area of your life. Therefore, you must carefully make this decision so you don’t regret it.

    When Is It Time for a Career Change?

    1.  Professional Growth

    Professional stagnation is one of the most telling signs that you need a career change. If you find no room for continuous learning and career growth, you need a career switch. Your career is meant to be fulfilling, challenging, and enriching. It should also provide opportunities for skill acquisition, development, and growth.

    However, if you are limited and bored with no room for advancement, it may be time to find a new job. Failure to change careers can hinder your personal and professional growth, leading to complacency and loss of reputation. Therefore, you should never joke about this kind of situation.

    2. Toxicity

    Another indication that you need to switch careers is a toxic work environment. Toxicity is damaging and should never be condoned. Toxic work environments can manifest in several ways, including micromanagement, lack of trust, yelling bosses and co-workers, aggressiveness and passive aggressiveness, and poor communication. Suppose you find it difficult to relax at work, tread softly to not upset anyone, or hate interacting with others because of office politics. In that case, you may be in a toxic environment.

    Another sign of toxicity that may not be obvious is dealing with condescending attitudes from co-workers and bosses. If you also find that you are constantly overlooked or unappreciated, you may be in a toxic environment. In such cases, you need a career change; otherwise, your self-esteem or self-worth will take a hit, affecting your productivity and efficiency.

    3. Burnout

    A third sign that you need a career change is that you are burned out, under chronic stress, or mentally destabilized. Every job has seasonal periods of tension. However, if your job constantly puts you under considerable stress and is starting to affect your physical and mental health, it may be time for a career change.

    Burnout is dangerous because it can affect concentration and cognitive function. It can also cause physical and psychological exhaustion, emotional detachment, and a lack of productivity. Therefore, if you are experiencing burnout and chronic stress, consider a career change.

    Changing your career can be scary, especially if your current job offers stability and some coveted benefits. However, there can be no growth without risks, and it is dangerous to endanger your health because of money. Therefore, it may be time for a career change if you experience any of the signs mentioned in this article.

    #Clique, have you ever changed careers? If so, what caused you to do so? Let us know in the comments.

  • 3 Steps to Build Confidence in Your Decision-Making Skills

    3 Steps to Build Confidence in Your Decision-Making Skills

    We make decisions every day, from what time to get out of bed, brush, what to wear, eat, and how to get to work. We make many of our decisions subconsciously. However, a large number of decisions, especially the important ones, are made consciously and with careful consideration. Therefore, decision-making skills are necessary to make the right decisions. Unfortunately, many people do not trust their decision-making skills. In this article, you will learn how to trust your skills so you can invest energy and resources into your decisions.

    How to Build Confidence in Your Decision-Making Skills

    1. Face Your Fear

    The first step to building confidence in your decision-making skills is facing your fear. Fear is normal, and everyone experiences it. No one is always 100 percent certain that they are making the right choice. Even when they are sure, they still fear things turning out differently from what they imagined. Those who have achieved greatness all had a moment of weakness or fear where they imagined things going wrong. However, everyone reacts to fear differently, giving diverse outcomes.

    You can choose to face your fears and succeed, or you can remain crippled with anxiety and live in regret about what could have been. It‘s better to face your fear and make the decision you think is best. Standing up to your fear rids you of it and sharpens your decision-making skills. Once you eliminate fear, you can look forward to the opportunities that await you. This makes you think more clearly and make the right decisions. The more excellent choices you make, the better your decision-making skills become.

    2. Seek Guidance, but Trust Yourself

    Another way to improve your decision-making skills is to seek guidance from those with experience. Most of our fears come from a lack of understanding; therefore, seeking out those with a wealth of knowledge can gain insights that guide you properly. Asking for guidance helps you trust your decisions because you know you are making informed decisions. Moreover, asking for help can help you realize your blind spots so you can make adjustments.

    However, to make the right decisions, don’t waste your ability to think and make the right decisions. Sometimes, everyone can be wrong while you are right, and sometimes, a mix of both is the right step. Therefore, you must trust yourself and your decision-making skills. Trust your instincts because you will often be responsible for your decisions alone. Weigh your options once you have the needed knowledge and choose the one you feel best represents you.

    3. Consider the Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Decision

    Every choice has its pros and cons. Therefore, a good way to improve and build trust in your decision-making skills is to consider the positives and negatives of each decision. Write out the benefits and disadvantages of each one and consider alternatives if none of the decisions favor you. When you do this, you may find that the choice you favor most is not the best one for you. Creating a list of pros and cons helps you see things clearly and without bias. Thus, doing this can help you make the right decisions.

    Your decision-making skills improve with practice; constantly exercising them will help you build trust in them. Therefore, keep acting on your choices. Don’t think for too long so you don’t waste opportunities.

    #Clique, do you struggle to make decisions? What effective strategies have you adopted to help you make decisions confidently? Share them in the comments.

  • Is It My Responsibility or My Boss’s to Find Work for Me as a New Entry-Level Engineer?

    Is It My Responsibility or My Boss’s to Find Work for Me as a New Entry-Level Engineer?

    A recent graduate has taken to Reddit for questions about his inability to find work. The 22-year-old, with Reddit username Akmrparadise, posted a story titled “Is it on me or my boss/colleagues to help me find work to do?.” In his story, Original Poster (OP) explained that he recently landed an engineering job but was finding it difficult to find work. Redditors reacted to the man’s story and advised him on what to do. Get more details below.

    Chef Loses Motivation and Drive

    OP, 22, began by providing some background information. He got a job as a water resources engineer five months before his post, immediately after college. The 22-year-old engineering consultant was placed in a team of six engineers with 7 to 40 years of experience. OP explained that he needed to fill his days with billable work, so he usually reached out to team members and other employees. He also expected his boss to help him with his quest to find work.

    However, OP’s boss, who got the position one month before OP joined the company, wasn’t much help. The engineering consultant said:

    “Other senior engineers in the team have been much more helpful than him.”

    OP concluded by asking:

    “Should all the pressure be on me to fill out my own workload, or should I be expecting more help from my boss to fill out my days with productive work?”

    Other Redditors Share Their Thoughts

    Redditors read OP’s story and offered him advice. A Redditor with username Jv1856 said OP was right to expect his boss to help him find work. However, Jv1856 noted that OP needed to find work by himself to avoid getting laid off. The Redditor told OP that he could only get promoted if he didn’t wait to be told what to do. He concluded:

    “Look at it this way: Its your opportunity to pick your busy work, so pick the kind of work you like.”

    A second Redditor with the username Wta1999 told OP that he would be the one to be held accountable if he didn’t have enough billable hours. Wta1999 advised OP to form relationships with the older personnel. That way, they could cut him projects to work on. They also advised OP to get a non-consulting job if he disliked his job.

    Another Redditor, Theoldman-1313, agreed with OP that his boss should find work for him. However, the Redditor noted that OP’s boss seemed to be still settling into their new position. They advised OP to keep asking the other employees to help him find work. Theoldman-1313 added:

    “You will gain valuable experience, make connections, and gain a reputation as hard working.”

    However, a few other Redditors thought OP didn’t need to worry about finding work. They advised the engineering consultant not to bother if he already asked his boss for help. One Redditor with the username o_Discipline_512 said they worked in software consulting. o_Discipline_512 said they only worked when there was a backlog and added value to the business in other ways if there was nothing to work on.

    #Clique, what do you think of OP’s story? What would you advise them to do in this situation? Let us know in the comments.

    Is it on me or my boss/colleagues to help me find work to do?
    byu/akmrparadise incareeradvice

  • Reverse Mentoring: Unlocking the Benefits of Learning from a Younger Generation

    Reverse Mentoring: Unlocking the Benefits of Learning from a Younger Generation

    Reverse Mentoring is a phenomenon that may solve many organizational worries. It was developed in the 1990s by Jack Welch, the former CEO of General Electric. Reverse mentoring involves collaborations between older and younger generations, ensuring everyone, regardless of age, is gaining insight. Reverse mentoring is the process through which younger generations mentor older people. In this situation, there is also a mutual sharing of insights as both generational groups can learn from each other. It is an upturning of the traditional model where older generations and those with more experience mentor younger ones.

    Benefits of Reverse Mentoring

    Reverse mentoring has numerous benefits for organizations and the individuals involved. Little wonder it is gaining popularity in the workplace. However, it requires humility and mutual respect for it to work. Here are some of the benefits of reverse mentoring.

    New Perspective

    The older you get, the more likely you will be set in your ways. This can prevent you from trying new things or viewing life through other lenses. Reverse mentoring can change that. It helps older people develop new perspectives on problem-solving. They can learn new ways of sending messages, connecting with others, and holding meetings. For example, it can make older people more receptive to online meetings and remote work when they learn to use technology tools.

    New Skills

    Generation X grew up when social media, cell phones, and the internet were not widely used. However, Millennials and Generation Z, especially, grew up with these changes as a regular part of their lives. Therefore, reverse mentoring can help older adults to pick up technological skills. They can use the internet and social media to get information and improve their skills, which will help them remain relevant at work. This will be particularly useful for those transitioning in their careers.

    Diversity and Inclusion

    Reverse mentoring can also improve diversity and inclusion. It exposes older people to the challenges younger people face, such as transportation, work-life balance, flexibility, boundaries, or housing challenges. It can also make them more aware of the issues underrepresented employees and minorities struggle with. It can also make older people more conscious of language use and their attitudes toward others. This can make them empathetic and push them to advocate for better conditions for these employees.

    Leadership and Communication Skills

    Reverse mentoring can help younger generations develop leadership and communication skills. Mentors must communicate effectively and devise strategies to mentor successfully. They must also be patient, tolerant, and able to handle interpersonal relationships well. Thus, reverse mentoring will help the younger generation hone these skills, which can help them in future roles.

    Bridge Generational, Racial, and Gender Divides

    Pairing people from different racial, generational, and gender divides can help break down barriers and promote unity and respect. Everyone has unique gifts, abilities, and knowledge they can contribute, regardless of age, gender, or background. Therefore,  reverse mentoring can help create a more inclusive environment. It will help to improve mutual collaboration and build stronger relationships across these divides. It will also help enhance empathy and contribute to organizational success.

    Reverse mentoring can help improve everyone’s adaptability, cooperation, and innovation. As long as there is mutual respect and effective communication, it will create learning opportunities that benefit everyone.

    #Clique, what do you think about reverse mentoring? Let us know in the comments.

  • Break Free from Career Stagnation: Your Ultimate How-To Guide to Reignite Professional Growth

    Break Free from Career Stagnation: Your Ultimate How-To Guide to Reignite Professional Growth

    Career stagnation is more common than you think. Therefore, if you are going through it, know that you are not alone. You may feel like your dreams of reaching the peak of your career are slipping through your hands. However, there is a lot you can do to revive your passion and reignite growth in your career. The first step is realizing that there is a problem. You can then actively address the issue and start recording growth as a professional. In this article, you will learn the how-tos of breaking free from career stagnation.

    What is Career Stagnation?

    Career stagnation is a feeling of disengagement from your work or career. You feel stuck because there is no advancement or growth in your career. Career stagnation can happen for many reasons. It can happen when you work somewhere for a very long time with no changes or promotions. Career stagnation can affect your self-worth as it can make you start doubting your abilities and skills. Therefore, you must deal with it once you realize it is happening to you.

    Disengagement from your career can be worrisome. It affects productivity and can make you feel alone. However, many workers go through the same. A 2018 Gallup poll found that 66% of employees have experienced disengagement or active disengagement in their current workplace. Disengagement from work can also affect your reputation, skills, and personal advancement.

    Disengagement Vs. Active Disengagement

    The difference between disengagement and active disengagement is in the attitude. A disengaged employee has mentally, emotionally, and physically checked out of work and only works to get a paycheck. They have no desire to contribute to the organization’s mission or advancement. Meanwhile, an actively disengaged worker hates their work and will sabotage the organization or destroy the morale of other workers.

    Signs of Career Stagnation

    One of the first signs of career stagnation is boredom. You should normally be passionate about your work. Therefore, if you keep losing interest in work or feel like quitting every time, you must address it quickly. Asking for more challenging work can cure boredom if there are no underlying issues. Another sign of career stagnation is complacency. If you are not ambitious or willing to put effort into learning new skills or doing a good job, you might be experiencing a stagnant career.

    Procrastination is another telltale sign of career stagnation. If you cannot be bothered about deadlines and turning in perfect work, you may be having a stagnant career. A sure sign of career stagnation is a stagnant salary or title. There is a problem if you do not advance through the ranks or get pay raises often. If your position doesn’t change despite changing jobs, too, you are experiencing career stagnation. Other signs include anger or defeat, lukewarm reviews, and an unclear future.

    How to Break Free From Career Stagnation

    Set a Goal

    Having a goal keeps you focused and leaves no room for career stagnation. It keeps you fired up so you can get the qualifications, skills, and knowledge required to achieve your goal. You will be determined to get to the position or be the person you visualize for the future. This way, you will continue to be passionate about your work and motivated to add to the company’s growth.

    Work on Your Mindset

    A good way to beat career stagnation is to reframe your attitude toward work. Don’t view it as doing your employer a favor. Rather, see it as adding to your knowledge and contributing to the development of society. This way, even when you experience setbacks, you can quickly bounce back. It will also help you to adopt the right attitude towards challenges and work.

    Work on Your Skills and Qualifications

    Lack of the requisite skills and qualifications can cause you to experience career stagnation. Therefore, you can overcome it by refreshing and updating your skills and qualifications. This will give you a competitive edge, keep you relevant in your workplace and industry, and revive your professional growth.

    Volunteer

    You can reignite your passion and professional growth by volunteering. Volunteering helps you develop new skills, meet new people, and gain new experiences that can propel your career forward. You can mentor junior staff or organize events. Doing this will help make you visible in the organization and help you develop more passion for your work. You could also join in planning community events or volunteer with nonprofits. This way, you can improve your communication skills and self-confidence.

    Get Mentorship

    Sometimes, the right information is all you need to get your career back on track. You can get that through mentorship. A mentor will equip you with the knowledge and attitude that can help you reignite your professional growth. You can also network within and outside of your organization. This way, you will gain information and provide value for others, which can help you regain passion for your work.

    Follow Your Passion

    You may be experiencing career stagnation because you are in the wrong profession or industry. If you have never been passionate about your work and have tried to no avail, you may need to change your career. Doing what you love will motivate you to invest time and resources into improving and advancing your career.

    Career stagnation is a terrible experience. However, you don’t have to be stuck in that position. If you follow the tips in this article, you can revive your dying career and get the promotions, raises, and love you have missed out on for a long time. When you change your mindset, take action, and follow your passion, you will break free from career stagnation.

    #Clique, have you ever experienced career stagnation? How did you break free from it? Let us know in the comments.

  • When Hard Work Isn’t Rewarded: Looking for Advice on Being Overlooked at Work

    When Hard Work Isn’t Rewarded: Looking for Advice on Being Overlooked at Work

    A Redditor has taken to the platform for advice about feeling overlooked at work. The Original Poster (OP), with Reddit username Weak_Pop_8293, posted a story titled “Feeling Overlooked at Work – Seeking Advice on How to Move Forward.” In his story, OP explained that they helped develop a product at work but are now overlooked. Redditors reacted to the OP’s story and commiserated with them. Get more details below.

    OP is Overlooked at Work

    OP began by explaining that they helped develop their company’s first product from scratch and had invested “years of hard work and dedication.” The product did well and amassed about $3 million in annual recurring revenue. OP’s team also grew from just one developer to 20 people.

    “This was also the company’s first SaaS product. While managing the product, I’ve also brought in 60% of the sales,” OP added.

    However, OP started being overlooked at work. OP revealed that the company promised them equity as a reward for their contributions two years ago. However, OP was shocked when a new hire received equity after they were informed there would be none following a leadership change. The new hire also received ownership in the product OP built despite just joining the company. OP was devastated.

    OP concluded by saying:

    “This situation has left me feeling undervalued and unsure of my next steps. If anyone has been through a similar experience or has advice on handling this kind of situation, I’d really appreciate your insights. How did you cope with the emotional impact and decide what to do next?”

    Other Redditors Share Their Thoughts 

    Redditors read OP’s story and shared their thoughts. A Redditor with the username Adorable_Focus_2944 asked OP to leave the company. They told OP that the organization was not worth the toll on their mental well-being. A second Redditor with the username Hillerstone told OP they had no advice for them. However, they consoled OP, wished them well, and hoped they would get quality advice to help them.

    What to do if You are Overlooked at Work

    If you feel undervalued or overlooked at work, there are ways to resolve that. You can move from being overlooked at work to being appreciated for your effort and resourcefulness. However, you can’t just assume that the higher-ups will recognize when the time comes. You must ensure that you are unforgettable so you are never overlooked at work. First, you must be loud about your accomplishments. Celebrate your wins with everyone so that they are all aware of your strides.

    Share your progress on tasks as well instead of waiting to finish. Don’t wait to celebrate the final step or your success. Keep your manager updated about the progress of your projects. This portrays you as a proactive, hardworking, and reliable person. Ensure to network as well. Build genuine relationships with your co-workers and bosses. This way, they can easily recommend you. Be friendly and helpful; this can make you valuable as the go-to person.

    Being overlooked at work can be devastating, especially when you have invested years and effort. However, these strategies can help you overcome this challenge and make you visible.  If you are still overlooked at work after all this, you may need to leave.

    #Clique, have you ever felt underappreciated at work? How did the situation play out, and what lessons did you learn from the experience? Let us know in the comments.

    Feeling Overlooked at Work – Seeking Advice on How to Move Forward
    by incareeradvice
  • Choosing Between a Startup and Corporate Job: What’s Best for Your Future?

    Choosing Between a Startup and Corporate Job: What’s Best for Your Future?

    Are you a recent graduate who has to choose between a startup and a corporate job? Or do you want to change your career path and are undecided between both options? Both are great options, but you must decide what you need to make the right choice. Working in a startup is very different from working in a corporate organization in many ways, including work culture, benefits, and challenges. In this article, you will learn the pros and cons of a startup and corporate job to make the right choice.

    What is a Startup?

    The first step toward choosing between a startup and a corporate job is to know what each entails. According to Investopedia, a startup is a young company founded by one or more entrepreneurs to develop a unique product or service, bring it to market, and make it irresistible. Startups differ from small businesses because they are designed to scale quickly. They have a high growth potential and a tendency for chaos. Startups usually lack structure and clear-cut hierarchy, especially in the early stages.

    Startups can be categorized into early-stage and late-stage stages. Early-stage startups are new and traditionally focused on development, market research, and seed funding. Late-stage startups, on the other hand, have gained considerable market share and need to consolidate their presence. They also have more organization. However, both stages usually have to work on best practices and policies. Startups have fewer employees than corporate organizations and make little to no profit.

    What is a Corporate Organization?

    Corporate jobs are marked by their set structures and hierarchies. They are large companies with business units and departments. Each unit and department has leaders who oversee activities to ensure the company runs smoothly. Corporations are better organized since established policies and processes provide guidelines. Work is more rigid in such environments, and there is a defined structure for career elevation.

    Corporations have many employees compared to startups, and every role has its defined responsibility. As an employee, you will typically be able to focus on one aspect of your work and gain in-depth knowledge of it. Discipline and the chain of command are also more rigid in this environment. You have superiors you report to who also report to their superiors. Meanwhile, meetings will usually only involve your department members.

    Benefits and Disadvantages of a Startup and Corporate Job

    Benefits of a Startup

    Startups and corporate jobs have their pros and cons. Knowing these will help you identify which job fits your needs, preferences, and personality type. Here are some of the benefits of working at a startup.

    • Experience: Working at a startup allows you to gain various experiences. Employees typically perform more than one role.
    • Flexibility: You will have better flexibility at a startup. You can usually work remotely or in a hybrid capacity at a startup. You can also sometimes choose your working hours or have a shorter working week.
    • Creativity: Startups are great for innovation and creativity. Creativity is often rewarded in startups and can get you quickly noticed. There is room to think outside the box, making work interesting and stimulating.
    • Minimal Supervision: There is little to no supervision in startups. You are not micromanaged and can improve your decision-making skills while working there.
    • Job Satisfaction: Your experience is more rewarding and satisfying because your contributions are usually reflected in the product or service offered.

    Disadvantages

    • Burnout: Taking on multiple roles can cause burnout and affect productivity. You will have to balance a heavy workload while trying to ensure you do your tasks effectively.
    • Little Pay: Income is one of the significant differences between startup and corporate jobs. Startups have to manage the money available to avoid debt. Therefore, you will likely earn very little and may receive no other benefits compared to a corporate job.
    • Confusion and Chaos: Startups have little organization, policies, processes, and best practices. Therefore, you may have to rely on your intuition to make certain decisions. This can cause confusion and trouble. 
    • Lack of Job Security: 30% of startups fail in the first three years, while 50% close down in five years, so you may lose your job. Therefore, you may have to work with the fear of losing your job.

    Benefits of a Corporate Job

    • Clear Career Progression: A major difference between a startup and a corporate job is that there is a clearer career progression in a company. You know when you are getting promoted and to what position.
    • Clear Direction: A unit head or manager will guide you in a corporate job. There are also policies and processes to consult if you are stuck.
    • Little Responsibility: Your manager will usually be responsible for everything. Moreover, you and your colleagues will share the blame and responsibilities since you will work together.
    • In-depth Knowledge: You will gain deeper insight into a role and become an expert in that area in a corporate job more than at a startup. You will only have one role to study and gain experience in.
    • Better Compensation: A corporate job will leave you with a better income. You will also have other benefits, including paid leave, health insurance, and bonuses. You may also have access to work facilities to make your work and life easier.

    Disadvantages

    • Burnout: You can experience burnout in a big organization, even if you are not taking on too many roles. Sometimes, you may be required to meet tight deadlines and work without breaks.
    • Lack of Innovation and Creativity: Big companies often resist change. Instead of getting you rewarded, trying to make changes can give you the reputation of a troublemaker. This can make you feel stifled, especially if you like to explore.
    • Toxic Workspaces: Corporate work cultures can sometimes be toxic. Office politics may deny you rights, promotions, or benefits. You may also have to deal with difficult co-workers or harassment.
    • Lack of Visibility: Working in a corporate job can make you feel invisible sometimes. Corporations typically have hundreds or thousands of employees. This can make your promotion slower than in a startup, so you must be unique to stand out.

    Whichever option you choose between a startup and a corporate job can permanently shape your career, so you must make the right choice. Study the advantages and disadvantages of each one before making this life-altering decision.

    #Clique, do you have experience working in a startup and a corporate job? What was your experience like in both establishments? What would you advise someone deciding between both to do? Let us know in the comments.

  • Frustrated Chef-Turned-Salesman Struggles to Find Motivation After Career Setbacks

    Frustrated Chef-Turned-Salesman Struggles to Find Motivation After Career Setbacks

    A chef-turned-salesman has taken to Reddit for advice about his future plans. The man, with Reddit username GibroniGV, posted a story titled “Lost motivation and drive.” In his story, Original Poster (OP) explained that he had suffered career setbacks and lost motivation. A Redditor reacted to the man’s story and advised him on what to do. Get more details below.

    Chef Loses Motivation and Drive

    OP, 36, began by stating that he used to be ambitious throughout his career as a chef. However, when the pandemic hit, he stopped working as a chef and became a salesman. OP started marketing food but had several negative experiences with his new company six months before his post. The encounters changed OP’s outlook on his future, leaving him jaded. OP began looking for a new job afterward but suffered multiple career setbacks. His job applications were all rejected despite his resume being updated several times.

    Although OP was a chef, he tried to apply for different jobs and was confused about the future. He also lacked the motivation he needed to turn his career around. OP added:

    “I don’t know if I want to stay in sales but I do not have any schooling past culinary school. I think about the hobbies I enjoy now but do not know if I should pursue as a career? I still have student loans so going back to school is kind of out of the question. I also live alone so my income needs to stay around the same.”

    OP further shared that he tried being a hotel salesman but was rejected. The hotels cited his lack of experience in that area despite his long time as a hotel chef. Meanwhile, OP was reluctant to take entry-level jobs because the low salaries couldn’t sustain him.

    OP concluded by asking:

    “What would you do in this position? How do you know what you want to pursue for your career? I feel so stuck, unmotivated, and lost.”

    Other Redditors Share Their Thoughts

    A Redditor read OP’s story and shared their thoughts. The Redditor with username MySideOfDaStory advised OP to start a food truck business. They asked OP to think of something unique tasting only they could make and turn it into a Limited Liability Company (LLC).

    However, OP responded, saying he had already tried an LLC. Unfortunately, it failed, and he didn’t want to do that again anytime soon.

    How to Find Motivation After Career Setbacks

    Career setbacks can be challenging to recover from. They can drain you of energy and make your effort seem futile. However, you must never give up. How can you stay motivated during career setbacks or find motivation if you have lost it? The first thing you need to do is to acknowledge the situation. Acknowledge that you are experiencing career setbacks and that you need a change. Then, evaluate the situation to see how you may have contributed to the career setbacks.

    Once you take account of the issue, reframe the situation. Find the good in the bad situation. Rather than consider yourself a failure, think of your career setbacks as a way to reset. Are they pointing you to a career change, or do you need rest or new goals? Afterward, find inspiration and support. You can read stories of people who suffered career setbacks and how they recovered, especially those in your industry. You can also seek out mentors for constructive advice. Doing these will help you regain motivation.

    #Clique, have you ever suffered a career setback? How did you recover from it and find motivation? Let us know in the comments.

    Lost motivation and drive!
    byu/GibroniGV incareeradvice