Moonlighting

Moonlighting is basically working multiple jobs at the same time. It has gradually caught up as more and more young people are utilizing their free time to do something rewarding. Moonlighting is also a source of earning some quick bucks. Many youths moonlight for career advancement. Second job is not an easy task. It demands courage and sacrifice of precious free time. So what is it that motivates young people to devote their free time to a new job?

The first motivation is obviously to make ends meet. Having double paycheck definitely gives you more cushions. It can be really draining but then you get inspired by having some money for a rainy day and a better lifestyle. Different people have different reasons for moonlighting. For some, moonlighting is just a way of enhanced quality of work life. Many a youngsters need more work to feel the high of a more well-rounded work life. That seems surprising but one can find such professionals who despite having a good job strive to work more simply because they find it necessary to enhance the quality of their professional life.

Many professionals begin moonlighting in search of their childhood dreams. Demands of practicality make them go for a full time job but their own dreams and childhood fascinations prompt them for a second job. One needs willpower and a strong spirit to work doubly hard but moonlighters manage this tightrope walk when it comes to doing justice to these completely separate lives.

How to Climb up the Corporate Ladder

All the employed professionals want to scale the corporate ladder. They wish to grow in their roles and responsibilities but it is easier said than done. Growth in professional arena can only be achieved through admirable work ethic and right attitude. Those who possess these qualities can always find success faster. It is important to do certain things if you feel like growing in your job.

The most important ability is perhaps multitasking. We are living in an age where people with multitasking abilities have far better chances of rising up the hierarchy in corporate life. Almost everyone can multitask but the idea is to do all the tasks well. Your most important role is to perform your main task as per the requirements and thereafter taking up additional responsibilities. This will ensure that you are getting noticed by the people who matter.

Refrain from some of the common bad habits that can plague your career progression graph. Never ever indulge in criticizing, complaining and backbiting during the office hours. It’s a bad idea to show anger and accuse your colleagues or boss. This can get you blacklisted and will hamper your relationship with people. Poor attitude can also cost you your job. It can drain your energy and make you undesirable in your social circle. It is recommended to keep your mouth shut if you don’t have anything positive to say. Corporate life is not just about performing your task well. It also involves displaying an exemplary behavior and being smart.

Online Degree Courses

Online degree courses have become quite popular in recent years. The reasons of this phenomenon are not hard to find. The surging acceptance of online degree courses can be attributed to lack of time and resources faced by several students. Not every student can afford to join a full time course and pay the hefty sum. For those students, online degree courses have come as a boon. Now they can take admission in their favorite course from the comfort of their homes. Compared to a full time regular course, online courses have low fee structure.

Virtual learning has come as a blessing for thousands of students. Almost all the top universities have started to offer courses through online medium. Joining an online course has become viable for not just students but also for single parents, working professionals and even individuals who are engaged in family commitments. It is a wonderful way to further one’s academic ambitions.

Students can take admission in their desired courses offered by top universities of USA and UK. Learning couldn’t get easier with scholarships for studying abroad. The online courses are available in almost all the subjects’ right from Arts, Science, Engineering, Technology, Medicine, Fine Arts, Business, Social Science, Media Studies and other vocational courses. It has become a wonderful tool for working adults to take short vocational and online technical programs and give that extra edge to their career. There is good probability of online degree holders being offered a job by top companies. The knowledge earned by online degree holder is at par with the knowledge earned by a student of a campus program in the same field.

Resume Tips

Resume is a powerful weapon in your job quest. It can literally make or mar your job prospects. Well-crafted curriculum vitae can differentiate you from the crowd of job seekers. The purpose of a resume is to bring you in the interview room and not get you a job, as most of the applicants assume. Your resume is in no way, guarantees a lucrative job offer; however it does provide you a head start.

Let’s talk about some of the common mistakes seen in resumes. The first thing you need to remember is that you need to avoid clichés. Most of us think that using phrase like ‘self-motivated worker’, ‘team player’, ‘good communication skills’ or ‘proven track record’ etc will make resume more appealing but the truth is mentioning these terms does more harm than good to your chances of getting a job. The qualities and attributes you mention on your resume should speak for themselves. These terms must be backed with description and solid examples.

A sample resume should help you in standing out but what good will it make to your job chances if you are using the same terms that everyone else is using? So avoid clichés like ‘result oriented professional’, ‘bottom line-orientated,’ ‘special talent’ etc. Try telling teeny-tiny stories in your resume instead of indulging in boasting. Present facts or a real achievement instead of mentioning of some vague terminologies. Present examples of things you have already done. Think from an employer’s point of view. What will fascinate him? What new things you are offering that he doesn’t read every day from thousands of other applicants? Answer to these questions will help in preparing an effective resume.

Non-Traditional Career Choices

Someone has rightly said that if you choose a career based on what you like, you are very much likely to do well. But if do something just because others are doing it or it’s ‘in’ then well, you will have a tough time achieving more than mediocrity. So that leads us to the question of what if you are not really interested in conventional careers like teacher, doctor, lawyer, civil services or engineer etc? The answer is, modern era has brought number of new and exciting careers for youths as well as mid-aged professionals who are looking for a change. Thanks to changing times, new professions have emerged on the horizon and offer a world of exciting growth opportunities to everyone.

One such non-traditional career choice is alternative medicine or holistic healing. This field includes subjects like massage therapy, naturopathy, Ayurveda, Unani medicine, acupuncture, yoga and acupressure etc. People are looking to new lines of treatment because of stress related issues, awareness about holistic health avenues etc. Most of these career choices require you to take training from reputed institutions.

Archaeology is the flavor of the season. If going back in time excites you, this is the career for you. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the prime centre of archaeological activity in India. You can get formal education and training in this field from Institute of Archaeology, Delhi.

Ever heard of Gemmology? Well, if you have even slight interest in reading and understanding different characteristics of gem stones, their compatibility with each other and design part then go for this emerging career. You can join a quality diploma/certificate course in gemmology and make a flourishing career for yourself.

The last one in the list is forestry and wildlife conservation. This is a career for you if you are concerned about wild life conservation and dwindling number of rare species. You can become entomologists, foresters, range officers and curators, etc.

Things to Consider Before You Quit Job

Not everyone is able to enjoy his job on a regular basis. There could be several reasons behind this phenomenon. One, you no longer find your job challenging or second, the job has become monotonous. The result is complete fading of excitement you once felt for your job. It is never a pleasant feeling to push yourself for your job. Soon, you start feeling stuck to your job and your productivity declines. You keep wondering about your options but unable to find any. That indicates, you need a change in your job else you might fall victim to burnout syndrome.

There are several indications of you getting bored with your job. You are not able to apply your skills or not being given an opportunity to develop new expertise. You are not having belief in the management about your promotion. Your independence and creativity is being stifled up.

But before you quit your job, you need to keep in mind certain factors. First, you need to analyze skills learnt at your workplace and think whether these skills will help you in getting a new job to your liking. You will also need to figure out the conditions pertaining to a new job.

If money is the only consideration for job switch, you need to think again. No company likes to let go of an employee just because of salary issue. You can work out your salary issue with management. Try talking to your senior management. Salary should not be the only reason to leave your job. Change also signifies new opportunity in life and your ability to make the best use of it. Finally, do a reality check on existing opportunities and your skills and then make the final decision.