***We have our first guest poster!! Please welcome Gloria Martinez from womenled.org! I’m super excited to have a guest post especially when it’s full of great tips for women looking to create change in their lives!!
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If you hate your job but need an income, the thought of leaving can be intimidating. But, sometimes, a stagnant career can lead you to earn less in the long run. You owe it to yourself and your family to stop settling and start excelling. From starting your own business to putting yourself in the spotlight for a promotion, here are a few options to consider.
Going solo
Becoming an entrepreneur is easy. Becoming successful is not. If starting your own business has crossed your mind more than once, it pays to give it more than a second thought. Spend a little time preparing yourself and refining your business plan, and you’ll have a much better chance at enjoying success.
Your business plan should include everything from your operating strategy to the name of your business and the type of products or services you plan to sell. You’ll also want to do thorough research to help you figure out exactly what your startup costs might be. In Square Up’s guide for new business owners, the company also recommends evaluating your financing options and knowing ahead of time how you plan to take payments once you are up and running.
One of the most important parts of your business planning should revolve around your online presence. In today’s competitive market, it isn’t enough to simply maintain active social media accounts. You’ll also need a reliable website, preferably through a hosting service that offers dedicated servers and guaranteed uptime. And if you plan to update it regularly yourself, you want a hosting company that supports Wordpress. SiteGround is one example of a hosting firm that offers a variety of features that work great for small businesses, and, with hosting packages starting at less than $4 per month, they're an affordable way to get your business up and running online.
A few resources that can help you get started include the International Association of Women and The Women's Business Enterprise National Council. These groups and others work to promote equality in the world of business, and most offer a wealth of information on financing and developing your new small business.
Reaching higher
If you’re not particularly interested in the responsibilities of business ownership, you may want to consider striving for a promotion with your current employer. But if you are thinking that length of service is the only criteria by which people are promoted, then you may never get that new title. Cleverism magazine explains that performance, ability, technical and educational qualifications, and training are all part of the puzzle.
Before approaching your boss about your interest in a higher-level position, make sure that you are truly ready for change. Start by considering the job requirements. It might, for example, mandate longer hours or preclude you from taking part in projects that you hold near and dear to your heart. You will also need to review your employment history. Women often feel forced to stay on the sidelines after a years-long gap in their career to raise a family. Don’t let this become your barrier, and make a point to highlight your non-paid work experience when interviewing for a promotion. This might be a class you took or volunteer experience gained while you were away from the workforce.
A new direction
When neither one of these options sparks your interest, you might be ready for a complete career change. Even if you don’t have any experience beyond the current scope of your duties, there are entry-level jobs that might pique your interest. There are numerous online resources that can help you find training if you are not comfortable diving into a new career without some experience. And your local SCORE chapter is likely to have several retired businesswomen ready and waiting to mentor you through the process.
When you are unhappy in your job, it isn’t just you who suffers. Your performance won’t be at its best, meaning the company won’t be as efficient. Further, and more importantly, your disdain at work will filter over into your personal life, and that can cause tension at home. So if you think it’s time to change, know that you have options, and the only thing stopping you from moving forward is taking the leap.
Gloria loves sharing her business expertise and hopes to inspire other women to start their own businesses.