I have mentioned before how our generation has been dealt quite the hand of cards. Unemployment is up, benefits are down, and money isn’t flowing like it used to. By the same token, we have several advantages that our predecessors didn’t: time, passion, guts, and the internet.
Time and time again I come across Gen-Yers who want to do more than just sit in an office all day. Many of them want to be their own bosses, travel the world, or do something meaningful with their lives. They just don’t know where to start.
Recently I was asked by LaCosmopolatina.com to dish out some career tips, and while the website is geared toward Latin women (Represent!) I believe the advice I gave rings true for all members of our generation. And so, I decided to write up a little continuation of the article.
5 Career Tips for Gen Y
1. You don’t have to hate your job.
No one is forcing you to stay at your job at gun point. If it really gets unbearable you have the option to walk out.
“But Amanda! I have bills to pay and I have to eat!”
Yes, I am well aware of that. But you shouldn’t have to drag yourself out of bed to a job you hate in order to provide yourself with some basic anemeties.
Am I telling you to quit your job tomorrow with no back up plan? Absolutely not. What I am telling you is that if you don’t like your job you should start taking some steps toward your next career endeavor. Whether it’s getting a certification, starting your own business, or just going to an interview, your current job situation shouldn’t stop you from finding what you want.
2. Start that side hustle.
One good thing has come out of this recession: people are finding creative ways to make money.
According to The Money Book for Freelancers, Part-Timers, and the Self-Employed the number of independent workers is increasing. This is partially due to the fact that people have become fed up with the doldrums of 9 to 5, but mostly because job security isn’t what it used to be.
In this day and age, you need to have more than one source of income. Cultivate your passions and I bet you’ll find a way to make some extra money. And now it’s easier than ever to turn your passions into a business thanks to the internet.
3. Stay organized.
I may not be the most organized person on the planet, but I do notice how organization makes a difference when it comes to my mood and my work. The more organized I am the more piece of mind I have.
For some thoughts on how organization helps your mood at work check out an article I wrote a while back, 6 Ways to Get Rid of the Monday Blues.
4. When things get tough, remember to breathe.
When the inbox is overflowing, the director is screeching, and an ominous deadline is looming, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Next time you feel the pressure of work just drop everything, take a step back, close your eyes and breathe.
I personally try Ujjayi Pranayama whenever things get a little out of control.
5. Take care of yourself first.
This does not mean be selfish. It simply means listen to your body. If we get too overworked it can lead to anxiety and illness.
You work hard everyday, the least you can do is set aside time to relax and have fun.
The advice goes for your aspirations. Don’t let a job define you or stop you from reaching your goals.
Now I want to hear from you. Do you have any good gen y career tips? What keeps you focused?
