The year is almost over.
What?
How did that happen?
What gives?
Time sure is a funny thing.
Well…maybe not funny. More like weird.
For instance, it seems like yesterday that I was a not very confident 6th-grader, sitting in my last class of the day, looking at the clock.
In this case, a clock that seemed to be forever stuck at 2:40 pm. (School ended at 3:00 pm)
In contrast, it seems like every clock I encounter these days moves so darn fast…
Okay. Enough about that. It’s too depressing. Let’s discuss you, your year-and your career.
Career-Wise, How Was Your Year?
(Choose one)
A.
B.
A.
If you chose “A,” fantastic! I’m glad you had a good year. And I hope you can repeat it.
“When I look into the future, it’s so bright it burns my eyes.”
-Oprah Winfrey
B.
If you chose “B,” and you don’t want to repeat the way things went for you the past year, keep reading.
“Failure is a detour, not a dead-end street.”
– Zig Ziglar
Is Your Career On a Downward Spiral?
Everyone has down years. You. Me. Everybody.
But it’s what you do after a lousy year that counts. A major change needs to take place.
For example, let’s say that you’ve been working at the same job, at the same company for several years.
At first, you liked your job. Heck, you even liked your boss and the company. Plus, the money wasn’t bad.
That is until your boss left, and was replaced by someone you didn’t like. At all. Or…
Maybe the company heads decided that you needed to work in a different role. And it turned out to be one you didn’t feel you were a good fit for. (Or you just hated it!)
Another reason for your bad year is that you’re just burned out. Happens all the time.
That said, the good news is that you have options.
Career Options And Ideas
If you’d like to make the new year more successful, career-wise, there are a few things you can do.
1. Get a new job
If you like what you’re doing, but you don’t like the company you’re employed by, you can look for a new job. This article from Career Contessa shows you how.
2. Look for a new career
If you’re feeling stuck in your current career, and you’re content working for someone else, this is how to go about changing careers. And by the way, lots of people change careers. It’s way more common than you think.
As a matter of fact, recent career change statistics state that the average worker will change careers 5-7 times during their lifetime. That’s right. 5-7 times! So don’t be shy. If you have a desire to change careers, do some investigating. And if you’re over 50, there’s still time.
3. Start a business
If you’re sick of working for someone else, consider going into business for yourself. That way you can be the boss.
Case in point: do you have an idea for a business?
If so, is there a way for you to put your plan in motion? Now?
Do you need a little motivation? These quotes should give you that needed push.
4. Buy a business
Another way to go into business for yourself is to buy someone else’s business.
To this end, each day, all across the country, dozens of businesses change hands. There may even be a small business in your own backyard that’s waiting for someone like you to take it over-and grow it.
Interested?
If buying someone else’s small business interests you in the least bit, there are a number of websites that list both businesses for sale, and the business brokers who have access to them. Here’s one. Here’s another one.
Finally, watch the short video below to get a few good tips on how to buy a business.
5. Buy a franchise
If you’re thinking of going into business for yourself, but you don’t have an idea for a business, look into franchise ownership.
Here are the Top 100 Global Franchises
Simply put, a franchise business allows you to go into business for yourself by leveraging someone else’s business idea. And it gets better.
That’s because you get everything you need to be successful. Like:
- A proven business system
- Startup assistance
- Formal training
- Proven marketing/advertising templates and methods
- Branding
- Group purchasing power
And more.
That said, franchising isn’t perfect. There are great franchises, average franchises, and franchise opportunities that are just plain lousy. So make sure you learn how to choose, research, and buy a franchise business that will be profitable. So you can reach your goals.
One more thing: franchise ownership isn’t for everyone-and it may or may not be right for you. (Take my free quiz to find out)
In conclusion, if you want to have a better year, career-wise, you need to do something different.
Because nothing changes if nothing changes.