How To Make Money on the Side: Freelance Writing

In today's economy, it has become necessary for many people to find ways to supplement their main income. Even if you work a 9-5 job, you may find times when some extra money would come in very handy. Freelance writing is one of the best ways to make money on the side if you enjoy and have a talent for writing. Keep reading to find out if this side work option will work for you. 

What Is Freelance Writing?

In the past freelance writing primarily referred to individuals who wrote for magazines or other periodicals but were not employed by those publications. Today, freelance writing can mean that, but more frequently it means writing online. Most businesses today use a website and social media outlets to promote their businesses. The main way these websites help promote the businesses is through the content that is written on the website. The business owners themselves do not want to take time away from their business to write this content, so they hire freelance writers to do this for them. 

Writing online content can be an exciting and profitable side business. 

What Type of Content Can You Write?

The types of content you can write are as vast as the internet itself. Literally, every website on the internet needs content, so you could write on any topic imaginable. Some content will be purely marketing content as you help people promote their products or their services. Some content is informational as website owners need you to add to their informational sites. Content can be educational, entertaining, or newsworthy. It just depends on who your client is and what they need. 

Where Can I Find Work?

Freelance writers can find work either independently, by creating working relationships with independent clients, or they can work with content platforms. Working with independent clients will usually require research on your part to find people looking for writers. It will then be up to you to make contact with these individuals, share your skills and writing samples and create a working contract with them. Creating your own website to feature your portfolio and writing abilities can help; for example, a freelancer may consider creating a website with an .online domain, so they can quickly and easily share the link with potential clients or add it to their LinkedIn profile and email signature. 

Content platforms are a fast way to get in contact with clients. A content platform will already have working relationships established with clients. The platform will bring on new writers and those writers will have access to the work. Each content platform will have its own process of how they hire writers. In most cases, you will need to take a grammar test, as well as provide samples of your writing. Each platform will have its own pay rate and system of how work is distributed to writers. 

What Qualifications Do I Need?

Individual clients will have different qualifications which you will need to review with them personally. Most content platforms, however, have relatively simple qualifications. In most cases you need to be a native English speaker, you need to reside in a country in which they are hiring, and you need to be able to pass their qualifying exams. In some cases, you will be asked to provide a resume to show previous writing experience. Most people, who can write on a college level (whether they graduated from college or not) will be able to pass the writing/grammar test. 

Freelance writing also requires that you have good time management skills as you will often be on a deadline. You need to be able to manage yourself as you will not have a boss standing over your shoulder. You also need to be able to research topics and turn them into written content relatively quickly because the faster you can produce content the more money you can make. 

You could need to get a few tools for it, though. Content management tools, a mobile SDK if you write with your phone, and more than a few others could help make your freelance writing easier.

How Much Money Can I Make?

The amount of money you will make can vary greatly. There are some content platforms that pay very little and some which pay very well. Most freelance writers will average between $20-$40 an hour after a few years of experience. There is a learning curve, however, and many freelance writers spend a while connecting with good clients and learning how to research and create content quickly. 

If you are looking for ways to make money on the side, and you have at least college-level writing skills, freelance writing could be a great fit for you. 

Are You Willing To Go The Distance For The Sake Of Your Career?

For some people, their career is the most important thing in the world. We all have different priorities in life, and for some people, this is the main one. There is nothing wrong with this. If it is, though, you need to ask yourself whether or not you are willing to go the distance for it, or not. In this article, we’re going to be looking at some of the things that could be asked of you in order to further your career that will require careful consideration. Keep reading if you would like to find out more.

More Education

The first thing that we’re going to look at is the fact that you could be asked to complete some more education. Depending on the level that you are qualified to right now, you might need some higher education if you want to reach the top of your field. It might be the case then that you need to head back to college, or at least attend sessions in order to become qualified to the extent that you need to be.

But, school isn’t for everyone. It’s here that you need to decide whether you are willing to do whatever it takes to get to where you want to be in your career or whether it isn’t worth it. There is no right answer, but if you’re not willing to go back to school, you can never claim to go the distance for your career.

A New Location

Another thing that you should think about is moving to a new location. Sometimes, a company needs someone in a different location, and they think that you would be perfect for the position. You moving would mean that the company benefits and you have been trusted so much that they want you rather than someone else. But, moving to a new location can be scary, and it means that you have to leave your life that you have where you are behind. It’s not an easy thing to do, and this is especially true if you need to move abroad, which is sometimes the case. 

Make sure that you fulfill all of the requirements for entry to the new country first before you go any further. This might mean looking at ilr requirements or something else depending on the new location. If you won’t move for your career, that’s fine, but you could be turning down a huge opportunity and potentially damaging your career prospects in the process.

We hope that you have found this article helpful and now have a better idea as to whether or not you would be willing to go the distance for your career. Now that you have the answer, you can figure out a way to move forward, and we wish you the best of luck in doing so.

How to Have a Successful Healthcare Career

If you want a higher-paying and more demanding yet rewarding career, the healthcare industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors today. According to PolicyAdvice.net, the global industry was valued at approximately $8.45 trillion in 2018. However, the global healthcare sector could reach over $10 trillion by 2022. And what’s more, is that the U.S. accounts for spending twice what other countries do on healthcare. 

If you want to have a long-term successful career, the healthcare industry is a good place to start researching opportunities. It is one of the fastest-growing industries in both the U.S. and world and there are hundreds of different roles in diverse organizations to choose from – but entering the industry isn’t enough to guarantee a prosperous career. You will also need to do lots of little things to set solid educational and experiential foundations for career growth.

Do you want to succeed as a healthcare professional? If so, here are six tips to help you ensure you have a fruitful career.

Set Realistic, Measurable, and Achievable Career Goals

The first thing you need to do is spend some time defining your short-term and long-range career goals. Maybe you would like to help sick children, embark on a career as a medical doctor, or maybe you would prefer to work in a supporting role and administrative position. Think about your aspirations, your skills, your experience, and your interests within the healthcare sector, and then establish a clear path to success. Creating a calendar of milestones is a great way to start the process.

Improve Your Communication Skills to Improve Professional-Working Relationships

 When some people think about the skills needed to get a promotion, they think about being assertive, strategic, and confident – but it is also very important to ensure you have great communication skills, both written and oral. This allows you to communicate ideas successfully during meetings and discussions and in emails, which is essential for advancement. 

Admittedly right now, you may not be able to communicate in person due to COVID-19, but you can still practice your communication skills during Skype or Zoom meetings. Communicating through video calls or in-person requires the same skill set. Clear thinking skills, strong listening ability, non-verbal communication, and professional respect are the keys to effective communication.

Tell Senior Management or Office Administration About Your Short-term and Long-Range Goals

Most hospitals and medical centers actively encourage their employees to start a career with them, so if you tell management about your short-term and long-range goals, they may provide additional training or financial support to pursue continuing education or enroll in a degree program relevant to your job. For instance, if you work in an administrative position but would like to move into an IT role, your employer may pay for you to study IT at the university-level. This will make it much easier for you to move up the healthcare career ladder, and it also means management is more likely to consider you for extra work or a promotion. 

Don’t Be Afraid to Take Initiative and Show Off Your Leadership Skills 

Stand out among other employees by making a conscious effort to be the most passionate and motivated employee on your team. You can do this in lots of different ways; you could apply for leadership positions or senior management opportunities—if you have the experience and education. You could also offer to mentor new employees, train junior team members, or you could volunteer at the hospital you work outside of your regular work schedule. These small steps will show management that you are a dedicated, passionate, hard worker, so they are more likely to provide you with opportunities in the future. Don’t be afraid to showcase your management skills.

Refine Your Skills and Expertise to Become More Qualified for Higher Paying Positions within Your Organization

You may need more qualifications to move up the career ladder within your organization. For instance, if you want to work as an executive director, hospital administrator, CEO/CFO, dentist, or a doctor, you may need to get a healthcare qualification or degree from an organization such as https://onlinemha.bc.edu/. This will mean that you have to step away from your current healthcare role for a few years so that you can study and complete the degree, but once you are qualified to fulfill the role, you will be able to apply for lots of better paid, higher-level positions or simply move the ranks in your existing organization.

Expand Your Network to Maximize Career Opportunities

Finally, it can be beneficial to network with diverse people in the healthcare industry in your local area as well as throughout the country. You don’t have to forge bonds with every single co-worker or colleague you meet; instead, focus your energy on creating genuine business relationships with people you admire and respect. You can do this by attending healthcare events (such as conferences, conventions, or talks), or you could network on LinkedIn, or in virtual industry events using forums and industry websites. With the technology available today, there are countless ways to build your network.

More Than Volunteering: Career Ideas For Those Who Care

Caring people love helping others without expecting anything in return, which is often why they volunteer in their spare time to help local charities and the wider community. While volunteering is a fantastic thing to do and can help in so many different ways, if you’re someone who wants to be able to help more than volunteering a few hours a week, then perhaps it’s time for a career change. 

The fact is that you can make a difference in your career, alongside your volunteering, if you are selective about the kind of job that you opt to do. For caring people, who are usually selfless and like to help others as much as they possibly can, a job that allows them to care more is a great step, because it means that even when they’re not able to volunteer, they’re still able to help others. 

The good news is that when it comes to finding a career that focuses on helping others, there are plenty of options to choose from. It’s just a case of finding the option that’s the best fit for your skills and experience, as well as your caring needs. 

Wondering what your options are? Check out the ideas below for some new ideas! 

Move into education 

A career in education allows you to impact individual people—as well as the wider community—in a very direct way. You have the opportunity to nurture your students and watch them grow and develop as a result of your help, assistance, and care. However, getting into teaching does require a number of degrees, certifications, and specialist training programs, so it may be a career move that takes a while to achieve. Yet if it will make you happy then it’s a worthwhile step to take. 

Become a carer or enter the nursing industry

Another option, if you’re someone who cares a lot, could be to consider moving into a career in professional caring. Believe it or not, most caring roles allow you to train on the job while undertaking a small number of outside courses, meaning that moving into a career in care is actually far easier than you would think. There are also some fantastic resources to getting to grips with what career opportunities are available for you in the care sector, such as websites like careasone.com, for instance. 

If you are interested in entering the medical field but do not want to spend a better part of a decade in school, exploring the nursing path. You can become an entry-level Licensed Practical Nurse in fewer than 12 months after high school. If you want to go a step further, you can become a Registered Nurse (RN) in fewer than three years with an associate’s degree from an accredited college.

Work for a charity 

Another option, if you want to make a difference, is to sign up to work for a charity. Charities don’t only need volunteers, but they also require a number of full-time staff to help manage various aspects of their day to day running, from their marketing to their accounting, and everything in between. So it’s always worth keeping an eye on charities job sections. Look for national charities and international charities to work with, as often smaller, local charities cannot afford paid staff. 

There you have it, a few ideas for ways in which you can make your career more caring and do more to help others while you work.

Playing To Your Strengths: How To Find The Right Job For You

One of the most interesting things about human beings is that we are all different. When it comes to career advice, it can be difficult to find golden nuggets that resonate with you or to stumble across articles that make you feel like the writer is talking directly to you. Honestly, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for finding the perfect job, and that is why it’s so beneficial to personalize your search. Here are some tips to help you find a role that is right for you. 

Figuring out what you want

The most important thing to think about when you’re looking for a new job or a career path is what you want to do. The average adult spends around 37 hours per week at work. This is a huge commitment, so it’s crucial to try and find a position that will make you happy and bring a level of contentment and satisfaction. Focus on your objectives and try not to be influenced by societal trends or demands or what other people think.

It’s common to hear people talking about going into fields and sectors because that’s what their parents did or wanted them to do. If you feel under pressure to make decisions that you don’t want to make, communication is key. You might feel like you’re doing the right thing by making other people happy, but your wellbeing should also come into play. You don’t want to end up with a job that makes you miserable to placate others. 

Understanding and recognizing your personality traits

We all have unique personalities, but often, the way we think and behave can be categorized or grouped according to dominant trends or traits. If you were to take the Enneagram test, you might find that you’re an analyst or a caregiver, for example. Finding out what kind of personality and character traits you have can be extremely useful in determining suitable career paths.

If you think about others often, you like to protect and look after people and you’re sociable and hard-working, a career in nursing or teaching may appeal. If you prefer your own space, you like to look at facts and you’re a thinker, you might err towards a career in research or engineering, for example. Ideally, you want to find a job that enables you to play to your strengths at the same time as minimizing the impact of or allowing you to address potential weaknesses. 

Research Potential Employers

The more you know about a potential employer, the better you’ll figure out whether you actually want to work for them. It gives you a better idea of what it’ll actually be like to work there. You could have a better picture of what your working environment will be like.

It’s worth looking them up before you apply to any of their open positions. The likes of Primerica reviews and employee reviews about similar companies can help with this. With how much it could help you find the right career and job for you, there’s no reason not to.

Implementing a plan

Once you have ideas about the kind of job you want, you can turn your attention to finding suitable roles and giving yourself the best chance of receiving employment offers. This includes trying to capture the attention of executive recruiters online, too, because you really want to show off what strengths you have and how you are strongly different from the competition. Start with practical concerns, for example, experience and qualifications.

If you haven't got the relevant skills or training, look for opportunities to undertake study and complete courses and apply to companies and organizations to get some experience. There are so many opportunities to gain new skills through online learning opportunities. A good way to find out what skills and qualifications you need is to look at job adverts and pick out any recurring requirements that keep appearing. If job ads are asking for a togaf certification, specific software experience, or similar, then this is a good starting point to start acquiring the skills you need for your dream career.

Update your resume, start searching for vacancies, and tailor applications to specific roles. It’s useful to set career goals, but don’t get too carried away with dates and milestones. It might take a while to get to the end, but as long as you’re moving in the right direction, that shouldn’t matter. 

We spend a huge amount of time at work, so it’s important to think carefully about finding the right job. Whether you’re changing careers, or you’re on the hunt for your first job, hopefully, this guide will point you in the right direction.

More than Salary: The Best Job Picks for Flexibility, Creativity, and Advancement

If you are looking to advance or completely change your career, there may be a myriad of reasons why you’re looking for something else, or there may be one that is more obvious than others: salary. The reason most of us go to our jobs most days out of the week is not merely because we enjoy going, although having a career you like is huge in making sure you are not just living for the weekend. 

Is salary the main thing you should be looking at when looking to change careers or are other aspects of a new job just as important? Perhaps you’re looking for a more flexible role where you can set your own schedule. A great example is Primerica where there are various roles available. Take a look at Primerica reviews.

Aspects of careers that you may want to consider before jumping ship at your current position include health and retirement benefits, bonuses and commissions, paid time off, flexibility, creative aspects, and last but not least, room for advancement in a position.

Some careers that pay well may not offer all of these benefits, so weighing these things depends on your individual lifestyle, what you value most, and how you think each of these will most greatly impact or change your current lifestyle. So, which career path might be a great option for you? 

We’ve compiled several jobs that fall into three categories of flexibility, creativity, and room for growth; each of these positions does not sacrifice salary, either. 

Careers with higher than average flexibility

• Statistician. This career is in high demand, offers some other aspects such as creativity, but its best benefit is the flexibility in scheduling. 

• Accountant. This career path has a lot of flexibility without sacrificing wages. Working remotely or creating your own schedule is a huge benefit. You can check out an average accounting career salary here.  

Jobs that offer creative aspects

• User Interface Designers. If you enjoy working with computers but want to seek something that requires creativity, a UI designer can be a fantastic career that also pays well. 

• Technical writers. While “technical” might be in the name, a technical writer requires you to be creative in multiple ways; the writing itself needs to convey an idea to various audiences, and it is up to the technical writer to make creative problem-solving decisions on how to approach a project. Creativity comes in many ways, with trouble-shooting requiring creative thinking. For a list of other positions great for problem solvers, check out Business Insiders list. 

• Entrepreneurs. When you go to business for yourself, you will work harder than you have ever worked before, but you will also be able to be incredibly creative as you form your business. 

Easiest careers to advance

• Tax manager. This position was recently quoted by CBS as having the best career advancement opportunity. 

• Communications manager. If accounting and finances are not your ideal cup of tea, consider something that has you interacting with people throughout the day to compile media reports, marketing materials, and press reports. 

When you are looking to advance your career, or completely change it, make a list of the things that you find are most important to you so that you can make a sound decision that is based on more than just the direct income. When you are deciding between two positions that are relatively similar, make sure to balance health benefits, paid leave, and retirement options. Don’t forget that you’re going to be spending around 40 hours at this job a week, so find a career that allows you to enjoy what you do. 

How Can You Learn To Make Better Career Decisions?

If you are unhappy in your career or you don’t like the company that you are working for, you may be thinking about making some big career moves. It might be that you are considering a complete career change or simply looking for similar positions at a different company.

In some cases, people are one hundred percent sure that they are making the right choice, but often, people have a lot of doubts about these big career decisions. A bad decision can have a big negative impact on your career and your life as a whole, so it is important that you always make sensible career decisions. But how exactly do you do that? These are some of the best ways to make better career decisions. 

Consider Your Priorities In Life 

When people are considering a career move, they often think about what they want out of a job, which is important, but you also need to consider your overall priorities in life. For example, if it is important for you to make a positive impact on the world, you need to start looking for a rewarding career that is more than just a way to make money.

If your family is the most important thing in the world to you, then you need to find a job that offers a good work-life balance so you can spend more time at home. By considering your overall priorities in life, you will get a clearer idea of what you want from a career. 

Take Advice Wherever You Can Get It 

This is so important because different people have their own perspective on your situation and they may offer insights that you haven’t even considered. Don’t try to make this decision on your own, speak to your friends and family members and see what they have to say.

You can also speak to a careers advisor or even get a free psychic reading if you believe in that. Take as much advice from as many different people as you can and you should be able to assess your options more effectively. However, it is important to remember that it is ultimately your decision and you should do what feels right for you. If you don’t agree with somebody’s advice, you don’t have to take it. 

Imagine Your Future Self 

When you are trying to decide whether a career move is right, don’t just think about the short term, consider your future self as well. If you have a long term career plan, is this move going to push you in the right direction?

How do you think your family life will change in 5 years and will this new job fit in well? Do you think that you will be happier a few years down the line if you stay where you are right now? When you imagine your future self, it helps you to build a clear picture of exactly how this career move is going to affect your life. 

Making big career decisions is always tough and there is always the chance that you will make the wrong choice. However, you can start making better career decisions if you follow these simple steps. 

Aiding Your Job Hunt

Recruitment agency assistance could be the missing ingredient from your job hunt and deciding to apply for and track down work through them could be one of the best decisions you make. We’ve all experienced those frustrating periods of waiting to hear back about a position we’ve applied for, or wondering where all the best jobs are hiding, why our CVs seem to always miss the mark. It’s a difficult process, but recruitment agencies exist to help you navigate through the labyrinthine maze of job hunting and to help you locate jobs and to advise you. 

Get Greater Exposure To Employers with Recruitment Agencies 

They say the world of business and employment is built on connections and that is because this often turns out to be the case. The broader a range of exposure you have as a candidate in a particular field, or across several depending on your skill set, the more likely employers are to check you out. If you wisely choose your recruitment agency then you can reap the benefits of having them send your credentials far and wide. Recruitment agencies have a large staff of consultants and advisors themselves, all of whom have their own personal networks that they can hook candidates up to. Being a good prospective candidate with a profile on a leading agency’s shortlist with your agency is a way to ensure employers will find you with a lot more ease. 

Giving your CV to recruitment agencies and adding it to job boards is a good way to make sure you are out there in the large world of job hunting and employment. Crafting your CV, keeping it updated, and doing your own job searching and having a clear idea of your ambitions and what you want from the recruiter is a good way you can assist them in assisting you. The better your skills and credentials are presented the more enthusiastically a consultant will suggest you to one of their clients. Your own efforts combined with the networking of a good work agency Stoke on Trent can be a winning team. 

Gain Connections And Relationships With Work Agencies

Remember that consultants from work agencies will keep you in mind if you have made a good impression on them. This being the case consultants can recommend you to clients and employers they have regular contact with even if you have not specifically looked into them or their company. They will do their research to make sure all companies are reputable. Still, it is worth having a law firm you can always count on should wage disputes or any other issues arise.

It is these connections and suggestions that are so very important in gaining the edge when looking for employment, so work agencies add these essential elements better than a solo job search. It never hurts to have that extra competitive edge and a good relationship with your recruiter is the best way to solidify this edge. Make sure you answer when they call or return calls promptly if you can’t avoid missing them; knowing you are eager and attentive will make consultants consider you among their top choices for offering to clients. Furthermore, your recruitment agency will take notice if you call them after interviews they have arranged and given them concise feedback. This will make it easier for them to assess where you’re at after an interview and discuss feedback with the client you interviewed with. A strong partnership with your recruiter sets the stage for stronger possibilities of being accepted by clients and employers.