How Women Can Get Ahead At Work And Shake Things Up
Women often have a hard time getting ahead at work, either because they don’t feel they are being challenged enough or because discrimination is preventing them from advancing. If you’re feeling stuck in a rut, it’s possible to shake things up a little and find a way to push through those feelings to discover the career you want and deserve.
Don’t let the fear of the unknown keep you from branching out and trying new things; you never know what you’re capable of until you push yourself! Here are some of the best tips on how to do just that, presented by Employment Solutions.
Consider Starting Your Own Business
If you’re truly feeling stuck at your current job and can’t see yourself getting ahead, maybe it’s time you consider striking out on your own and starting your own business. It’s scary at first, but being able to do what you really want to do — and make money from it — is completely liberating and empowering. If you’re creative, you can use your skills to open up a Shopify store and sell handmade items, or put your people skills to good use and try your hand at real estate.
The first step is to identify your idea and how it helps your target audience. You’ll need a name that is catchy and not convoluted, and you’ll need a budget that balances practicality and promise. And last but not least, you should consider forming an LLC.
An LLC, or limited liability company, is designed to protect your personal assets. It also has other advantages, like tax perks and being easy to establish. You can DIY your LLC by using an online service such Zenbusiness.com that provides fast LLC formation, and then you’ll be ready to start courting clients.
It’s important to remember that if you decide to hire employees to help with your job, you’ll need to set up payroll. What is payroll? Well, in short, it’s the way that you issue payment to your workers, whether they’re employees or freelancers. It also involves filing/paying your payroll taxes and making sure the proper deductions are taken out of your employees’ paychecks. Thankfully, there are services and software available that can help you keep your payroll on track.
Start a Blog
You might think it’s impossible to start a blog and get it noticed these days, when it seems like everyone already has a blog of their own, but if you’re passionate and knowledgeable about a subject, it’s the perfect medium to connect to like-minded individuals and do some networking. Start simple and work your way up, adding advertising on your page to monetize it, and promote your writing on social media to gain more followers.
Go Back to School
If you’ve always wanted to learn a new language or are ready to take your skills to the next level, consider going back to school. There’s no time like the present to expand your horizons and learn something new, and if you decide you like it, you’ll have something new to put on your résumé or LinkedIn profile.
Challenge Yourself
Don’t be afraid to talk to your boss about taking on extra tasks or why you were passed over for a promotion; confronting your superiors and letting them know you have the skills and fortitude to work hard is actually a good thing, as it shows them that you’re made of stern stuff. Don’t hesitate to come in early, stay late, and volunteer for more responsibilities.
Be Direct
Be open and direct in your communications at work. Show your boss and coworkers that you are professional and know how to get things done and you’ll be more apt to get noticed when promotion time rolls around. It might be helpful to take a class on communications and brush up on your listening skills, as well as learn how to give and receive criticism.
To get ahead, sometimes women have to take the road less traveled. However, this drive and determination can help advance your career in ways you never thought possible. So, keep pushing forward, and don’t let anyone stand in your way.
For over 30 years Employment Solutions, a non-profit organization, has provided opportunities to help people to become self-sufficient and live meaningful lives in the community.