If you are looking for a way out of the rat race, you are not alone. Millions of Americans are unhappy with their jobs, and wish to become financially independent. A home career is the best way to achieve this. In our fast paced world of today, many people are forced to work long hours at their jobs, and have little time to spend with their families. This has led to a society where many family relationships are under strain, and studies show that the US has one of the highest divorce rates of any country in the world. Having a home career will allow you to spend more time with those you love.
In addition to this, many people are tired of working hard for corporations that are becoming wealty off their efforts. While they become wealthier, your own well being is sacrificed in the process. Many employers today fail to reward their employees for their hard work, and many employees become resentful. They may even begin to hate their jobs, and will dread going to work each day. If this situation describes you, it sounds as if you are a person who wants to become independent. While there may be risks involved with pursuing a home career, the rewards are well worth it. First, there is no limit to the money that you can earn at home. Your income will be determined by your skill, not by the raises that you will be given by your employer.
The second advantage of having a home career is that you pick your own hours. If you need to reserve a day to be with your family, there won’t be a need to get the permission of your boss. You will have the power to pick the hours you want to work. While having a home career will give you power, this power will not come without responsibility. People who procrastinate are unlikely to succeed. When you have something that needs to be done, you must not let anything stand in your way. If you are thinking of starting a home based business, the first thing you will want to think about is the field you will work in.
Picking the right career is important. While it should be something that excites you, it should also be something that has a high income potential. What are you good at? Most people are either good at technical subjects like math, or they are good at subjects like writing or art. There are a few people that can use both sides of their brain effectively. You must first decide where your skill level lies. If you are a mathematically oriented person who enjoys dealing with numbers, why not become a freelance programmer? Even if you don’t know any programming languages, you can do research to find out what programming languages are in demand. After you’ve done this, you can take a class at your local community college.
If you are looking to start a home career, one tool that you will not want to be without is a computer and the internet. The internet is the best friend of those who wish to start home careers. The internet can allow you to get the tools and resources you need to start your business, and you can network with people all over the world for a very low price. There is no limit to the number of things you can do with a home based business, and the benefits are well worth it.
“Personality can open doors, but only character can keep them open.” ~Elmer G. Letterman
“The best job goes to the person who can get the job done without coming up with excuses or passing the buck” ~Napolean Hill
What About Politics?
Political Astuteness is something that you may not learn in school; however, it plays a significant role in success in business.
“Man is by nature a political animal.” ~Aristotle
Take Control
It’s important to keep in mind that you are responsible for your own career. Don’t Expect the Human Resources Department to plan your career. In fact, don’t expect anyone else to be concerned about it either.
There have been times in my career when someone has taken an interest in my promotion; however, it has always been in their own best interests to do so. Remember, companies are in business primarily to make money.
Dress for success
There is a clear distinction between how a President, a Senior Vice-President, a Vice-President, and District Manager dress. You should dress just a cut above your current level.
Above Everything, Have Integrity
“If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don’t have integrity, nothing else matters.” ~Alan Simpson
You will find that the concentration of integrity increases the higher you go in an organization.
Remember Who You Work For
Always Support the Company
It’s true that where your treasure is, your heart will be also. There will be ample opportunities on a daily basis to bash your employer. Resist those opportunities. Keep in mind that (1) you chose this company, (2) they pay you, and (3) you can leave if you want. The leaders of the company will not be impressed by your ability to complain.
Make Your Boss and Your Boss’s Boss Look Good
As a practical matter, you are most likely working to take your boss’s job. Hopefully, your boss will be promoted, which will leave a vacancy. If your boss is not going anywhere, then the next level will have a major impact on your next position.
Who are the Leaders of the Company?
Find out the background of the company executives. What career path did they take? Chances are, they will value those credentials above others. Take note of great people in the company and get connected to them. If possible, find a way to work for them. If not, establish a network with as many of them as possible. The best possibility is to ask one of them be your mentor. You will be surprised how many people will be interested in helping in this regard.
Learn the Rules
“Whoever gossips to you will gossip about you.” ~Spanish Proverb
Watch What You Write or Say. Assume that anything you write or say will be read or heard by everyone in the company. E-mail makes it easy to respond emotionally. Before you respond to an irritating e-mail, take a minute to calm down, then, write the e-mail. If you have a tendency to send harsh messages, save a draft and review it sometime later to ensure the tone is business appropriate.
A corollary to this principle is Happy Hour – don’t go! There is a huge risk of saying something you shouldn’t say, getting out of control, or just being in the wrong place at the wrong time. You should stay out of office politics. Don’t say anything bad about anyone, ever.
Arrive Early and Leave Late, but Not Too Late. You want the reputation of a hard worker, but not one that can’t get their work done. This principle also applies to taking work home. Over the long-term, you want to have a life outside of work. Maintaining a worklife balance will keep you engaged in your job; therefore, more productive.
Find Out What Your Boss Wants and Deliver. Regardless of your personality, relationships, or good looks, you must be productive. For your boss, it means doing what they want, no matter how silly it may seem to you. For example, I had a boss that wanted to know how many Dairy Queens between Dallas and Houston served a particular yogurt.
Always say, “Yes!” to a request from leadership. For your boss, there are ways to provide better solutions without damaging the relationship.
“Always do more than is required of you.” ~General Patton
Give People Credit. Don’t take credit for yourself. This is important for a variety of reasons. First, you need people to help you get things done. Second, when people recognize people who work for you, you get the credit as well. Third, it’s the right thing to do.
Conclusion
When It Comes to Your Career
1. You’re Responsible
2. Remember Who You Work For
3. Learn the Rules
As Bill Karnes put it, “Eagles don’t flock; they fly alone. And eagles soar above the rest of their world. So, too, do people who start things, who lead groups or who otherwise set themselves apart from the crowd.”