Career Advice Archives

7 Survival Tips When You’re Made Redundant

If you’ve been made redundant, you’re either in shock, or it was expected. Regardless, you’re faced with one of life’s most difficult setbacks. It can happen at any age and any stage of your career. It’s often a shocking and upsetting experience. But you can feel more confident after being made redundant, especially if you think of it as a forced fresh start!

Like they say when one door closes – jump out the window! Okay, so they say another door opens, but it’s more fun to jump out of the windows! But seriously, your state of mind makes all the difference when faced with adversity, so try to stay positive with our seven survival tips!

What is Redundancy?

According to Fair Work Australia, redundancy is defined as being genuine when:

Your job doesn’t need to be done by anyone
Your employer followed any consultation requirements in the award, enterprise agreement or other registered agreement

Why Were You Made Redundant?

Fair Work Australia states that redundancy occurs when an employer either:

Doesn’t need the job to be done by anyone, or
Becomes insolvent or bankrupt

A redundancy is likely to occur when a business:

Introduces new technology (a job can be done by a machine)
Slows down due to lower sales or production
Closes down
Relocates interstate or overseas
Restructures or reorganizes due to a merger or takeover

You’re Not Alone

Redundancy is normal and will not impact finding another job, so don’t shy away from it. You can write that your job ended due to the position being made redundant. According to the employment website SEEK, more than 1 in 4 Australians (26%) have had their role made redundant at some point in their working lives. Further, at least half of us know someone who has been made redundant or impacted ourselves. And keep in mind this data was taken before the pandemic, which has seen global redundancy rates skyrocketing. So, you’re certainly not alone.

How to Recover from Redundancy

While it might feel overwhelming at first, you can recover from redundancy and find a more rewarding job. Through keeping a positive attitude and being organized, you’ll soon be over this hurdle and onto your next challenge. So, you’ve been made redundant. What’s next? We’ve put together seven important tips to help you get back up after the shock of redundancy.

Get the language right

Be aware of how you talk about your experience. Instead of saying ‘I was made redundant, which has negative connotations, say ‘my role was made redundant. It helps to separate yourself from what has happened. You shouldn’t take it personally because redundancy does not reflect your work ethic or ability to do your job. It’s simply that the job no longer exists. You do, and you’ll most likely go on to bigger and better things after redundancy.

Organise your finances

When faced with redundancy, one of the most overwhelming feelings is about personal finances. You should make a budget of your living expenses and determine how to manage essential expenses. If you have a mortgage, talk to your bank. They are often helpful in arranging to put repayments on hold when you’re in a financial crisis. We saw how banks responded during the pandemic, and a personal financial situation is no different. You should also contact the Department of Human Services to see if you’re entitled to any benefits while you search for your next job.

Consider taking on temporary work

Don’t rush into a job because you feel stressed about being made redundant. If you need to get back on track financially, consider taking on freelance or contract work until you’re sure about your next permanent move. Finding this type of work allows you to structure your week, maintain motivation and gain financially while also providing breathing space to think. If you don’t find temporary work straight away, that’s okay too. Take time to process what’s happened, and if you feel you need to stay busy, volunteer your services to a community group or organization.

Reflect on your career direction

Were you happy in your last job? If not, consider changing directions in your career. Now’s an excellent opportunity to follow a passion, start a business, or study for a dream job. If you’re not sure about your new direction, you don’t have to spend a fortune on education to find out. Consider short, professional development courses in the area you’re interested in before diving into a higher education degree.

Banish negative feelings

An adverse event can have you spiralling into a negative headspace, which won’t help your mental health. Make sure you plan your day and include time for exercise, fresh air, healthy eating and self-reflection. If you need some professional help, reach out to your GP to refer you to a mental health professional. Talking about your experience will help you process what’s happened and move into a more healthy state of mind. Remember, you’re not alone – and you’ll be back on your feet again in no time.

Work on your resume

This is an ideal time to dust off your resume and make it shine. Spend time updating your work history, education and referees. Ask your last manager if they’d be a referee. Better yet, ask for a written letter of recommendation. You should also update your LinkedIn and let your contacts know you’re looking for work (in fact, put out a message on all social channels – friends can give the best recommendations!).

Stay connected to your tribe (or make new connections)

It can feel isolating to be made redundant, especially if all your family and friends are working. It’s important to reach out to people who will help you emotionally. Make plans to catch up for dinner or during their work lunch for a bite to eat. If you’re feeling adventurous, now’s a great time to join a group fitness class (even a free Parkrun) or start a new hobby and expand your social network. Be brave – it will make you stronger!

Being made redundant isn’t easy but stay the course, and you’ll be back working in no time. Research shows that 60 per cent of Australians made redundant find another job within two months. But don’t despair if you’re in the 40 per cent that takes a little longer. It just means you’ll have more time to consider your options.

Discover hundreds of online professional development courses today – it might open your eyes to a new direction you didn’t see coming!

Tips for Smart Goals in PD!

Professional development goals are practical plans to guide your career and achieve growth and professional success. The rewards of achieving professional goals include diverse career opportunities, higher remuneration or promotion potential and the ability to explore new skills and interests that might change your direction. But if you’re planning on goal setting in your professional life, make sure you’re doing it SMART!

Why Set Professional Development Goals?

There are many reasons why professional development goals are important. You can’t see where you’re going without a plan, and a career with no direction is risky. You could fall into a career rut, be demoted or experience sudden redundancy – and without a plan for career progression, it leaves you vulnerable when it comes to employability.

Provides direction for your future

You might know what you want to do next year, but what about in the next decade? Do you have long-term career goals? Setting clear, smart goals for your career means having a professional plan.

You’re prepared to embrace change

If you have a career plan outside your current role, you’ll be better prepared for anything thrown at you in your professional life. If, for example, you’re put forward for a promotion, you’ll have a professional development portfolio at the ready to help you secure the position. At the other end of the spectrum is redundancy! It’s not ideal, but you’ll be better prepared if you have a professional development portfolio to apply for new jobs at the last minute.

Diversify your skillset

Whether it’s a future career change, starting your own business or promotion, regularly developing news skills provides options and leaves you open to new opportunities.

“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” ― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.

Tips for Smart Goals (Professional Development)

If you’re going to set goals, you might as well be smart about it! The best tip for smart goals, set SMART goals! You’ll considerably increase your chances of achieving the goal successfully. Use the SMART goal strategy.

S – Specific

Specific goals are in-depth, written ideas (or recorded) details of the plan you hope to achieve. Think of this as the mission statement for your goal. You should aim to answer the following W questions – who, what, when, where, which, why!

M – Measurable

Your goal should be measurable. How else will you know if you’ve achieved it or are on your way to success? This makes your goal tangible – you’re measuring progress. Measurement methods can be quantitative (productivity results, money saved) or qualitative (client Google reviews, surveys).

A – Achievable

Your goal should be realistic. Think about how you’ll accomplish the goal (do you have the resources and skills required?) A smart goal is always achievable.

R – Relevant

Does the goal align with your career plans or personal development aspirations? If the goal is relevant, you’re much more likely to succeed.

T – Time-Sensitive

If your goal lacks realistic timing, you’re planning to fail. Make realistic timeframes for setting the goal deadline. If a goal will take six months to achieve, it’s important to define what should be completed at the halfway point and will ensure a sense of urgency.

Examples of Professional Development Goals

Attend industry events in [field], to grow my professional networks twice per year.
Enrol in an online course in time management to improve my productivity in the workplace
Subscribe to a monthly industry magazine for twelve months, and read on the first weekend of every month
Submit an application for a promotion at work within the next six months
Read two professional development/personal empowerment books a year
Listen to one TED talk on [industry/skills] a week, while driving to and from work
Take a course in leadership to increase opportunities for promotion in management roles
Improve communication skills in the workplace
Develop a growth mindset
Manage your energy for great motivation and productivity
Attend a workshop that improves your current skills or brings you one step closer to your dream career

If our tips for smart goals have inspired you to pursue professional development, make sure you choose the right course for you. Talk to one of our helpful Learning Consultants today on 1300 76 2221, Live Chat or Enquire Online.

You can start studying today with access to hundreds of courses, helpful support staff and knowledgeable tutors.

The Great Resignation – What You Need to Know!

The war for employee talent is real! Known by various phrases like the “Great Resignation”, the “Great Transition”, and the “Great Realignment”, the current sentiment among employees is that it is time for change. Workers are leaving their jobs and making lifestyle and career changes, and others are making “tree” or “sea” changes and redesigning their lives.

According to research from Microsoft, 40 per cent of the post-pandemic global workforce have resigned or are considering resigning. Some proof of this can be seen in job advertisements. In October last year, SEEK recorded the highest number of job ads in 23 years. That was 63 per cent higher than the previous year and 44 per cent higher than pre-pandemic levels in October 2019.

Why is this happening?

In part, the labour supply squeeze comes from limited worker mobility due to border closures and the halted immigration of skilled and technical workers from overseas into the country. It may also be due to increased government support during the pandemic or because people have been able to save more while staying home during lockdowns. Many skilled workers can now name their price as the employment market heats up.

Lockdowns have also allowed people to examine their priorities, values and lifestyle choices. People have had the chance to think about the emphasis on work and what’s important to them and tap into an underlying desire to have a better lifestyle.

With the rise of hybrid and remote work models, the flexibility of working from home has also created resistance to pre-COVID-19 work arrangements. For some, paying exorbitant parking fees and travelling to and from work is not an attractive option when there are alternatives available.

Hence, local employee resistance and overseas employee shortages are forecast to be one of the highest business risks across all industries in 2022.

What does this mean for employers?

Businesses, irrespective of size, are now having to battle for available resources in the competitive employee landscape. For employers, it is time to rethink their decisions around the what, why, where and when of work to ensure continuous improvement and business growth.

While salary does play a huge role in attracting and retaining talent, it’s not the only factor. In the current business climate, where budgets may be an issue, organisations need to look at other tactics and strategies. So whether you are a leader, recruitment specialist or own your own business, here are some ways you can attract and hire new talent and some staff retention strategies that will help you retain that talent.

Flexible working policies

In many cases, COVID-19 has dramatically changed the way we work. One of the most significant changes has been the adaption of flexible working policies, particularly given the need for employees to work from home. Many have embraced the change and prefer it! Regarding staff retention strategies, if your business has the capability and capacity to offer this arrangement for staff moving forward, it is worth considering.

To set your employees and your business up for success, take the time to define work processes and agree on your staff’sKey Performance Indicators (KPIs). As with autonomy, there should also be accountability. Whether it’s a 100 per cent work-from-home scenario or a combination of some days in the office and some out, with the right framework, it can work. Plus, if your employees are happy and fulfilled, it will often equate to enhanced productivity.

Mental health support

Another critical staff retention strategy is to have sufficient mental health support in place. This is crucial as, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 15 per cent of Australians experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress over the period 2020 to 2021. Not surprisingly, there has also been evidence of heightened psychological stress during the pandemic.

As a manager or business owner, you are responsible for assisting workers with mental illness by providing changes that will support their duties more effectively in the workplace. These are known as “reasonable adjustments”. A few ways you can instigate these include:

Implementing effective communication strategies and regularly checking in on employees to find out how they are going at work and in general.
Identifying and implementing workplace adjustments and support to meet individual workers’
Implementing effective, long-term, broader organisational strategies to create a flexible and inclusive workplace.
Offering flexible working options, including variable start and finish times, working from home, working part-time and changing or sharing responsibilities or tasks.
Incorporating official mental health days into your organisation’s leave structure to support them wherever possible.

Continuous learning

To equip employees with the necessary skills for the future of work, developing a culture of continuous learning is essential. However, aligning training to organisational and staff retention strategies requires prioritisation and investment in diverse learning opportunities and preferences. Things to consider include developing micro-learning tools and encouraging social and informal learning.

Technology can also be leveraged to facilitate agile and innovative learning and is critical for remote workers. Digital tools like virtual reality are particularly suited to harder-to-teach skills and create powerful learning experiences. And shifting the focus on development from individuals to team-based training can help equip them for continued success and better performance.

Rewards and memberships

Staff retention strategies can also revolve around employee benefits, rewards and recognition programs that you put in place. They can include:

Group insurance — Personal insurance plans that can include Salary Continuance cover.
Health insurance — Fully paid or subsidised plans.
Company car — This can also include fuel and car allowances.
Childcare subsidies — In childcare placements or daycare facilities.
Health and fitness — Providing “gym on-site facilities” or access to a gym with lower corporate rates.
Catering — For example, an on-site cafe, fresh fruit delivery services, a juice and smoothie bar, or menu selections from a local supplier.
“Break out” activities could include on-site massages and facilities for activities like table tennis or pool.
Vaccinations — Free or subsidised flu and COVID-19 shots.
On-site bathrooms — To encourage staff to walk, run or ride to work.
Technology — Free or discounted mobile phones, laptops or tablets.
Employee recognition programs — Offering discounted goods and services including petrol, travel, leisure activities, shopping or movie tickets.

9 ‘No-Qualification’ Jobs That Are In-Demand Now!

No degree? No drama, according to the latest research by Seek Australia, which shows there are nine in-demand jobs that you can apply for right now without qualifications.

The impact of COVID-19 has seen massive changes in both industries and people’s mindset about what work should look like. Fortunately, change often spells opportunity and career-wise, it’s a great time to rethink your priorities and life goals. Do you want more time with your family? Are you in a career rut? Are you looking to turn a passion into a paying profession? It’s all possible, and you don’t need to spend a fortune on education to make it a reality.

So, let’s take a look at SEEK’s most in-demand jobs that you can apply for right now without qualifications!

Merchandiser

Do you have an eye for design? Would you like to style in-store displays and plan exhibitions? If so, visual merchandising is the ideal career for you.

Seek says – Job ads are up 257% for this role!

Jump the job applicant queue with our Certificate of Visual Merchandising!

Retail Sales Assistant

Are you a people person? If you enjoy working with others and meeting new people, have a natural sales ability and thrive in a customer service environment, you should consider an exciting career in retail.

The Retail industry is one of Australia’s largest employers and provides an excellent opportunity for those entering or re-entering the workforce, as jobs are plentiful. This industry is also one of few that offers flexibility in working hours with part-time, weekend and night work.

Seek says – Job ads are up 266%!

If you’d like to improve your chances of landing a role, why not enrol in a short professional development course like our Certificate of Retail?

Dental Assistant

Dental assistants (or dental nurses) prepare patients for dental examinations and assist dentists with instruments, treatments and X-rays.

Seek says there’s something to smile about—job ads for Dental Assistants are up 255%!

Increase your job prospects with a professional development course like our Certificate of Dental Reception and Office Administration!

Retail Store Manager

If you work in retail and want to launch your career in a leadership or managerial role, we’ve got good news for you!

Seek says job ads up 211% for retail store managers.

Bump your application to the top of the pile with our Certificate of Retail Management!

Salesperson

Whether you sell products or services, salespeople with ambition can earn enviable salaries. You can work in various environments, from retail to real estate, automotive or telecommunications, depending on your interests.

The good news – training is often on the job, and Seek says job ads are up 200%!

Give yourself the edge with our Overcoming Objections to Nail the Sale.

Delivery Driver

If you love to drive and prefer to work solo, a job as a delivery driver could be the perfect job for you.

Are you going somewhere? You are if you want to work as a delivery driver because Seek says job ads up 175%.

You’ll need a driver’s licence and a positive attitude – but why not lift your skillset with our Road Transport Driver Program?

Warehouse Storeperson

You’re fit as a fiddle and want to stay that way with an active job. It sounds like you’d make an ideal warehouse storeperson.

Seeks says job ads up 160%!

A forklift licence is highly valued, but you can double your chances of success with an online professional development course like our Certificate of Warehouse Operations and Recordkeeping.

Personal Carer

Would you like to feel empowered to work in a home or community care setting to provide the utmost care to those most vulnerable in society? If caring for others is your superpower, you’d make an outstanding personal carer.

Care for a change of career? You’re in luck because job ads are up 156%!

If you want to boost your success as an applicant, you might care to take a professional development course like our Certificate of Home and Community Care.

Employment Consultant

If helping people gain meaningful employment and achieve career goals appeals to you, you’d make a great Employment Consultant.

Considering so many people are rethinking their careers right now, it’s little wonder jobs are up 120%.

You don’t need formal qualifications as an Employment Consultant, but strong communication and interpersonal skills in a customer-service role are important. Why not up your odds of getting this job with our Certificate of Employment Services?

So, if you’re interested in one of these in-demand jobs, now’s the perfect time to pursue an opportunity. Consider one of the related courses on offer and make sure your resume is top-of-mind when employers look to fill a role. You’ll also be investing in yourself – what better way to positively move towards the new normal?

7 Ways to Land That Entry-Level Job

You’ll need a competitive edge to start your career according to a new report by Anglicare. Across Australia, there are now an average of 4.8 jobseekers for every entry-level job advertised (ABC News report). So how can graduates and new jobseekers give themselves the best chance of success?

Australian Online Courses spoke to Darleen Barton, bestselling author and performance coach at DIPAC & Associates, for advice on how entry-level jobseekers can increase their chances of being hired.

Build a C.V

“Demonstrate your skills, your character and your personal value system,” says Barton. As an entry-level job-seeker you should include any humanitarian interests, including voluntary positions that you have held.

It’s also important to ensure your C.V clearly demonstrates your accomplishments and the results achieved, adds Barton. “Employers are looking for ‘action-oriented’ people who can learn fast and deliver results.”

Of course, she adds, make sure your C.V is free of spelling and grammatical errors.

Deliver Your C.V and Dress to Impress

If you can deliver your CV in person take the opportunity, says Barton. “First impressions count. You will be judged in the first thirty seconds of your arrival. You might as well make it positive. Make sure you’re neat, tidy and professional.”

Research the Job Market

Keep in mind that recruitment companies work with thousands of candidates, says Barton. As a new job-seeker you need to conduct your own research. Try to find out as much as possible about the organisations you are looking to work.

Create a Social Media Presence

Barton says a social media presence is important for jobseekers, but it should reflect a professional image. “Your online footprint should be clean, issue free and professional. Establish accounts on key sites such as LinkedIn and sanitise or even remove personal accounts with sites such as Facebook that can be viewed by prospective employers.”

“Go one step further and create a mini website for yourself. There are many web-building services such as WIX, which enable you to build great websites fast and for free. Get your profile up and out in the market and ensure your site is looks professional.”

Be Persistent and Reliable

Being persistent is paramount to your success, says Barton. “If you want to get your foot in the door don’t send an email requesting an appointment. Pick up the phone and ask for an appointment to see the human resource manager, relevant manager, or person hiring. Follow up phone calls are important to ensure your enthusiasm is noticed.”

You should also demonstrate that you are reliable. “Employers are sick of no-shows and unreliable people.” They want to be impressed, which leads to the next important step – the interview.

”6. Nail Your Interview

“Arrive to your interview early and bring hard copies of your C.V and references. If necessary, bring materials to support your interview. Dress well, be considerate, answer questions clearly, use positive body language, avoid ums and ahs and overuse of the word like. Ask relevant questions and focus on the role – not how much money you will get,” advises Barton.

Learn the STAR Principal

The STAR principal is a behavioural interview technique based on discovering a candidate’s past behaviour in a specific employment-related situation.

It stands for Situation, Task, Action and Result. You should prepare a few examples of situations that arose, the task you carried out, the action you took, and the results achieved.

As an entry level job-seeker, you can use situations from your internships, short courses, school projects, activities, team sports, community involvement, hobbies and any work experience.

Grow in Confidence

“Remember with every no, your confidence must grow,” says Barton. You should learn to pick yourself up and try again despite setbacks.

She says it’s also important to monitor self-talk, as confidence comes from within. “You have just completed your study and you are heading out to get your first job – so take it easy on yourself!”

A technique she recommends is to look yourself in the mirror every day and use the mantra ‘I can do this.’ “We all started somewhere!”

Eliminate Career Fear: 10 Reasons to Seek Counselling.

When you think of career counselling do fresh-faced school leavers come to mind? If so it’s a mistake. While this is certainly an important stage to seek guidance, it’s not the only time you should seek advice with career direction, according to Principal Consultant, Simon Bennett, of Glide Outplacement and Career Coaching.

Bennet says there are many reasons people seek career counselling throughout their lifetime but the following scenarios make it a must.

You’ve just finished studying.

Maybe you’ve realised you’ve studied the wrong degree, or perhaps you’re overwhelmed by opportunities and feel unable to make progress with any of them? A career coach can help you to consider all your options and make a sustainable, long- term choice.

You’ve started working in a field, but realise you’ve made the wrong choice.

So, you made a bad career choice. Rather than hitting the eject button straight away, it can be helpful to talk to an independent expert to discover whether if it’s worthwhile sticking with the job until you’ve learnt enough for it to be useful on your resume.

You no longer feel motivated and inspired by your work, and wonder where the passion’s gone.

If the enjoyment has gone from your working day, a career coach can work with you to develop a plan to move on and find a new role to reignite your passion. They can also advise you on how to get professional satisfaction from doing something that is frankly a bit dull.

You’re looking for a fresh start and want to change careers entirely.

Few of us pick the right job on our first try. But if you are thinking about changing careers, you probably want to find the right career this time. If you aren’t sure where to start, career coaching will show you how to research, evaluate and apply for potential jobs before you make any life-changing decisions.

You missed out on a promotion.

Being overlooked for a more senior position doesn’t always mean you should quit. When there seems to be a lack of career advancement opportunities in your current role, a career expert can coach you on ways to ask your line manager or HR department about how you can take on more responsibilities and advance professionally.

You didn’t get the pay rise you felt you deserved.

The idea of negotiating a higher salary makes many people feel uncomfortable: they don’t want to seem rude or greedy asking for more money, especially if an initial request has been rejected. Working with a career coach will equip you with the skills to ask for and negotiate a pay rise that matches your expectations.

You need advice for dealing with a difficult manager, an unproductive team or an unpleasant work environment.

The workplace can sometimes be miserable and unpleasant. When quitting isn’t an option, professional career management advice can show you how to turn a bad situation into a good learning experience and make your job more tolerable.

You want to learn skills to help you in a new management role.

The professional and/or technical skills that have fuelled your success to date are likely to be different to those you need as a manager. With career coaching, you’ll discover what skills and knowledge you need to be a successful manager who achieves high performance from team members.

You’re nearing retirement and don’t want to stop working, but your current role isn’t suitable for your retirement plans.

Many retirees want to remain in the workforce, although not always in the same role. With post-retirement career planning, you can decide whether you want to look for a role related to your previous career, investigate new career paths or start your own business.

You want to return to the workplace after a few years break to raise your family and you want a role that provides you with a good work/life balance.

Career coaching can provide you with expert help in developing and implementing a return-to-work strategy, especially if you want to do something different to what you did before you left the workforce. It can help you think about your existing skills, including those you’ve developed since becoming a parent, and how to transfer them to other employment options.

Australian Online Courses “Ask a Career Coach”

Career counselling helps you plan and effectively deal with career challenges. At all ages and all stages of your professional life there is opportunity to explore suitable career options. So, if you’re unhappy in your current role or are confused by career choices, you might benefit from our “Ask a Career Coach” service.

The “Ask a Career Coach” is a free service offered by Australian Online Courses where you can ask any questions related to work and careers. All questions are reviewed and answered by a career coach. Selected questions and answers will be published on the Australian Online Courses site (we respect your privacy, real names and email address will not be published).

Why Study Australian Online Courses?

If you’re ready to discover a new career direction explore the hundreds of professional development courses on offer with Australian Online Courses.

Your career matters to us at Australian Online Courses. That’s why flexible study timeframes, affordable prices and unmatched customer support from our administration team and tutors are at the heart of what we do.

Our comprehensive array of courses, developed in consultation with industry experts, will give you the skills and knowledge to pursue new roles and achieve your career goals.

A state-of-the-art eLearning platform means you can study anywhere, anytime. So, sign up with Australian Online Courses today and get the skills and confidence to discover a career that inspires you.

Boost Your Career Success with These 5 Strategic Moves!

Are you ready to elevate your career, secure that coveted promotion, earn a pay rise, or seize a new business opportunity? If so, these five strategies will propel you towards your professional goals more swiftly and successfully.

1. Know Your Goals

Successful individuals are meticulous planners, not just in their personal lives but also in their careers. Goal setting is a cornerstone of their career success, and it starts with a deep awareness of their strengths and areas for growth. Understanding what sets you apart allows you to create specific, measurable goals that pave the way for a record of achievements.

Set clear career objectives, capitalise on opportunities, develop a robust plan, set and measure targets, and communicate your aspirations with your superiors. This proactive approach ensures you are always moving towards your career milestones.

2. Cultivate the Right Mindset

A growth mindset is essential for achieving your goals. This mindset is characterised by the belief that you can develop your abilities through dedication, hard work, and effective strategies. It involves taking responsibility for your circumstances, decisions, actions, and results.

Individuals with a growth mindset consistently outperform those with a fixed mindset. They embrace challenges, learn from feedback, and view failures as opportunities for growth. By taking ownership of their performance and results, they drive their success and continuously push their boundaries.

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Career success. Mindset matters.

3. Engage a Mentor

Mentorship is a powerful tool for career success. Successful people often have mentors who provide support, advice, and accountability. A mentor can help you set goals, stay focused, and navigate challenges by sharing their experiences and insights.

Engaging with a mentor also expands your network and leverages their business contacts. Whether internal or external, a mentor can be instrumental in helping you advance your career by providing guidance and opening doors to new opportunities.

4. Invest in Education

In today’s competitive job market, employers seek knowledgeable and skilled employees. Investing in your education boosts your confidence, enhances your effectiveness at work, and increases your chances of earning a higher salary. Continuous learning keeps you updated with industry trends and can open new opportunities within and outside your organisation.

5. Network, Network, Network

Networking is one of the most powerful strategies for career success, and it comes at no cost. Utilise social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook to share articles, post useful information, and connect with industry professionals. Attend events, seminars, and industry-specific conferences to broaden your network.

Many job opportunities are not advertised, so taking advantage of your connections can lead to referrals and new opportunities. Building and investing in the right relationships, having a compelling elevator pitch, and maintaining a professional online presence is crucial for advancing your career.

Australian Online Courses is the leading provider of online professional development courses. Offering hundreds of courses across various industries, we help you upskill for career success. Our courses are written by industry experts, providing you with the most up-to-date content to enhance your knowledge and skills, ensuring you stay ahead in your career.

Time for a Change? Take Quick Career Quiz!

Considering that we spend a third of our lives at work, it’s not surprising that an unfulfilling career can lead to feelings of hopelessness, overwhelm, resentment, and even debilitating depression and anxiety. This blog aims to shed light on the signs that indicate you’re ready for a career change, a topic that could potentially transform your life, and provides a fun career quiz!

Yet, as creatures of habit, we must summon a truckload of motivation and enthusiasm to change careers. Perhaps your career path is on track, but you want to advance your skills, apply for a promotion, or move into a different department. This may be enough to renew your passion for what you do. Or maybe you’re one of many who absolutely need to head in a completely different direction right now!

Identifying with one or more of the following ‘signs’ is probably a good indication that it’s time to find a new career. Recognising you’re ready for change can be liberating, empowering you to take control of your career path.

Lack of passion

While the initial excitement of any job wears off somewhat, if you have no enthusiasm left for your career, that’s a sign it’s not a good fit for you. So, it’s time for a change if your work life is always an obligation rather than a fulfilling activity.

Feeling fatigued

Getting out of bed in the morning leaves you feeling exhausted. You muster all your strength to drag yourself into work. It’s more than Monday blues. It’s feeling tired almost every day at the thought of the workday ahead. If you experience this exhaustion, your work isn’t for you, and it’s time to change.

Your skills/interests have changed

Over time, your skills have evolved, and your interests have changed. If you find yourself drawn to new fields or have acquired skills that don’t match your current role, it is probably an indication that you’re ready to move on to something new.

Lack of direction

If no professional development or training is on the horizon, you most likely feel stuck. A lack of opportunity or advancement in your career can lead to frustration and demotivation. A career change can offer you a fresh start and exciting new opportunities for growth that are no longer possible in your current role, sparking a sense of hope and optimism.

You’re irritable

If you’re irritable with work colleagues or your bad mood infiltrates your home life, it indicates that you’re ready for a change. Finding a job that feels significant and aligns with your values will lead to greater job satisfaction, feelings of accomplishment and better mental health.

You have situation (at the workplace) depression

If your weekends can’t come quickly enough, but you’re tired and depressed at work, blame situational depression. It’s as though you’re asleep until Friday afternoon and suddenly come alive. But come Sunday night, the dread descends in anticipation of the work week ahead. It’s called situational depression, and a career change is a must to protect your mental health and relationships.

You have anxiety

A bit of stress is healthy, as it motivates you to push through challenging work tasks. But it’s time for a change if you have a mountain of negative thoughts that threaten to overwhelm you at work and feel stressed when you think about work.

Your work environment is toxic

A negative or toxic company culture significantly affects your emotional, mental and physical well-being. If efforts to improve your situation at work have failed, moving to a healthier, more positive, supportive workplace might be necessary.

Is it time for a career change? Take a quick quiz!

Quick & Easy Career Quiz

Take this quick and easy career quiz to get you thinking about your preferences and strengths. It’s a fun starting point for exploring potential career paths!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Building or fixing things
Reading and researching
Creating art or music
Helping people with their problems

Which of these activities would you prefer?

Organising an event
Conducting experiments
Designing a website or poster
Volunteering at a local charity

Which of these subjects did you enjoy the most in school?

Technology and Engineering
Science and Mathematics
Arts and Humanities
Social Sciences

What work environment do you prefer?

Hands-on and active
Quiet and full of data
Creative and dynamic
Collaborative and community-oriented

How do you handle tasks?

I like to plan and execute in detail.
I enjoy solving complex problems.
I prefer tasks that allow for self-expression.
I thrive on tasks that help others and make a difference.

If you could start your own business, it would be

A tech or construction company
A research or consulting firm
An art studio or creative agency
A non-profit or community service organisation

Career Quiz Results:

If you got mostly A’s, you might excel in technical and practical careers such as engineering, carpentry, IT, or architecture. You could explore technical courses or apprenticeships that allow hands-on work.

If you got mostly B’s, analytical and investigative careers such as science, research, finance, or data analysis might be a great fit for you. To start your journey, consider looking into specialised courses in your area of interest.

If you got mostly C’s, you could find your path in creative and artistic careers such as the arts, design, writing, or music. Developing your creative skills through courses or self-taught practices could open many doors.

If you got mostly D’s, social and helping careers such as teaching, counselling, social work, or healthcare might be a fulfilling option for you. professional development in these areas can provide the qualifications you need to succeed.

Please note that this career quiz is a quick and fun way to consider your general preferences and potential career paths. However, it’s not an in-depth analysis that matches your skills, interests, and values. For a more thorough exploration of your options, seek guidance from a career counsellor and take advantage of professional development opportunities. You can also take the Career Change Readiness Test for a reliable indication of your readiness to change your career.

If you’re concerned about juggling study with your busy schedule, you can talk to one of our Course Counsellors for advice. We offer flexible study options, unbeatable prices, and unparalleled student support that won’t disappoint.

Our comprehensive courses are developed in consultation with industry experts, so you can be confident that you’ll acquire the skills and knowledge required to excel in your current job, pursue new roles, or achieve your career dreams. our state-of-the-art eLearning platform allows you to study wherever and whenever you want.

So, don’t delay; enrol today and gain the skills and confidence you need to make a career change.

7 Survival Tips When You’re Made Redundant

What is Redundancy?

Why Were You Made Redundant?

Fair Work Australia states that redundancy occurs when an employer either:

A redundancy is likely to occur when a business:

You’re Not Alone

How to Recover from Redundancy

Get the language right

Organise your finances

Consider taking on temporary work

Reflect on your career direction

Banish negative feelings

Work on your resume

Stay connected to your tribe (or make new connections)