How To Be a Good Person In a Crazy World

With everything coming at you...Can you still be a good person?  Please follow this link for my thoughts on the subject at Medium.com.

Is There Such a Thing As a Dead-End Job?

Photo by Becky Fantham on Unsplash

Is there such a thing as a dead-end job?  It all depends on how you define dead-end.  If you define dead-end as no opportunity for advancement, then you would have to say "yes."  However, in my estimation any job that will support you in taking care of you and your family, that is not illegal or immoral, can be honorable work not "dead-end."

In a society that places so much significance in title and large salary, people have been duped into thinking that is what is needed to be happy.  Of course, you know that is not true.  Although you do need enough to pay your bills and take care of your daily needs, you certainly do not need to be rich.

Service-related jobs can range from low-end to high-end pay rate depending on where you live and the nature of the service.  During this pandemic, jobs in your particular field may be hard to find.  If you are not benefiting from unemployment or you have used up your stimulas check, then you might be looking at a service-related job as a source of income.

Cashiers, servers, mechanics, and the list can go on and on are honorable jobs. In fact, during the pandemic they are essential jobs that some people will not do.  Service-related jobs make up a huge part of the economic framework in any country.

In my particular area of the country, there are many service-related jobs.  The signs are always going up for "help wanted."  If you aren't making ends meet, then give this serious thought.

It could be time for you to switch your channel of thinking at this time.  Waiting for the right job in your field may not come up for a long time. That so called "dead-end" job just might be the thing that will keep you afloat.

And, who knows...you might actually enjoy the job!

(If you are interested in starting a small cleaning account, my book "How to Start a Cleaning Business on a Poor Man's Budget" has some great tips.)

Changing Jobs Outside Your Comfort Zone

(c) Can Stock Photo / kmitu

             
                      
Changing jobs outside your comfort zone. Has this happened to you? Or, are you contemplating crossing over into another career choice or type of work you have never done before? Of course, if you have had formal schooling in a new career choice and you are waiting for the right job to come along then this article is not for you. Today, I am addressing those who might have a little experience in the new job but basically will need to learn a great deal more to keep the job.  So where to begin...

First, you can do it. Learning a new job skill on the job is extremely challenging.  You got it though! Let's look at some tips to keep you happy and sane:

• You have already demonstrated some job skills and no doubt a great attitude to get this job.  The employer sees in you the potential to take on this new job skill. They have already put faith in you by hiring you. Now, you just have to believe in yourself.
• Assess your strengths and weaker areas.  Work on them both. No need to talk about this. You know what they are. Excel in what you are strong in.
• Take clear and understandable notes that you can follow. Some people make a notebook with tabs to follow the details. This is crucial to a new job.
• At home, go online and see what learning tools are available free at this time that can add knowledge to your job. Yes, "You Tube" is a great place to start.
• When in doubt, don't be afraid to ask your boss for their advice as to the proper procedure in something you have never done before. Humility here shows you are willing to learn. Nobody knows everything.
• As time goes on, you may be able to find a fee-based course either in a class you can take nearby or online at night perhaps on the weekends. Some employers may help with this fee or pay it all.

Whatever you do don't give up. There will be times that you will be overwhelmed. This is normal. However, as time goes on you will get more comfortable with the accumulated knowledge and skills you are building daily. Remember, a strong building is done in layers. This is the same with your new job.  One day at a time.  Have faith in yourself and hit this job with a fresh and happy spirit of "can do."

Find the Adventure NOT Struggle in Job Loss

I woke up this morning thinking about how so many of you have had to struggle each day with finding work that will pay the bills and take care of your family.  However, today I am thinking more along the lines of exploring the excitement or adventure of changing jobs and not the grief of losing a job. Obviously, for whatever reasons employment can end at any time; either your choice or not. That being said here is my thoughts.

Find the adventure not the struggle.  Do not be afraid.  Fear holds you back from so many positive things in your life.  You can either drown in self-pity and get thrown off of your game when a job loss crosses your path or tackle the bull standing in your way. For the sake of visualization, I see the bull as anything stopping you from advancing in your life in a positive manner.  So, take the bull down.

The important thing is not to freeze or panic.  You are a survivor.  Perhaps you can reflect on how the old-timers faced giant obstacles in their life.  Many people that survived the Depression era refer to themselves as "survivors." Although they may have been very young at the time, they fully remember their challenges of daily living. We tend to look at them at times as being very frugal and not wasting anything.  However, there a resilience they have that is to be respected. Can you duplicate that type of  resilient spirit?

Over the last few years  I have had the privilege of working with elderly ones living well into their 90's. They have certain things in common.  Most of them take one day at a time.  They do not look at life, even with their physical ailments, as an end. They tackle each obstacle with a positive view. Some of them do not complain. I say "some" because you will always have complainers. What you and I would look at as an obstacle, they look at it as "just life." They just deal with it and move on. Perhaps that is one of the basic happiness keys to coping with life.

Your next question then is, where is the adventure?  Personally, you can find adventure if you are looking for it.  One definition of adventure mentions "finding excitement."  What excites you? Transitioning into another job or means of employment can and should be exciting.  Why?

• New Environment
• New Co-Workers
• Different Set of Challenges
• New Budget Financially to Work With
• New Route to Work
• Perhaps Different Set of Hours
• Fresh Start With a Great Attitude

At this point, I do not need to continue the list. You get the point.  Find the adventure or excitement in whatever you are doing,  It is possible.  You will be much happier for it!  Also, try visualization when you need to knock out a negative thought that keeps hounding you.  A great book that I have mentioned before to create a healthy attitude to turn your life around is: "U Turn Your Life" by Zeeshan Raza.  Enjoy!

Changing Your Response to Change Equals Positive Results

For many people change is a not a welcome friend.  However, as times goes on you soon find out that life is always changing.  Very few things stay the same.  Example--millions have been knocked out of their so called "secure jobs" thrust into a tailspin. Yes, many changes occur whether we want them or not.  What about you? Are you a professional that recently lost your job after many years of expertise in your field?  Or, perhaps you are contemplating a change in careers because you are just unhappy with the present situation you find yourself in? How you respond to change in any of these situations could determine your future success and yes, even your happiness.

When it comes to change, please consider the following...

• With regard to employment, most people are good at a number of things.  Just because you have picked one job over another, does not mean you can't do other types of work; and actually be good at it.  Consider embracing something new as an adventure.
• You successfully adjust to change daily without even thinking about it.  Seasonal changes, traffic situations, unexpected phone calls, are just a few changes that alter the moment.  Bigger events requiring adjustments in your life may be just as easy adjusting to depending on your perception. Ride the change; don't buck every turn and twist.
• Many changes can be reversed or just stopped if you really don't care for them.  Of course, caution is advised if it is something hard to reverse. Look before you leap. There are some changes that are permanent.
• Give yourself ample time to accept the change in your life.  The average time according to research that a new behavior becomes a habit takes about 66 days (of course for some it may be less or more time). 

Life can be an adventure if you are willing to change and be flexible when needed.  Many opportunities are right at your doorstep, yes a foot away.  Remember, only a few tweaks here and there may make the difference.  Go for it my friend.

A great read, with a new approach on how to look at life, success, and happiness is the

book ... 

U Turn Your Life: 5 Simple Steps to Achieve Success ? Starting Now!