JC writes:
I have recently been furloughed from the airline industry. I worked with the airlines
for 14 years and now am looking for a new job. I was in the purchasing department
for the last four years buying tooling for maintenance for all of our fleets. At this time
I am seriously considering a career change out of the corporate world with its
stress and politics and taking up dog grooming.
I would appreciate any assistance you could give me. I am 49 years old and it’s a hard decision to make at this time in my life, but if I’m going to do something different now would be the perfect opportunity.
A lot of people — especially the baby boomers — are leaving the traditional workforce and moving forward into a world of entrepreneurship — where your destiny and success depends a lot more on your efforts than the decisions of some small group of detached corporate managers. And the airline industry has experienced much more turbulence (pun intended) than many other industries.
So, your next step is deciding on what you want to do with this next chapter of your life. It sounds as though you have already given it some thought and are considering dog grooming. Have you done it before? Are you considering starting your own grooming business — or working with an ? Is the community where you live (and the surrounding communities) big enough to support your interests? Can you make enough of a living off of this venture to live comfortably — or the way you are accustomed to live?
If you’re going out on your own, then there are a whole set of other questions, such as do you have the entrepreneurial spirit needed to run your own business? Do you have the desire to deal with all the issues involved in running your own business?
I suggest you talk with some dog groomers to help you find the answers to some of these questions.
You should also look at some of the many resources we have on Quintessential Careers for freelancers and consultants.
Becky writes: I have a question about freelancing. I have worked for a number of years for some big employers, and have gained some great experience. I feel it’s the right time in my life to venture out on my own and I am looking for some guidance on how I should go about getting started. Thanks!
You would be joining a growing number of professionals who are leaving their 9-to-5 jobs behind in search of greater career satisfaction, flexibility, and independence.
One of your first decisions has to be whether you will do freelancing part-time after work or as your full-time gig. If you want to jump full-force into starting your freelancing business by leaving your current employer, do so only if you have a large reserve of cash or other easily converted assets to support yourself and your family and pay the bills for the new business.
Your next set of decisions all center around the business. First, you need to develop a marketing plan for the business, which should include an honest evaluation of the potential market for your services. Second, you may need to revisit your current employment contract to be sure you do not have a non-compete clause in it. Third, you’ll want to develop a business plan, which will include such things as the ownership, financing, location, licensing, insurance, and other key issues.
Starting a business seems like a nice dream — and for some entrepreneurs, it is — but to be successful in freelancing or consulting you need to be self-motivated, love your profession, have a service or skills that are in demand, have a solid reputation, possess strong written and verbal communications skills, and be extremely well-organized.
Finally, you’re going to need to take a hard look at yourself and determine if you are ready to really market and sell your services. I know people who are professional geniuses, but would rather be doing anything other than “hawking” their services to potential clients. When you are a freelancer, you need to be an extravert — or become one for the business — to network and promote your freelancing business in your local community, nationwide, or worldwide.
My final thoughts? Just take it slowly. Do your homework. Examine your motivations and strengths and weaknesses. Take it one step at a time.
You’ll find some great resources, including articles and a freelancing quiz, as well as job boards, by visiting this section of Quintessential Careers: Jobs for Consultants, Freelancers, and Gurus.
And be sure to read this article published on Quintessential Careers, The Nuts and Bolts of Launching a Career in Freelancing or Consulting, written by Maureen Crawford Hentz.
Cory writes: I have been a secretary for more than 16 years with quite a bit of experience. I desperately want to work from home with my computer but only seem to be able to find these pyramid schemes where they want you to pay money. How can I find a career where I can work from home that is legitimate? There has to be something out there somewhere!
Unfortunately, along with this increased interest, there has been a corresponding increase in work-from-home scams. We see these scams in our email, in our postal mail, in our newspapers, and even on roadside signs.
How can you avoid the scams? First, by using common sense. Anything that promises a “get-rich-quick” promise is most likely a scam. Anything that requires you to make an “investment” in equipment, resources, etc., is probably a scam.
Instead, focus on business ideas that use your talents and skills. You might start an at-home secretarial business for small businesses in your area — or even online. Another possibility for someone with your skills is a virtual assistant, a field that seems to be booming right now. Someone who excels in making crafts might open a home-based craft business.
Finally, you should realize that a home-based business is not always the best choice. Numerous costs are involved, as well as a loss of employer-sponsored insurance and other benefits, and a fairly high risk of failure.
To learn much more about a home-based career, find online resources and books, and more, please read the latest article published on Quintessential Careers: Your Home-Based Career: A Key Resource Guide.
Brian writes:
I have the resources that make me available for contract work in other cities.
I have a toll-free number, top-of-the-line laptop, and all the programming tools I can think of.
I cannot get even a nibble from recruiters (even for a smaller project that was an exact duplicate of one I worked in the past and got high-praise for it).
P.S. — On top of this, a recruiter has told me that it is office policy to focus efforts on those that live in the state, because of per-diem, but I state that per-diem is not required.
What do I change? Thank you.
Your best bet for building a client base is your network of personal and professional contacts. These people know and respect you — and they may be potential clients or may be able to refer you to others in their network who may be potential clients. Other potential sources of clients include past employers, professional associations, civic and community associations, and specialized “free agent” Websites.
You can find more specific information about finding clients, as well as explanations about the in’s and out’s of consulting in our article, The Word is Out: Becoming a Free Agent is a Hot Career Path.
Aimee writes:
How do I specifically search for part-time positions that I could do while being a stay-at-home mom? I have an associate’s degree in graphic design and Illustration, and am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communications/public relations. I am currently working for the government as an administrative assistant. Any ideas?
You have to make a plan and develop a strategy. You can find employers willing to get professionals part-time — given this job market — but given your background and skills, it might be better to go the route of freelancer/consultant.
You can get freelance jobs through networking with current and former employers, friends and associates, etc. You’ll have to change the focus of your resume and your pitch, but many companies outsource work, especially graphics-related work.
You can also post your specialty and review work proposals at several freelance sites found at Quintessential Careers: Jobs for Consultants & Freelancers.
Best of luck to you.
Noel writes:
What would you consider to be the most expeditious route to securing off-site freelance graphic design work and off-site business writing work.
Any ideas or leads you could share with me would be greatly appreciated.
The most expeditious route: networking. I have done freelancing and consulting all my life -- always on the side, never as fulltime employment -- and all my clients came from networking and word-of-mouth. People will not know your services are available unless you tell them. Many types of networking are available to you; start with friends and colleagues outside your company. Move on to people in your professional organization. Then move online and network through a few discussion groups.
You could also develop your own Web site and advertise your services.
Tim writes:
I don't know how to go about looking for jobs or posting my interests (particularly on the Internet) where I would be able to work from home on my computer (such as a transcriptionist) ... I have a journalism degree and worked primarily in page design and copy editing. ... I liked the design aspect (have also designed brochures, pamphlets, etc.). I am not a graphic designer, though.
Well, make sure you don't go to any of those "work at home and earn millions" Websites!
Seriously, there are several avenues you could follow. Many businesses and
other organizations often have a need for technical and report writers. I would
develop a list of major organizations in your area and construct a direct mail
campaign seeking freelance assignments. You should also network with any
social and business organizations, friends, and former employers in the area.
Freelancing often hinges on good word-of-mouth. You might also contact
some of the graphic design companies in the area and see about overflow
freelance work.
You can find more resources and read more about freelancing in this section of Quintessential Careers: Jobs for Consultants, Freelancers, and Gurus.
Freelancing is a tough road to follow. I know -- I was freelancing (while also working full-time) a few years back. It takes a lot of discipline and good marketing and sales skills.
Two books that you might look into for your situation are: Editorial Freelancing: A Practical Guide, by Trumbull Rogers (Aletheia Publishers) and Successful Freelancing: The Complete Guide For Establishing And Running Any Kind Of Freelance Business, by Marian Faux (St. Martin's Press). Find these -- and others -- in the Quintessential Careers Bookstore's Consulting & Freelancing Books.
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