From Banking to Psychotherapy

From Banking to Psychotherapy Success Story > From: Job To: Portfolio career From Banking to Psychotherapy “I knew that ultimately I would be unfulfilled.” * From Banking to Psychotherapy After being 'distracted' by a different career path for years, Rakhi Chand finally gave herself permission to forge a new path in the field she'd always gravitated towards. Here's how she made the transition, and what she discovered about fulfilment along the way. What work were you doing previously? I was in banking. I had a mixture of contract and permanent roles for about five years. What are you doing now? I'm a psychotherapist. I also train and supervise other therapists, and more recently, I've become a writer and blogger too. How did you feel in your work before you decided to make the change? I wasn't unhappy per se, but I knew that a career in banking could not sustain me. I knew that ultimately I would be unfulfilled. Why did you change? I'd always known that banking was not for me in the long term. In my very first contract at Goldman Sachs, I remember negotiating leaving early once a week to get to my volunteering at The Samaritans (the very first step in my transition). It didn't go down that well! But I managed it. When was the moment you decided to make the change? There was no 'one' moment. The change was a medium-term plan that I worked towards for a few years alongside banking. How did you choose your new career? I think I'd always known I wanted to be a psychotherapist. When I was in school, we had a 'peer support' scheme that I jumped at the chance to be involved in. I just got a bit distracted by economics (that's what I studied the first time I went to university). Even then, when I was at university, I gravitated towards an economics professor who worked on happiness. Paying attention to what I naturally gravitated towards was important, not working against myself! Are you happy with the change? Hell yes! I'm utterly made up to be doing a job I love. It's my vocation. What do you miss and what don't you miss? I miss the friends I made, the laughs and camaraderie. Now I work predominantly independently and from home. However, I love the tranquility (usually!) and autonomy I have now. It's gold. How did you go about making the shift? I saved money, made sacrifices, and retrained alongside working. What didn't go well? What wrong turns did you take? Perhaps in retrospect I was moving faster than I needed to, i.e. putting myself under unnecessary pressure given that I wasn't unhappy per se in banking. I could have given a bit more time to the transition, and been a bit more patient. How did you handle your finances to make your shift possible? Working in banking financially facilitated my therapy training to a large extent, although I still had to be frugal. I also lived with my mum for a year (thanks, Mum!). I (and the people around me) made short term sacrifices that have paid off for me, even if tricky at the time. What was the most difficult thing about changing? What I was losing â€" work colleagues who were friends (whom I saw daily). Also losing the stability and structure that comes from that kind of employment. I did adapt, though, in a pretty short space of time. I found other fulfilling ways to build structure into my life. For example, gym classes during the day, uncool as it sounds! This meant I got out of the house and saw some faces regularly. I also made sure I left the house or had contact with others during the day by going to exhibitions or out for coffee. I then had the best of both worlds â€" hurrah! What help did you get? Lots of support from friends and family that I'm very grateful for. I can't remember one person not championing my decision to move fields. What resources would you recommend to others? 1. Other people â€" chew it over with others. 2. Yourself â€" take time to reflect on your priorities for somewhere you'll be spending so much of your life. 3. Therapy! â€" it could be an invaluable resource. For me, therapy's a given for big decisions. 4. Time â€" take time over it, if you can. What have you learnt in the process? Rather than what I've learnt, for me the experience has affirmed the importance of following my instincts. It's also confirmed that it was the right thing to prioritise fulfilment over what might have been easy (to keep things as they were). And it's taught me that further changes are OK! For example, I'm now writing more. In the last couple of years I started a blog on my site that people actually read, it seems. I have also had a few pieces published. Having made a successful transition once, I've had confidence to try experimenting and learning about the world of writing / journalism. That is, to adapt to my changing needs and interests. Expecting to be in one career alone for a whole lifetime doesn't seem that natural, at least for me. What would you advise others to do in the same situation? Think about it, play with it, talk to people. Despite things having worked well for me, I'm not flippant about the financial toll, amongst other complexities of a career change. However, I can also say, from listening to clients for nearly a decade, that a lack of fulfilment at work, the place that we spend so much of our time, can be a bugger for mental health. And there's not much that is more important than that. To find out more about Rakhi's work, visit www.chandcounselling.co.uk. What lessons could you take from Rakhi's story to use in your own career change? Let us know in the comments below.

Maximize Personal Branding on The Job Hunt - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Maximize Personal Branding on The Job Hunt - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Your personal brand can be a huge influence on your job search. It can often help you stand out among the hundreds of other candidates vying for an open position â€" and sometimes even be that differentiating factor that helps you land the job. Maximize personal branding on the job hunt by following these steps to integrate your brand into every aspect of your job search: Develop a personal brand statement Your statement should tell the reader about your expertise, skills, accomplishments and education in a concise and compelling format, much like an elevator pitch. Try to keep your personal branding statement to one or two sentences for maximum impact. Incorporate it into your resume’s professional profile or summary statement Use your personal brand statement on your job search documents, such as your resume and cover letter, to quickly show employers the value you could bring to the position. Take your brand statement online Incorporate your statement into your online profiles, online biographies, email signature, etc. Make sure that wherever you show up online, your personal brand shines through by staying consistent with your word choices and descriptions. Blog about it Share your expertise and skills on your professional blog to show employers the knowledge you bring to the table. Position yourself as a thought leader in your field by tackling recent issues, new trends and offering practical advice for other professionals in the industry. Use it to sell yourself during interviews Aren’t sure how to answer that dreaded interview question, “Tell me about yourself”? Use your personal branding statement to add punch to your answer and pitch by integrating key skills and accomplishments into your answer. The interview is often the kicker in landing the job â€" so nail it! How else can job seekers integrate their personal brand into their job hunt? Author: Heather R. Huhman is a career expert, experienced hiring manager, and founder president of Come Recommended, a  content marketing and digital PR consultancy for organizations with products that target job seekers and/or employers. She is also the author of Lies, Damned Lies Internships: The Truth About Getting from Classroom to Cubicle (2011), #ENTRYLEVELtweet: Taking Your Career from Classroom to Cubicle (2010), and writes  career and recruiting advice for numerous outlets.

Myths of Being a Freelance Travel Writer

Myths of Being a Freelance Travel Writer Many freelance travel writers wrote posts and articles that encourage ordinary people to go and explore the world. They say that life is not meant to be lived in a single place, working in a cubicle 9 to 5 per day. Many have envisioned themselves traveling to foreign places, living, dining and doing stuff that locals do. It all sounds so straightforward and easy. Traveling and writing for a living do seem like a wonderful experience, filled with fun, surprising and “authentic” adventures. What you are expecting though, are most likely a long list of disappointments. Problems arise from the expectations that many believe they would experience even before they set out and travel. Some people have set the bar and succeeded as freelance travel writers. They have passive income coming in and have made travel writing as their business. You can read their tips, videos, and interviews on how you too can make it big as a freelance travel writer. Who wouldn’t want to travel and earn at the same time? So before you get all caught and dream about exotic destinations and all-expense paid trips because you are a travel writer, here are seven myths about being a freelance travel writer that you should watch out for. Is it easy to travel, write and earn? Travel writers do not start empty handed. Being a newbie in the field, you have to be ready to finance your travels so that you have something to write about. Unless you have travel writing experience that span years or you have become famous in your field, you can simply expect to make good deals with your writing assignments. Many travel writers who are now living the good life have started with shoestring backpacking trips, wrote about their experiences through blogs and have already made a name in the travel writing scene. Traveling and writing should foremost be your passion and that you are not merely starting this to earn and finance your desire to travel. Is it easy to find Editors who will publish your story? Travel magazines seemed like a great venue for your amazing travel stories. But did you know that in every slot in a magazine, there are hundreds of writers trying to fill it up?  While seasoned freelance travel writers have no issue as to where who or what magazine or website their travel guides and stories would go, new writers struggle for their stories to be accepted, published and get paid. Its all about the destination Travel writers often think that going somewhere is reason enough to get an invitation to write or would sell anything written about it. There are thousands of guides and articles written about every place that you can imagine. Now editors are looking for unique details or a different view of these locations, and you have to craft it in your special way. Its all about your personal story No, readers are not that interested in every personal detail or experience you have during your trip, so please minimize the whining, self-centered stories, and narratives. Edit your stories to include funny anecdotes, discoveries but leave personal stuff for your journals. Its all about long travel stories These days, people are always on the go, and not a lot will have time and leisure to write more than five pages of your travel stories. Feature stories which you usually find in small corners of travel magazine interests publishers more. Readers are more inclined to read tips on being cheap, fast and hassle-free. Its your passport to free trips Free tours truly are rare events even for seasoned travel writers. Depending on your level of popularity of the magazine you represent, you can receive invites as press and media partner to cover some event and maybe snag some hospitality freebies. Otherwise, all the expenses will be up to you. It is the only thing you can write about Being a travel writer should not mean that you have written about your travels, the destinations you’ve visited or currently in, tips and guides about travels. It can be quite restricting knowing for a fact that not all travel stories or articles sell easily. Most travel writers as well as professional essay writers are not only writing about their travels, but they are also accepting writing gigs, such as at websites like  buy dissertation and thesis online and assignments to have a steady source of income.

Stylish Gifts for the Career Driven Woman     Â

Stylish Gifts for the Career Driven Woman             It is not always easy to find stylish gifts for the career-driven woman in your life, but this list will ensure that this time you will get her something she wants and will use, without having to resort to a gift card. Faux-fur coat Great for networking and to stand out in the crowd, a faux fur is more than just a trend. As fashion becomes increasingly environmentally aware, faux fur is being designed to be either kitsch glam or with a more natural arty look. Otherwise, look for a coat in pale yellow, neon or with a houndstooth pattern to follow other current trends. Check designers online such as Moschino or Stella McCartney for examples across the range and then find the perfect coat for your budget. Earrings and pendant set Add a little sparkle to her day with some jewellery, so that each time she sees it, she thinks of you. Jewelry is always a great Christmas gift for her, with a set of earrings on the day with a pendant to follow on Valentine’s Day next year. Combine roses in your jewelry design for a hidden message of “l love you” with red roses, a pink rose which conveys admiration and joy, or yellow roses that let her know of the joy she brings you and the friendship you share. Micro Wireless Bluetooth Speaker Space is at a premium for most of us, but if your career-driven woman likes to relax and dance to the sounds of good music, a powerful Bluetooth speaker only slightly larger than most smart devices can provide clear high-decibel sound. Choose a speaker that is totally waterproof and has six-hour battery life on a full charge, so she can take it on vacation or to the beach or the pool. Classic bathrobe A luxurious, well-cut bathrobe is perfect for reading in bed after a shower or letting the dogs out first thing in the morning. Soft, warm and cosy, it is worth bearing in mind that if you are buying one for your partner, you may have to buy one for yourself, so you don’t steal hers. A bathrobe is perfect not just for getting out of the tub on cool nights, but for lounging all weekend. Wrap her in a warm cloud of soft pink, white or a range of other colours. Cashmere sweater An oversized v-neck cashmere sweater is also on-trend and comes in a whole range of colours from all designers and high street stores. Rust is a good colour option right now. You can choose a 75 per cent cashmere, 25 per cent silk blend for feminine elegance for a smart-casual look due to it being an oversized fit. Blue Kindle Waterproof Paperwhite Is it time for a new Kindle? If she’s a big reader, a new waterproof kindle was launched in 2019 and could be just what she needs. Choose the thinnest and lightest so she can use it at the beach or even when relaxing in the tub. With a glare-free display, she will still be able to easily see the words on the screen. Leather purse in pink She may have the perfect handbag, but if she needs a new purse to go with it, choose a zipped cardholder which contains four compartments that can hold all her bank and store cards as well as cash. A classic and elegant accessory can be easily slipped inside a jacket or bag for work or leisure without looking two bulky. Choose an eye-catching colour like vermillion or neon.

6 Tips for Every Freelancer - CareerMetis.com

6 Tips for Every Freelancer Source : UnSplash.comSetting your own hours. Creating your ideal work environment. Making money while your dog is curled up next to you.Pursuing a freelance writing careeris appealing in many ways. But being your own boss has its pros and cons, and even the most seasoned of freelancers sometimes have trouble balancing the added demands that freelancing presents.Whether you’re freelancing as a side hustle or pursuing it as a full-time career path, here are six tips to get you going on the right track:1. Master the Art of the PitchevalevalPitching is essential to a freelancer’s success, especially because having a difficult time finding clients is one of the biggest hurdles freelancers have to face.Pitching provides freelancers with a great opportunity. It’s where you get to say, “I’m the best person for the job, and this is why.” But in a world where 53 million Americans freelance, the competition is steep. So how do you catch a potential client’s attention?It’s import ant to do everything you can to stand out from your competitors â€" something that makes you memorable. Pitching starts with a good subject line that identifies you as a real person â€" not a spammer.Next, you’ll want to address the editor or client by name whenever possible. Introduce yourself and let them know why you’re writing. Show them that you’ve spent time exploring their site or business by referencing something specific that you genuinely engaged with.Next, it’s time for you to shine. Tell them why they need your expertise. Highlight your credentials and share relevant links to your website and portfolio.Leave them will a call to action and make it easy for them to get in touch with you. If you can master the art of the pitch, you’ll be well on your way to a successful freelance career.2. Create a Spotless Online PortfolioShowcasing examples of your work is perhaps the most important part of finding success as a freelancer. If you don’t have examples of your gr eat work to show potential clients, it’s unlikely they’ll want to hire you.evalSetting up a writer website is a great way to present a professional appearance and also gather all your clips in one spot. If you’re not ready to set up a website yet, online portfolio services like Contently are fast and easy ways to post your best work.You should be selective about what goes into your portfolio. Only your strongest pieces should be on display. If you have testimonials or client feedback, it’s a good idea to include that as well.Each outstanding piece of work or blurb of positive feedback gives prospective clients another reason to choose you in a sea of eager freelancers.3. Set Hard DeadlinesSource : Unsplash.comYou can be your own worst enemy when it comes to getting things done. And when you have clients waiting on you, completing work in a timely fashion is more important than ever.evalYou’ll need to manage your timewisely if you want clients to keep coming back to you 5. Just. Keep. Pitching.Source : UnSplash.comIt can be tempting to stop or decrease the number of pitches you’re sending to prospective clients once you get a few takers.Getting work as a freelancercan be difficult, and is always exciting when you succeed â€" so much that it’d be easy to say, “I did it! Now I can stop!” This is a common pitfall that leaves many freelancers with unnecessary lulls in their workload.evalYou should always be pitching new clients so you have options to pull out of your pocket when your current workload starts to slow down. Eventually, enough clients will say “yes” that you can be more picky about the projects you pursue, but even then â€" pitching remains a constant.6. Find Your NicheDeveloping a niche can make your life as a freelancer a lot easier. Instead of staring into the deep, dark abyss of potential topics, clients, and projects, finding a niche allows you to focus on one area of expertise and work on building your reputation in that are na.If you’re into technology, dive right in and make that your niche. Target clients in the tech industry and experts in the field. Or maybe you’re more interested in and knowledgeable about food or education or the outdoors. Anything can be a niche. Once you find yours, life will be a lot easier (and more interesting)!By mastering the art of pitching, creating an online portfolio, managing your time well, creating professional invoices, always looking for new clients, and developing a niche for yourself, you’ll have all the building blocks of a successful career as a freelancer. Now get to it!

See How Easily You Can Go Too Far With Social Recruting - CareerAlley

See How Easily You Can Go Too Far With Social Recruting - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. You can make more friends in two months by becoming genuinely interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you. Dale Carnegie Biography : This is a guest post fromGenevive Hon, a Community Manager at matchFWD, a social recruiting startup and also Employer Marketing Coordinator at Illico Hodes. She has a bachelors degree in Public Relations from the University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM). She recently collaborates with Montreal Tech Watch to cover some tech events. e-mail : [emailprotected] How To Avoid Crossing The Line In Social Recruiting Savvy hiring managers know that running a slick social recruiting campaign is one of the best ways to land premium candidates. Seasoned recruitment pros also understand that there is a fine line when it comes to employees referrals, and crossing that line will undermine recruiting strategies and damage corporate reputations. Heres how to make a social recruiting campaign both fruitful and professional: Make A Plan: Before hiring managers begin to use social media tools as a way to source candidates, it is important to develop a solid plan of attack. Employees referrals are a valuable tool when is comes to recruiting, but without a plan, you run the risk of appearing sloppy and disorganized. Establish Your Image:Even though social media is often considered to be a tool for casual, friendly interaction between friends and family members it is important that online recruitment remains consistent with your corporate image. Seek to strike a balance between friendly and professional in your social media image (think casual Fridays). Dont Be Creepy: There are many tools available that allow hiring managers (and anyone else, for that matter) to search through social media history and profiles; proceed with caution. These tools can easily be used to cross the line to cyber-stalking, a sure-fire way to bring a complete stop to any employees referrals while quickly earning a big-brother corporate image. Be Interactive: Social media is an interactive tool, so make sure you maximize opportunities to talk with, rather than simply talk at, potential candidates through your social recruiting campaign. Remember that people will be judging your company based on how you treat potential employees, so now is the time to establish a tone of positive, interactive and timely communication. Follow these tips when developing your next social recruiting campaign to ensure your company image is maintained while you source your next great candidate. By focusing on positive, professional recruiting strategies you will encourage employees referrals while promoting your corporate image and culture. This is a Guest post. If you would like to submit a guest post to CareerAlley, please follow these guest post guidelines. Good luck in your search.Visit me on Facebook

Write a resume an employer will appreciate -

Write a resume an employer will appreciate - How can you appeal to an employer? Spoon feed your resume! You would not hand an infant with no teeth a whole apple to eat; he or she wouldn’t know what to do with it. (For the uninitiated, take my word for it here. The baby may just throw it back at you and still be hungry. And crying.) Instead, you would offer applesauce and manipulate the spoon full directly into the infant’s mouth. Similarly, (see where I am going here?), you need to give the employer exactly what he or she needs and understands with regard to what you offer that will help him or her. Just like a baby couldn’t really care less about YOUR needs, your potential employer cares most about his or her own requirements and is not all that interested in what YOU want. To extend the analogy, you better not be serving up green beans if the baby employer wants bananas! To top it off, the bananas need to be peeled, mashed and on the spoon if you want a chance to succeed. So, two lessons from this analogy. #1 â€" The resume is about the employer and how you directly fit what he or she wants. Spending a lot of time including things on your resume that are unrelated to the job at hand is only going to confuse the employer and make him or her wonder why you are interested in THIS job. #2 â€" Don’t expect the employer to spend a lot of time figuring you out. If you aren’t making it easy to “eat” your resume â€" if you are passing crunchy apples when applesauce is preferred, you are not likely to pass the initial screen, no matter how great your underlying skills may be. The fact is, recruiters and hiring managers are too busy to give you the benefit of the doubt. Your job is to break things down for them into easily digestible, bite-sized pieces AND spoon feed it directly to them. When you do make solid connections between what they want and what you offer, you will find that your search goes much better and your chances of landing an interview increase exponentially! If you are ready for a change and could use some help with your search, follow THIS LINK to learn more about me and how we can work together! photo by Joe Shlabotnik