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steps to a bigger paycheck | | |
| 8.
Seek advancement at your current job. "The easiest way to move up is in
your current organization," says Ellis.
9. Stand out.
One reason it can help to have an MBA? "You differentiate yourself,"
says Yate. "It's a badge that says, 'I can do new things.'"
A big plus in big business: languages. "People who
have experience in language and culture are very much in demand,"
says Ellis.
10. Keep ahead of the game.
If you think you (or your job) will be eliminated, laid off or outsourced,
get moving now. Waiting will not make it better. Launch a job search
"from a cold start, and it takes seven or eight weeks to get up
to speed," says Yate.
11.
Become an expert. It's old advice, but it's more relevant than ever, say
career coaches. Whether it's a critical language, new regulations or a complicated
computer program, find an area in your company or industry where there is a knowledge
gap and become the expert on that topic. 12.
Look for career opportunities that can't be outsourced. What do chefs,
hair dressers, plumbers, carpenters and electricians have in common? We'll always
need those professionals locally, says Yate. 13.
Realize that the only constant is change. Gone are the days when you worked
for one company for 50 years, climbed the ladder and received a gold watch at
retirement. Today people change jobs every four to five years and have several
careers during their lifetimes. Gear up for a career change a year or two
in advance. That gives you time to get any needed training or education and supplement
any skills or experience you might need.
14. Have a life
beyond the job. Get involved in community sports, hobbies
and charity activities. "Not only is it good for you professionally,
it's good for you as a human being," says Yate. Too many people
allow themselves to become isolated by long hours at work. "That's
not healthy," he says.
15. Stay plugged
in at work. Once you've decided to leave a job, it's easy
to just check out mentally. Mistake. Instead, this is when you want
to be at your best. Stay on top of industry developments, news and
trends. Network with your contacts. Keep your skills sharp with
continuing education or additional certification. Continue adding
to the skills that will make you valuable at your job and in the
job market.
16. Those
who can, teach. No matter what your field, your resume is stronger if you
can also teach or train others, says Yate. In addition, teaching offers steady
income and flexibility for executives who want to take a breather, are facing
layoffs or are between jobs, he says.
17. Be an entrepreneur.
The two big concerns as baby boomers near retirement are outsourcing
and age discrimination, says Yate. Whether you're facing layoffs,
playing "beat the clock" or are just sick of your commute
and the 9-to-5 grind, look for opportunities to work independently.
You can view these projects as extra income, turn them into a steady
sideline or even use them to create your own golden parachute. Says
Yate, "Whatever your profession, treat every job as on-the-job training
for your own business someday."
See also: "Who
makes the big money?"
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