The year 2023 has been one that many of us will never forget and one that we can’t wait to put behind us.
Given the year it has been, many of us are looking forward to what 2024 has in store.
If you’ve lost your job, you know what I’m talking about. Your CVs are being updated and you can’t wait for the holidays to be over.
Whatever the lows, many lessons have been learnt and new ideas have been generated.
Here’s what you need to know to kick-start your career when you enter the job market in 2024:
1. Learn from past mistakes
As mentioned above, 2023 paved the way for many business owners and employees to learn from some of the mistakes they made in the past. Unexpected opportunities were born and new business ideas, driven by online platforms, exploded.
2. Keep an open mind
It is expected that things may not take off as quickly as we all want, but keeping an open mind is a good start. Whatever the situation on the ground, keep a positive attitude. This will enable you to deal with frustration and disappointment appropriately.
3. Don’t be afraid to start again
After so many businesses have closed and so many people have lost their livelihoods, the fear of the unknown can be overwhelming.
Start working on that business idea you had, go and pitch that product and sell yourself out there. After all, what have you got to lose? Sometimes it is better to do things in fear than not to do them at all. Success doesn’t come easy, and it won’t find you in your mother’s house wallowing in self-pity.
4. Volunteer or intern
Internships and volunteering are good ways to familiarise yourself with your next possible job opportunity. Sometimes it is important to get involved with organisations and institutions that match your career path and interests.
This is good preparation for what comes next. There are many skills to learn and hone at the same time. Who knows? Someone in that organisation might be watching you and you might get a job.
5. Use small talk
Sometimes it is very important to get to know your networks. Sign up for seminars and workshops that will help you network and expand your potential career circle.
Talking to different top shots in your network may be your future in the job market. Someone you meet may be very passionate about empowering people and may decide to coach you or even provide you with a job placement.
6. Use your talents
We are all talented in different ways and if that talent is not tapped into, it may end up being wasted. In this day and age, talent is used to put food on the table and pay the bills.
Work on your talent and make sure you get the right exposure by working on your brand and putting yourself out there.
