From Investment to Nursing

From Investment to Nursing Success Story > From: Job To: Job From Investment to Nursing “I felt like a small cog in a huge machine.” * From Investment to Nursing Nick Wintle felt like a tiny cog in a huge machine: overworked and undervalued. Determined to create a career he could feel proud of, he wentback to basics, retraining in a field heknows he'll love.Here's howhe's making it happen. What work were you doing previously? My last job was for a large investment company based near Cannon Street in the heart of the city of London. I was involved in producing their fund reports (documents sent out to investors explaining the performance of the investments, etc). It was largely desk-based and involved staring at a computer screen for most of the day. What are you doing now? I am currently in the first year of a three-year degree course; eventually, I'll become a nurse (BSc Hons). Why did you change? I felt like a small cog in a huge machine. I wasn't achieving my potential, and I didn't agree with my boss on how to get the work done (she wanted me to work many hours; I didn't). Additionally,having just had two kids,I wanted a career that would make my new family proud. I decided on nursing as I wanted to do something that made a difference to society in some small way. I'd been interested for a while in pursuing a career in health care. I'd considered becoming a paramedic but I wanted a career path that would present me with lots of opportunities and the variety that had been lacking in my previous desk-based work. Additionally, my wife is a nurse and I'd been able to see all the opportunities (and pitfalls) that she's experienced. I'd also had an overwhelmingly positive experience working in nursing homes for the elderly. This made me realise that I was on the right path to a fulfilling career. When was the moment you decided to make the change? My boss called me in for a meeting and discussed my reduced performance. I explained that I felt quite disillusioned and unfulfilled by my role. It was from this moment that I knew I had to do something. Also, following the birth of my first child, I realised there was more to life than sitting in front of a screen. Are you happy with the change? YES! It's easily the best decision I have ever made. So many positives have come from it, although it's been very challenging. What do you miss and what don't you miss? I miss some of my friends at the office. And I miss the nice comfortable desk and the free luxury tea and coffee (I also miss the occasional bacon buttie). But the main thing I miss is my cycle ride to and from the station each day: my waistline attests to that! How did you go about making the shift? We planned for about a year beforehand, and put savings in place to cover us for a few months. Our home in the south east of England was in negative equity so we couldn't sell it. We decided to let this house; much to our surprise it rented out within two days of us vacating. We had a holiday in the Forest of Dean and liked the area, so we focused on finding somewhere to rent in that area. The rent we pay for a large detached house is the same as the rent we receive for our pokey terraced house in the South East. My wife, who's a nurse, applied for jobs in the Ross area and had interviews prior to us moving. We had to check out nurseries for our kids, look at potential rental properties and attend interviews, all in the space of one very hectic weekend. What didn't go well? What 'wrong turns' did you take? My wife's first job after our relocation turned out to be quite a long way from where we were based. It also finished very late, so I'd be looking after the kids, tired; she'd arrive in from work after midnight; the kids would then wake up at 6 a.m. the next morning. This was quite hard work! Otherwise it's been mostly good â€" no horror stories (yet). How did you handle your finances to make your change possible? Planning, planning, planning! I was in the fortunate position of having saved some money while at work, in the company share options scheme; this matured just before we moved. We have cut back inallareas, and all frivolities have been banished. No ready meals. We bought coffee flasks, which saved loads on posh coffee-shop coffee and paid for themselves within a week. We fixed things if they broke, rather than buying new. We sold stuff on eBay ( £500 made in the past two months). It was just about going back to basics and concentrating on the things that really matter. It has been such a learning experience â€" once I am earning a wage, I'm hopeful we'll be able to save most of it and eventually retire early! I am fortunate to be taking a course which includes a meagrebursary and paid fees. And it leads on to almostguaranteed work. Money is tight but we have no debt, except for a mortgage, so this really helps. What was the most difficult thing about changing? Worrying about whether I'd made the right decision. But this didn't last for long. I see the kids playing in the fresh air in a large garden and I know we've made the best decision of our lives. What help did you get? Since starting my nursing degree I have had a bursary as well as tuition fees covered. Apart from that it's been a matter of getting on with it and dealing with problems and issues along the way. My wife is able to work flexibly, which has been a tremendous help; we share childcare and domestic responsibilities far more equally than most couples we know, which really frees up a lot of time and allows me to have a closer relationship with my children. What have you learnt in the process? I have learnt so much about myself and what is truly important. Our household expenditure has reduced drastically while our happiness levels have skyrocketed. Going 'back to basics' is one of the best things we have ever done. We've learnt to rely on ourselves and to be more resourceful. I've also learnt to ignore the 'naysayers' and how daft many people's lives of constant work combined with 'conspicuous consumption' really are. Why spend years of your life chained to a desk combined with the reward of spending money at the end of the day? Why not spend less and work fewer hours? What do you wish you'd done differently? I wish I'd changed jobs and location sooner. But I also realise that I can't spend my time regretting decisions. Thinking back it seems that my time in my old job was largely spent 'treading water'; the best thing that came from it was knowledge of the investment world, ready to be put into action once I'm in paid work again. I've learnt from my previous lifestyle mistakes and am taking these lessons forward, as values which I will hopefully pass on to my children. What would you advise others to do in the same situation? I’d say to go for it! Don’t waste time worrying about making the change. Make sure you are organised, put everything in place over the course of six months to a year (once you have made the decision to change career it makes dealing with those annoying characters at work so much easier). Look into working fewer hours and having less money. If you can’t afford this where you currently live, move to a cheaper place. What resources would you recommend to others? One of the best and most reliable resources is yourself. Make use of immediate family and friends if you need someone to look after the kids while you are away sorting things out. Otherwise the internet is your friend. Sell things through eBay and use Skype to keep in touch for free. Look at your local (or not so local) further education colleges for courses that could get you moving in the right direction. Hopefully your partner will be on side. My wife has been a rock in supporting me in this long-term change. What lessons could you take from Nick's story to use in your own career change? Let us know in the comments below.

Using Ladders In Resume Writing

Using Ladders In Resume WritingWhen it comes to writing a resume, ladders are a must-have for making it effective. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use ladders in resume writing.The most important thing to remember when writing a resume is that every job has an opening. And the best way to ensure that you get that job is to get the best job you can get. One way to do this is to hire a professional and a skilled resume writer to do the work for you.If you want to save money and still have a professional ladders written for you, there are many websites online that offer the service for free. One of the things to remember is that these are ladders of resumes that have been done before so the material doesn't necessarily need to be yours.The best way to find the best jobs is to do research on each of the companies and the resumes. You can browse the website to see what other people's experiences with that company are. Then narrow down your search by looking at the job requirements a nd what they mean for each job position.The resume has to be top notch to get any type of consideration. One of the best tips to remember is to have a professional, fully qualified and skilled resume writing to get your foot in the door. The more well written the better.When you're first starting out in the work force, hard work is not necessarily the easiest or the most enjoyable thing in the world. However, if you're not willing to put in the time, then you're going to struggle. For many of us, the process of applying for jobs takes a lot of time.A ladder has to stand out from the others because it will be much easier to reach a particular position. On the other hand, you may also find that you can spend more time doing the job that you want and getting to the position quicker. In some cases, you may be able to move up to the next level without any advancement.A great tip to remember is to look around for someone who has experience in the field you are trying to find employment in . It's one of the most valuable resources that you can use. If you don't know anyone who has worked in the field you're looking to enter, think about joining a local community college for an internship.

Five Personal Branding Resolutions To Keep In 2012 - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Five Personal Branding Resolutions To Keep In 2012 - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Well, hell, why not? Youve made resolutions for everything else so far, why not make resolutions for personal branding next year? Here are five resolutions I wish other marketers, networkers, and social media people would follow. And if you want people to like and respect your personal brand, youll at least consider this list of social media dos and donts to keep in 2012. Breaking these makes puppies cry. 1) Do not sign me up for your newsletter unasked. If I give you my card, I want you to have my contact information. I do not want you to sign me up for your newsletter. By giving you my card, Im giving you permission to contact me in the future, not send me a constant stream of communication that you failed to tell me about during our brief conversation. Do ask me beforehand whether you can subscribe me. Ill say yes just because you asked. 2) Do not auto DM me once I follow you on Twitter. Yes, I know were not connected on Facebook. No, I do not want your special report. Im also interested in reading your tweets in the future, but your own promise of interest sounds hollow, since Im your 27,378th follower. Do send me a personal DM if you see we have something in common. And do remember, auto DMs are the debbil! 3) Do connect with me if we can really provide value to each other. I want to connect with people who can provide me some sort of value in some way, or at least want to do so. That means if youre starting a diaper delivery service for a city thats 2,000 miles away from me, chances are we dont need to connect, because Im not a new parent, and I dont live on the West Coast. But if were in similar industries or live in the same community, or you just think Id enjoy hearing from you, then absolutely, Id love it if youd follow me. Dont follow-and-drop me just so you can boost your follower count. Ill spam block the bejeezus out of you. 4) Do share, retweet, and provide valuable information. While I am all about finding the funny and sharing it, dont make that all you do. Share the big ideas, the interesting articles, and the important things I need to know, plus stuff you think will make me laugh. Retweet the stuff other people tweet out, share it on Facebook and LinkedIn, and help me learn more in 2012. Dont be the I had a bagel for breakfast person or tell me every little minute detail in your life. People who teach me add value to my life. People who make me laugh add value to my life. People who make me think, is that the third or fourth time she walked her dog? I lost count do not add value to my life. 5) Do shut off your computer once in a while. Those are real people youre connecting with on social media. Meet them face to face whenever possible. Go to networking events, or if no one is holding any, create your own. Have one-on-one meetings at a local coffee shop, and get to know the people youre actually connecting with. As you get to know people in real life, theyre more willing to help you when you need it. Dont spend every waking minute behind your computer and substitute electronic friends for real ones. Shut your laptop, put away your phone, and get off your ass once in a while â€" once a week is the bare minimum. I want to put a face with a name, and meeting me in person is a great way to do that. So what are your personal principles of networking and personal branding? Have you set any standards for yourself? Let me know â€" leave a comment or drop me a tweet (@edeckers). Author: Erik Deckers is the owner of Professional Blog Service, and the co-author of Branding Yourself: How to Use Social Media to Invent or Reinvent Yourself. His new book, No Bullshit Social Media: The All-Business, No-Hype Guide to Social Media Marketing, which he wrote with Jason Falls, is in bookstores and on Amazon now.

What Do I Do If Someone Im Close To Seems To Have an Addiction Problem

What Do I Do If Someone Im Close To Seems To Have an Addiction Problem When we have the uneasy realization that perhaps a family member or close friend may be suffering from a substance abuse problem, it is very easy to get overwhelmed. Between denial, rationalizing and everything in between, confronting someone about their addiction problem can be stressful, but it can also save their life. Here are some tips to get you through it. Do some research on what they are suffering from Your loved one is suffering from something very powerful. There is a good chance that they have wanted to stop themselves for a while and are unable to. Addiction is centered in the brain, meaning that anyone that is dealing with it is dealing with something that has taken over their brain and thinking mind. It is important that you understand just because you confront/offer your support to someone, it does not mean they will stop. At the time you talk to them they may make it sound like they really want to stop, and they may mean it, but if it were that simple they would of stopped already. This is why we have inpatient treatment centers, because the urge and thought to use again is so prevalent in the addicts mind on their own. Regardless, it is important to educate yourself so you don’t take any reaction they have too personally. Look up options for them to receive help before talking to them Let’s say your talk with them goes well, and they agree they need and want help. What do you do then? I would suggest looking up some treatment options, either outpatient or inpatient, and having those ready as solutions if everything goes well in your confrontation. If you are sure that your loved one can not afford anything like treatment there are always free, state run facilities in your area. Make sure to look them up. Another direction you can point them to are the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. This is a great suggestion because at those meetings will be other clean addicts who know the struggle and can relate much more to those that are still suffering than the innocent bystander can. Detach with love There is no telling of what the outcome of your conversation will be with whomever you are concerned about, but you must be prepared for the possibility that they get angry and abruptly walk away and leave the conversation. They may even get hostile at you and blame you in some way. Remember we are dealing with something very powerful that centers in the mind of those it affects. If they do get hostile you must not take it personally, remind yourself you are trying to help them. The next step in this is important, and that is detaching with love. That means being supportive from the sidelines, if they ask for favors or money (which addicts will do quite occasionally) tell them you love them but you can’t help. Enabling behavior is when those that are in the addicts life make his or her life easier by providing him with resources (money, place to stay) because you actually do care for them. This is the hardest pill to swallow, helping them in this manner is one of the most destructive things you can do because it gives them no reason to stop when they still have the necessary resources. There is so much to be said about enabling an addict, I suggest you read up even more on it. The situation you may be dealing with is not easy, for you and the one suffering. Confronting or trying to help someone with addiction is very emotionally charging but intervening can save someones life. If you have a suspicion about someone in your life that is struggling, do something about it. You can be the one that saves their life. This guest post was authored by Daniel Wittler Daniel Wittler is a writer in recovery who likes to share his experience strength and hope to help anyone in need of it. Daniel is an Outreach Specialist for Recovery Local, a local addiction/recovery based marketing company. He advocates long-term sobriety by writing for websites like journeypure.com , providing resources to recovering addicts and shedding light on drug addiction. Daniel believes that absolutely anyone can get sober provided they are ready to take action in their own life.

Resume and CV Writing Services

Resume and CV Writing ServicesResume and CV writing services are the best way to get a fast understanding of what a hiring manager is looking for when he makes his selection of candidates. While it is true that a resume and CV plays a major role in identifying and portraying a candidate's overall talent, this should not be the only determinant of selection.When you opt for resume and CV writing services, they are capable of providing you with a comprehensive service that will bring out all the best points of your candidacy. The knowledge that you will gain from a good resume and CV writing service will serve as the basis for your hiring decision and the results will speak for themselves.A well written CV is the key to getting the job. As such, it is important that you do not wait for the right time to submit your CV. You should begin the process right away so that you do not miss out on any possible opportunity.Most of the writers who offer resume and CV writing services understand t he importance of keeping your resume clean. This means that the resume and CV writing services should be able to take care of the important aspects of your resume without any trouble.When writing your resume and CV, you should know what information is crucial and what information is merely peripheral. Properly prepared and arranged resumes enable you to stand out among the rest and this will pave the way for your hiring.Some people believe that having the wrong kind of CV is a hindrance. But if you know how to be selective and prioritize certain areas while writing the resume, then you can go about your resume and CV writing tasks with ease.During the resume and CV writing services, the hiring manager or recruiter will have all the required information about you and will have all the vital data for making a selection. Even if your resume and CV is not perfect, at least you will have more chance of making the final selection.A good resume and CV writing service is something that you can count on. After all, you do not want to waste time or money in an endeavor that will end up giving you more headaches in the long run.

Now Its Time To Ask For A Raise

Now It's Time To Ask For A Raise Are you thinking about asking your boss for a raise?If yes, have you considered your chances of getting it? Why your boss should give it to you at all?If you have not addressed these questions, take a look at the infographic below this introduction to see what should be done to make sure the time is right. It has some interesting questions that guide you toward different answers you may have.evalThe answers, in turn, will point you in the right direction by providing sound arguments on whether you should do it and when.We know that asking for a raise can be a nerve-wracking experience that could easily go wrong if the employee does not provide solid support to his or her arguments.For example, if an employee keeps getting offers from other companies that are willing to pay more money for the same job, then it is definitely a sign that a raise should be requested. Also, if you are a top performer who receives the same compensation as the rest of the unit, you should also think about t aking the matter to the boss’s office.A handy infographic below can serve you as a detailed guide to making this difficult decision whether to ask the manager for a raise and even help you to understand your true worth in your current organization. It was created by Aussiewriter, a reputable custom academic writing company, and invites you to follow the advice to stay on good footing with your boss and end up with some additional money in your account by the end of the month. Consult the guide and let a difficult conversation with your employer be an easy one!Let us inspire you to take the first step towards an increased salary! Let’s go!Infographic Credit â€" Aussiewriter.com

How Music Can Spur the Productivity of Your Workplace

How Music Can Spur the Productivity of Your Workplace Image Source: Deposit Photos The benefits of music on brain function have been widely acknowledge by the medical community, but did you know that they might come in handy at work as well? In this article, we will discuss how both listening to and playing your favorite tunes during office hours enhances productivity and creates a more prolific environment overall. 5 Ways Music Improves Productivity 1.           Noise and Clutter Are Drowned Out A lot of things have changed about the office in the modern age. One innovation that seems to stay here for good is the open office. As detailed by the New Yorker, around 70% of modern companies follow this architectural design, but it is intrinsically flawed nonetheless. So, where does this model fail? It’s no secret that the main purpose of open offices is to promote a sense of unity within the company. While this is undeniably positive and achieved by the design on some level, it doesn’t mean that it causes no damage. For one, the attention span, creativity, and dedication of workers is severely impacted. Imagine the following scenario: you have an important project deadline coming up, and you need to get started with your tasks as soon as possible. You are excited by the opportunities this will open in your career, but all of a sudden everyone seems to be talking about a million other topics over their cubicle walls. How are you expected to focus your knowledge and energy in this environment? Fortunately, music is excellent at drowning out the other noise and clutter around you. Pop your headphones on and allow your playlist to transport your mind to the comfort zone. You will perform well even under the toughest of circumstances. 2.           Repetitive Tasks Become More Accessible Regardless of what the nature of your job is, you probably are no stranger to repetitive tasks. While some may find this type of consistency soothing, it’s understandable why more and more employees come to loathe them. After all, when you’re forced by circumstances to follow a tedious daily routine, actions become anything but enjoyable. The solution to this workplace-related issue lies within the power of music. According to a decades-old study conducted among industrial workers and published in Applied Ergonomics, playing background music in the factory has a beneficial impact on productivity. By drowning out machine noise and enhancing morale, operations become more successful. Transitioning into modern times, a 2005 study on the psychology of music entitled The Effect of Music Listening on Work Performance argues that improved mood is at the core of this benefit. Thus, music does more for an employee than just drown out background noise. It makes him or her happier, which leads to a better degree of performance overall. 3.           Playing Music at Work Is Prolific Image Source: Deposit Photos Engaging with music directly during office hours is an effective way to unwind and allow yourself some space to breathe. Playing a digital piano in the break room or even engaging in a brief jam session with other artistically gifted colleagues is a great way to recharge your batteries at work. This leads to an increased output of inspiration. Therefore, the ways in which the harmonies in songs improve the harmony of the workplace are twofold. Listening to music is always a solution, but so is playing it. Of course, offices need to have quite a progressive outlook on employee productivity techniques to implement this type of makeover, but its benefits speak for themselves. 4.           Brain Function Is Improved on Many Levels According to Institute for Music and the Mind at Ontario’s McMaster University director Laurel Trainor, receiving musical training from a young age enhances the prevalence of other mental abilities. Examples most notably include attention and memory, and they benefit more from playing an instrument that just listening to recordings of it. Brain power is boosted by music in even more ways, as explained by Psychology Today contributor Christopher Bergland. Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and learn, greatly benefits from song playing and listening. This occurs not only during childhood, but throughout the duration of one’s adult life as well. White matter connectivity, executive function, and blood flow to the cranium are just a few other instances of what music does for your mind. For this reason, trained musicians have been observed to possess superior multisensory processing skills. Now just imagine how it can help you during work hours. The possibilities are endless. 5.           Bonds Within the Workplace Are Created Last, but not least, music brings people together. Melodies are important to our individual lives. This is demonstrated by the fact that the human brain devotes a special section for their processing. We hear them since birth, and they bond us in ways that no other concept, idea, or factor would. Music is highly beneficial within the workplace, as it creates a tight-knit team or community striving together to achieve goals. Success is achieved more efficiently in a like-minded group, for obvious reasons. Thus, whether you are sharing your favorite tunes with coworkers, or you’re jamming together during breaks, you will become more in sync. The Bottom Line Both listening to and playing music at work are beneficial for human brain function. Not only do songs drown out chaotic noise and clutter, they also focus better the mind on the task at hand and release some of the daily stress one might experience. Music brings employees together as a unified team, which drives visible results. It’s a win-win situation.

Its true - Finding your ideal career is possible! - Hallie Crawford

Its true - Finding your ideal career is possible! I am thrilled that my career coaching client, Damon, has decided what he wants to do long term with his career. He is combining his past experience as a business owner with his passion for managing projects and having a tangible outcome with real estate. He has decided what he wants, has a business plan in place and is already making connections in the industry. After putting time and effort into evaluating his career path, hes figured it out.  The key to finding your dream job is figuring out what is fulfilling to you. Through our career coaching process, Damon thoroughly evaluated each of his ideas, including mediation as one possible path, and decided real estate was the best fit. Congrats Damon! If you are having trouble finding fulfillment in your career, it’s time to get right to the heart of it.  Do what it takes to find your dream job as soon as possible. If you’d like to learn more about career coaching and how it can help you, contact us today! Ideal Career Coach P.S.  Get one of the most information-rich career newsletters on the web delivered straight to your email inbox! Check our our Free Newsletter to help you along your career journey today!