Healthy Ways to Travel to Work

For anyone not fortunate enough to be able to work from home, travelling to their place of employment is arguably as difficult as it has ever been. Cost and space have always presented challenges for anyone driving into town or city centres and there’s now the added problem of limited passenger numbers on public transport.

Fortunately, there are other ways of making the daily commute. These alternatives are not only better for your mental and physical health, they will save you money and prove less harmful to the environment.

Cycle

Many major roads have dedicated cycling lanes to make travelling by bike a safer and more pleasant experience. There are also off-road cycle paths across the UK. Town and city centres have bike racks in precincts and outside many large employers.

If the thought of all that pedalling worries you, make things easier by splashing out on a motorised bike which will make take some of the strain when you’re heading uphill.

Run

If you’re within a reasonable distance of your employer, then pounding the pavement is an ideal way to start the working day. By the time you arrive you’ll feels refreshed and ready for whatever the day throws at you.

Like cycling, running is work is much easier (and hygienic) if there are shower facilities at your workplace. Invest in a lightweight backpack for your change of clothes and any other essentials.

Walk

If your place of work can’t offer a shower then you won’t want to arrive at work in a hot, sweaty mess. So, walking is a more realistic option than the two mentioned above.

You can still burn off calories while taking in some fresh air and you won’t have to change your clothes unless it’s a warm day. If you’ve exerted yourself enough on the way in, you can catch a bus or train home. One other tip – buy an umbrella, you’ll need it.

Park and Walk

For health, fitness or location reasons, it’s not possible for some people to walk the whole journey to work. So, pick a distance that is more suitable.

Leave your car further away than usual from work and then walk the rest of the way. As you grow in confidence you can increase the miles you travel by foot and reduce the amount of money you spend fuelling your car.

Stairs

If you work several floors up in a building, then there is another way to fit in some morning exercise. And you can do it indoors.

Upon your arrival at work, ditch the elevator and walk up the stairs. Your legs will certainly feel the difference as should your overall health and fitness in the long run. And if you fancy a double session, do the same in the afternoon after your lunch break.

Reasons to Love Video Interviews

Video interviews are, for many job hunters, a necessary evil. The Covid-19 lockdown means that remote interviewing has quickly moved from being a novelty to the norm.

It’s a format that isn’t without its issues. Technical difficulties, poor connection and talking when someone on the screen in front of you hasn’t finished speaking are all challenges faced by many interviewees.

But it isn’t all bad. Despite some negative coverage on websites and social media, there are a host of benefits to being interviewed via Teams, Skype, Zoom are any other video conferencing service.

You’ll be on Time

In addition to the interview itself, one of the biggest causes of stress is planning your arrival at the venue. What bus or train do you need to get? Or where you can park your car?

A video interview, from the comfort of your own home, means one less thing to worry about. Instead of rushing to make your appointment, you can be relaxed, getting in some last-minute practice, double checking your laptop or taking some time to relax and compose yourself.

You Can Decide on the ‘Venue’

When it comes to where interviews are held, some organisations do it right. Large, air-conditioned rooms with comfortable seating and tasteful décor. Unfortunately, not every employer can provide such luxuries, with some companies struggling for space and interviews being held in what feels like no bigger than a broom cupboard.

Being at home, you can choose a comfortable room with plenty of natural light and set the room temperature to your own preference. Just don’t get too comfy – be in a chair looking directly at the screen and don’t be tempted to lounge around on the couch or your bed.

It’s Less Intimidating

Sitting across a desk from one or more people who are firing questions at you while watching your every move can be a scary (traumatic?) experience. The room feels small no matter how big it is, you’re sweating, and your voice sounds croaky.

While a remote interview can’t stop the questions, it can at least put a bit of distance between you and the interviewer(s). That might put you a bit more at ease and make the whole process just a little less frightening.

You can Cheat

Now, hold on. This doesn’t mean that you can tell blatant lies about your achievements, experience or skills. But there are a couple of sneaky shortcuts which could make a difference to how well the interview goes.

A couple of post-it notes on the edge of your laptop screen would allow you to recall key points or examples you want to put across, without making it obvious that you are referring to your notes. Also, while you need to adopt the same dress code for a video interview as its face to face equivalent, the interviewer will only see your top half. So, if shorts, pyjama trousers or slippers make you more comfortable, then go for it.

Home Working and Home Schooling

Home working can be tough. Home schooling can be difficult. So, as many parents will have found out over recent months, combining the two is extremely challenging.

And with many schoolchildren in the UK likely to return to school on a part-time basis, learning at home seems set to continue for some time to come.

Every parent’s homelife and family circumstances are different, so there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to striking a balance between carrying out your job and ensuring that your child’s educational needs are met.

However, the following tips will hopefully help you and your little ones thrive in the weeks and months ahead. Obviously, the effectiveness of this advice will depend on factors including the type of job, the age and number of children and the amount of space you have at home.

Talk to your Employer

If having the kids at home impacts on one or more aspects of your job, then speak to someone within your organisation. Be honest about any issues you face and together, you can work to resolve them.

This could include a change to your working hours or a colleague taking on some tasks for you.

Plan your day

It’s important to structure your day in a way that allows you to focus on what you’re doing but also helps you to meet your parental responsibilities.

If your role has the flexibility to allow you to carry out pieces of work when it suits, then do it. Start early while the children are asleep or work late after they’ve gone to bed. Also, use breaks to check in with the kids or help with schoolwork.

Set Boundaries

Regardless of how much you love spending time with your kids, there are times when you need to detach yourself from the rest of the family. If you’re answering customer phone calls, painting pictures or handling legal documents then you need to ensure that the little ones steer clear.

Set clear rules such as making a room a ‘no-go’ area or make sure they know that your laptop, workstation and anything else work related are off limits.

Include the Kids

If warning them off isn’t the right approach for your kids, then get them involved. Set them mini tasks linked to your job or, if they’re old enough, let them help for real.

Ask them for ideas or opinions, show them how spreadsheets work or let them act as your assistant. And if you can link any of it to what they’re learning at school then that’s a bonus.

Be Flexible

No matter how much you plan to be the perfect employee and home teacher there will still be tears, tantrums, bickering, spilled juice and messy rooms…and that’s just you.

Be ready to deal with any issues that arise during the day and amend your working day accordingly. Some days will be better than others but you’ll get there.

The Work from Home Revolution

Millions of people who hadn’t worked from home pre-lockdown now understand what all the fuss was about. Rolling out of bed five minutes before your start time, logging in to a laptop while still wearing pyjamas and comfortable in the knowledge that you will do a day’s work without going beyond your own four walls.

And it looks like many of those people who have long campaigned for home working will get their wish, with some companies considering closing offices and workplaces permanently.

As well as the obvious financial savings for organisations, there are concerns that some working environments will be unsuitable due to ongoing physical distancing requirements.

But, working from home isn’t for everyone. While it will be perfect for some, it will present challenges and difficulties for others. So, for balance, here are some of potential pros and cons:

Pros of Working from Home

No commute

No travel costs and not having to spend hours on a train or bus every week is a massive bonus. It will also allow job hunters to apply for posts with companies who are based further afield.

Wear what you want

Business suits and power dressing are out, comfy clothes are in. You’ll feel more comfortable and save money on ties and shoes.

Less anxiety

When the boss has a day off everyone feels just that little bit more relaxed – so imagine that feeling every day. You can work without someone constantly looking over your shoulder and there’s the added bonus of no more workplace gossip.

More flexibility

While some jobs (e.g phone based/customer service roles) have to be carried at set times, others allow for more freedom. You can set your own hours and fit them around the other parts of your life such as exercise, kids, shopping or home improvements.

Cons of Working from Home

Less social interaction

For a variety of reasons, some people’s only real contact with the outside world is at work. Taking that away can lead to increased feelings of isolation.

No team spirit

Some people tolerate their job because they love their working team or group. If that disappears then it’s just another job, carried out by a group of people scattered across a town, a city or even further afield.

Less experience of working environment

Any graduate or school leaver who goes straight into a home-based role will miss out on the benefits of an everyday working environment. No experienced staff to learn from and reduced social development.

Can get too comfortable

There is a fine line between feeling relaxed and being ‘too relaxed’ at work. When you’re surrounded by home comforts like television, the internet, your garden or your fridge, it can be easy to take your foot off the pedal.

Taking Control of Your Career

Every had a moment at work where you looked around and wondered how you got there? Perhaps you had never expected to be with that company, working in that job or involved in that industry.

No, it isn’t a sign of amnesia, more likely it’s an indication that you have lost control of your career.

Some people map out their futures at an early age and then follow their plans to the letter. But, for others, everyday life takes over and they find themselves almost falling into jobs without any real thought or planning.

Sometimes, this approach works. You are lucky to have stumbled upon something that you enjoy, are good at or for which you are well paid.

But when you have the realisation that you’re in the wrong job or career, or you haven’t progressed as you’d hoped, it’s a horrible and helpless feeling. You need to do something…but what?

Here are seven steps that can help you to regain control of your career.

Accept Responsibility

You can’t change the past, but you can certainly influence the future. No matter how you managed to find yourself in a career dead end, acknowledge that it’s up to you to find your way out.

Decide What You Want to Do

The easy bit is knowing that you want to make a change. The tricky bit is knowing what that change is. Think carefully, make a decision and go for it.

How are You Going to Get There?

It might involve studying for a qualification, gaining more experience, working harder…or all three. To reach the promised land of your chosen job, set yourself goals to help you along the way.

Include Others

Don’t be shy about your plans. Tell your partner, relatives, friends and, if it helps to achieve your ambitions, tell work colleagues. Sharing your intentions with those around will feel empowering.

Stick to the Plan

Your desperation to do something different could lead you to apply for any job that helps you escape your current situation. Resist this urge and only go for positions that interest or excite you – or you’ll find yourself in a similar predicament before long.

Be Flexible

While clearly defined goals are important, be prepared to tweak them every now and then. On your career journey you may discover other opportunities that appeal to you more than your original target.

Don’t Give Up

Taking control of your career should lead to a more rewarding working life – but it won’t happen overnight. Stay positive in the face of any rejection of disappointment and continue towards achieving your hopes and dreams.

8 Alternatives to University

Go to school. Pass some exams. Attend university. Pass more exams. Then walk into the job of your dreams.

Sounds easy, doesn’t it? And, for some people, it is. But for many others, life doesn’t turn out like that.

Not everyone is suited to higher education and studying for a degree. Many people don’t enjoy the environment, while others struggle with the pressure of meeting deadlines and studying for exams. Some students pick the wrong course and there are people who just want to be out in the world making some money. There are also those who fail to meet the entry requirements.

Fortunately, for most professions there is more than one entry path. So, for anyone not keen on going straight from school to university, here are some different routes to reaching your chosen career destination.

Work Based Learning

The best of both worlds. You work, earning money and gaining valuable experience, while studying for a qualification.

Examples include modern apprenticeships and professional awards in areas such as accounting, human resources or training and development.

Full-Time Job

School is enough to put people off education for life. By the time they’re 16, they want to get out into the world and start making some money.

And for some roles, particularly at entry level, that’s fine. Learning is on-the-job, with not a test or certificate in sight.

Gap Year

Not everyone has their full working life mapped out in front of them. Some people need more time to decide what is best for them.

Taking a year out to travel, work casual jobs and (hopefully) work out what’s next can be hugely beneficial.

Mature Study

There’s nothing to stop you studying for a degree, or any other qualification, in your 20s, 30s or even later.

Due to their work and life experiences, older students often find it easier to relate their course work to the real world. And they may appreciate their studies more if they have worked in jobs they didn’t enjoy.

Distance Learning

Post covid-19, studying from home may be the long-term solution for millions of students.

It’s perfect for anyone who doesn’t enjoy attending lectures and seminars or who lives in a remote area and doesn’t want to move away from home.

Part-time Study

Completing a degree over five or six years, whether it be at a local institution or via Open University, is far less demanding than studying full-time.

It also allows for greater flexibility with regards to work and family commitments.

Self-Employment

Some people are better suited to going it alone than working for someone else. The right idea could mean you are the boss from day one.

The Gov.UK website reports that, in 2018, there were 450,000 16-24 year olds running small businesses in the UK.

Portfolio Career

It is becoming increasingly popular to gain an income from multiple sources rather than one. Usually with one steady, reliable job, the ‘anchor’, supported by other pieces of work.

For instance, someone with a flair for languages could teach night classes at a local college. They could supplement this by offering interpreter or translation services, providing one-to-one tutoring or writing a monetised blog about an aspect of life in a country where their chosen language is widely spoken.

Low Cost Ways to Retrain

With Coronavirus continuing to dominate everyday life in the UK, some people will find themselves with more spare time. That may be a result of being unable to work from home or because their social lives have come crashing to a halt.

Regardless of the circumstances, the current ‘lockdown’ provides an opportunity for anyone who is interested in retraining but usually wouldn’t have time.

Learning something new in order to change careers isn’t always easy. Many qualifications, degrees and some professional awards can be expensive.

But while a lack of finances can make finding the right course more of a challenge, it shouldn’t mean that it’s an impossible task.

Here are four ways to retrain without breaking the bank:

Sign up for a Course

There are many organisations providing short courses (sometimes free) on a wide array of subjects. Visit the websites of Future Learn, Open University, Reed and others to find out more.

If you’re looking for something a bit more challenging (and long-term) then online degrees are also available. The Open University also excel in this area and, depending on your income, you may not have to pay a penny.

Gain Some Experience

Volunteering is always a good idea but it’s even more important in the current climate. There are all sorts of ways you can make a contribution to your local community or some other good cause.

As well as the satisfaction of lending a hand, a volunteering role on your CV can demonstrate work experience in your chosen field and how keen you are.

Train Yourself

Not every job or career requires a degree or other formal qualification. Sometimes, showing how talented you are is more important.

Anyone interested in freelance writing or photography could start a blog or build a portfolio. When it comes to finding work, showing your previous efforts is far more likely to be of use then a certificate. And if you do need any help with the theory behind your role, there should be enough articles online to answer any questions you have.

Have a Side Hustle

Most career changes don’t happen overnight. In many cases, they are slow processes, coming after a lot of hard work and a few setbacks along the way.

That’s why starting off slowly, and working your chosen career as a second job, can be a great idea. You gain valuable experience while still having the security of your boring old full-time role.

4 Tips for Working from Home

As coronavirus (Covid-19) has swept across the globe in recent weeks, working from home has, for millions of people, changed from being a luxury to a necessity.

For many, this will be the first time they have carried out their jobs without leaving their own four walls.

In theory, working at home should be straightforward – you’re just performing the same role in a different place. But it doesn’t always turn out that way.

So, for any first-time homeworkers, here are some tips to help you cope over the next few weeks or months:

Act Like you’re at Work

No that doesn’t mean spending eight hours staring at a clock, nor does it involve hanging around the water cooler waiting to hear the latest gossip.

It’s more about having the right mindset and the same level professionalism you would have at your normal workplace. This could include getting dressed, setting yourself break and lunch times and having a ‘to do’ list. Having some structure to your day should help you get off to the right start.

Have Somewhere to Work

It doesn’t matter how big it small it is, or where in the house it is, but having a suitable workspace is a must.

If you’re fortunate enough to have a home office or a large dining table where you can go about your daily business then lucky you. If not, then you’ll need to be a bit more creative. A small folding table should be enough to hold a laptop, a mobile phone and a mug (for tea or coffee). So, even if your flat isn’t the biggest, then you should still have enough space to get some work done.

Avoid Distractions

Unless your normal workplace is completely silent, you should be used to a bit of background noise. In fact, a bit of music from the radio or anywhere else might even help.

However, if you live at a main road, think about working away from the window if traffic, roadworks or everyday life are off-putting. Likewise, be facing away from the television and if your other half is also working at home, make sure you give each other space, particularly if either of you is speaking with customers or colleagues on the phone.

Consider the Kids

Under normal circumstances you would be able to plough on with work from 9-3 while your children were at school. But the world we are living in now is anything but normal.

While teenagers will probably be happy to be left alone with a device, don’t worry about coming away from your laptop (if your job allows) to spend time with the little ones. If that means having a long lunch, playing in the garden or watching a movie, then do it – the work will be still be there when you return.

Studying and Working Part-Time

Studying full-time at college or university is demanding. As well as attending lectures, there are assignments and projects to complete along with preparing for and sitting exams.

And then there’s money.

For most students, taking on a part-time job is a necessary evil. It’s a method of supplementing a student loan and paying for course fees (for some), study materials and everyday living expenses.

Sure, a role like that can be a distraction, particularly around exam times when there are more important things you could be doing. But there are many benefits, other than financial, to taking on a part-time position while studying.

Increase Your Social Circle

Moving away from home to study can be a daunting experience. Not having family or friends can, in the first few weeks or months, be a lonely experience.

Going to work will hopefully provide some friendly faces amongst your colleagues and maybe even some friendships. No matter how strong or resilient you are, it’s important to have a support network, particularly if you are staying far away from everyone you’ve grown up with.

A Career Starting Point

When taking on a job to support their studies, many people opt for something casual that allows flexibility. The role itself isn’t important, it’s more about the hours and the rate of pay.

But a student job can also be the first rung on the career ladder. If you see yourself pursuing a career in retail, contact centres or journalism for instance, there’s nothing to stop you getting a part-time role while completing an HND or degree.

Gain Life Skills

When you go from school to college or university, you live most of your life in a world of essays, studying and attending lectures or lessons. It’s like being in an academic bubble.

But it doesn’t prepare you for the outside world. Taking on a job can provide much needed life experience like dealing with customers, cash handling, getting there on time and the responsibility of opening and closing a business premises.

A Break from Studying

No matter how much you love your chosen subject, stepping away from the books (or the website, or any other method of study) is a must.

Doing something completely different can help you relax, or at the very least, take your mind off from the stress and pressure that being a student can often bring.

4 Reasons to Try a Secondment

Afraid of the unknown

Comfortable with your surroundings

External commitments and responsibilities

Reluctant to change

These are just four out of a host of reasons why people stay in a job or career long after they stopped wanting to be there.

There’s nothing wrong with the examples listed above or others like them. They’re all natural responses from anyone who has thought about moving on and doing something else.

But changing jobs doesn’t have to be permanent – well not straight off, anyway. A secondment to another job and/or department within your organisation can be an invaluable first step towards making a longer-term change.

It might only be for a few weeks to provide cover, or it could be for as long as two years as part of a specific project. Regardless, taking on a secondment could prove to be a career changing experience.

Test the water

You can try something new without committing to it permanently. If you do enjoy the temporary role, it could lead to a job or career change. If you decide it’s not for you, you can go back to your original post, no harm done.

New skills

While some secondments are only about filling a gap in an organisation, many play an important part in someone’s development. The skills and experience gained can make you more employable as well as increasing your confidence when it comes to taking on new challenges.

New environment

A new department or workplace can provide a welcome change of scene. Combined with new tasks and different colleagues, it can provide a refreshing break from the old routine.

Raise your profile

Doing a good job while seconded can help you to be noticed by senior management and others within the organisation. This could increase your chances of gaining a permanent move or other secondments.