by Aaliyah Fortuin | Dec 18, 2020 | Job Search, Jobs
As the country recovers from devastating economic setbacks the global pandemic has caused, many South Africans have been left with permanent salary cuts, unemployment and retrenchment. However, as the nation makes its economic recovery, perhaps it’s time to manifest and plan your next big career move.
No matter what career you may find yourself in, somewhere down the line, you’ll find yourself making a career change. Whether you’re just starting out in your career or simply choosing a different career path, having a career plan is crucial in figuring out your next steps.
Here’s a 3 step guide to help you plan your next career move:
- Self Reflection
When it comes to your career path, it’s easy to neglect reflecting on your career especially when you’re caught up in the job hunt. However, setting time aside to assess and think about your current situation, is crucial in creating a productive career plan.
Research has also shown that the key to success is reflection, as it has the ability to increase productivity and performance. However, besides reflecting on your career, you should also be reflecting on yourself, your values, interests and skills.
Once you understand yourself, your goals and your passion will you be able to create a plan that aligns with yourself and your lifestyle.
- Set Goals
Once you’ve done some self-reflection, you’ll be able to identify which career path you want. Now, you just need to figure out how you’re going to get there. When it comes to setting goals, first identify what kind of goals you want to create. By sharing and writing down your goals, you’ll not only give yourself a sense of accountability but you’ll also be cementing them into your long-term memory.
Once your goals have been set, it’s time to develop a plan. This allows you to identify your interests, skills and what you need to do to get where you want to be.
- Explore further career options
While it may be impossible to plan everything in your career, it’s at least good to know where you’re heading and what career paths are available to you.
Despite fewer job opportunities being available, growing your skills and work experience should still be a top priority. By continuing to grow your skills and work experience, you’ll be able to broaden your experience or perhaps even find a mentor within a field that interests you.
To view South Africa’s latest jobs in demand for 2020 click here.
While facing the harsh reality of unemployment can take its toll on your physical and mental health. Remaining positive and motivated can help you overcome the hurdle of unemployment.
A new year means new possibilities and new goals, so why not put your best foot forward and start planning your next career move.
by Aaliyah Fortuin | Dec 11, 2020 | Job Search, Jobs
Seen as one of the most beautiful countries in the world, South Africa continues to face the hardships of unemployment and poverty. The global pandemic has seen the nation take a massive hit on its economy, facing devastating levels of unemployment.
Higher Education Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande recently launched the latest national list of occupations that are high in demand in South Africa. Updated every two years, this year’s list comprises of 345 in-demand skills, indicating the needs of the labour market.
According to the department of higher education and training, identifying the country’s skill needs and ensuring that education and training assist the needs of the economy is crucial. The department also defines these occupations as jobs that showcase a relatively high employment growth rate based on past, present and future trends that the country currently lacks.
What does this mean for you?
Sitting at an unemployment rate of 30.8%, many South African workers are facing the harsh reality of unemployment. However, this reality can be avoided. Education is key and if we are to reduce the country’s unemployment rate, our citizens’ skills need to be filtered out into the required needs of the economy. So whether you’re in matric or simply looking for a career change, perhaps it’s time to look at your options. Do you want to apply for a job that fits in your career field or are you willing to find a job that is in demand to increase your chances of finding a job?
Considering upskilling yourself
Being unemployed can be challenging and searching for job months on end can eventually take its toll on you. However, there is one thing you can gain from it, and that is making yourself more employable.
Try learning new skills by taking part in free online courses or learning portals. While being unemployed can become frustrating, one upside to it is that you’ll now have an opportunity to study and learn new skills at a pace that works for you.
Not only can these skills be added on to your CV, but it will also show employers that you’re ambitious and have a desire to grow your skills.
Look at your options
Unemployment for many South Africans is the reality at certain points in their career. With that being said, just because you’re currently unemployed doesn’t mean that there are no opportunities. Instead, look at your options.
Learning a new skill, freelancing or even volunteering are great ways to add temporary opportunities to your work experience. While it may not fit into your chosen career field or niche, these temporary opportunities put your existing professional skills to good use.
And the list of occupations in high demand may be a good place to start
by Aaliyah Fortuin | Nov 27, 2020 | Job Search, Jobs
As South Africa faces a sharp rise in the unemployment rate, there’s no doubt that those who find themselves without a job may be facing countless challenges. As a society, we don’t speak enough about how the stress that comes with being jobless can take a serious toll on one’s physical and mental health.
Being unemployed can leave you feeling anxious and uncertain about your future. However, this feeling of uncertainty after job loss is something that isn’t uncommon. Whether your contract has just ended, or you were fired or retrenched, you may be experiencing a whirlwind of emotions such as shock, denial, frustration, anger and depression.
While losing your job can become quite overwhelming, here are three things you can do to regain some control over the situation, ease your anxiety and maintain high spirits.
Take care of your well-being
Losing your job may leave you questioning your abilities and self-worth, however, allowing yourself to grieve is a completely normal experience. Although we all grieve differently, finding a healthy outlet to provide you with relief will help you deal with the loss and eventually assist you in moving forward.
Focus or pursue activities that will bring you joy or a sense of peace. Whether it’s expressing your creativity or trying a new hobby, avoid letting the job search consume you. Make time for yourself, have fun, rest and relax. Say it with me, “Self-care”.
Ask for help
Unemployment is something that can have an impact on your whole family and anyone else living with you. Instead of carrying your problems alone, speak to someone you can trust. Express how you feel and what you’re going through. Their support may be able to help you get through when you feel like you’re in your darkest hour.
Even if it means putting your pride aside, leaning on the people who care about you allows you to let off steam and have an emotional release. If you aren’t able to speak to a family member or to someone you can trust, contact crisis lines such as the National Depression and Anxiety Support Group (0800 456 789) and the Unemployment Support Group (011 234 4837) for help. Always remember that it’s okay to not be okay and there’s no shame in anything you’re feeling.
Don’t give up!
You don’t have to accept defeat. This is just a setback, not the end. Continue the job search and be proactive. Try not to get too comfortable just sitting at home and use this time effectively to achieve your goals and continue your job search. Update and polish your resume or CV and cover letter and ask yourself whether your resume reflects who you are and what you’re capable of. If it doesn’t, then you have to go back to the drawing board and think carefully about what you would like to include and exclude to showcase yourself.
Coping with unemployment can be stressful. Even though these steps may not prevent unemployment, they can help you alleviate some of the stress and anxiety you may be feeling. By following them you’ll be able to come out the other side still a winner.
In the words of Queen Beyonce Giselle Knowles “If you feel insignificant. You better think again… You’re part of something way bigger. Not just a speck in the universe… You’ll never lose, we are winners.”