Fenton's Jobs & More

This month's featured article/essay(s):

How to quit your job

by: Sunny Freeman

That Jerry McGuire-style, middle-finger salute to the boss after a rough workday, especially Mondays, are tempting.

If after sober second thought you're still set on quitting, do it with poise and savvy. Because, unless you're independently wealthy or embarking on a completely new career, chances are you'll need a job again. In this ever-shrinking, networked world, reputation is everything, and burning bridges is easier than ever, says Alan Kearns, founder of Career Joy, a Canada-wide career coaching company.

"You can't just walk out the door on Monday and say, `Screw you.' Like any relationship, the way you leave is more important than the way you enter it," Kearns says.

"The world of work is a very small world. It's not even a question of wanting to go back to that company; it's more about where your boss might be next. You get a reputation in the industry, not just within the company."

Kearns offers his tips for saving face using an ethical and transparent exit strategy.

• Be professional. No matter how much you want to tell your boss and/or organization how terrible they are, even if there's truth in it, it becomes personal, which is a mistake, he says. "If you're out to prove you're right and they're wrong, you're never going to prove anything."
• Be formal. Make sure you give notice in writing as well as in person.
• Give beyond that standard two weeks' notice; give a month if you can, Kearns says.
• Offer support for your replacement even after you've left.
• Try to maintain a relationship with your boss because he or she can still offer advice and advocate for you down the road. "Remember that 70 per cent of jobs come through networking. The more valuable that network is, the more advisable it is to maintain a relationship."

Finally, keep it quick and tight; maintain control over the situation for your own sake. "You're building your brand and your reputation in the industry."

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Find a new career,

By: Dimitri A.C. Ly

There are many reasons why you might find yourself wanting a career change. Perhaps you hate your job or you feel you've gone as far as you can in the industry you're currently in; perhaps you just got laid off and you're having trouble finding work. Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to change career paths entirely. However, switching careers can be a long and arduous process, so it's important that you keep your present occupation for as long as possible, or that you have enough wealth accumulated through your savings and severance package to survive the job search. Follow these six tips to find a new career that is tailored to your needs and ambitions.

Determine your needs

The first thing you must do when trying to find a new career is establish exactly what you require from an occupation. You should consider your professional interests, of course, but it's also important that you take your personal obligations into account too, especially if you have dependents. After all, a career isn't built in a vacuum and you wouldn't want to get your dream job at the cost of your family. Weigh the pros and cons of your current profession, and try to figure out what needs to change and what needs to stay the same.

Identify your known skills

No experience is ever truly lost in the professional world, even when you're trying to find a new career. Over the years, you've likely acquired specialized knowledge applicable to a number of industries. This includes leadership, strategies, time management techniques and proficiency with computer software. To determine your transferable skills, it's important that you look beyond your official job description. Go through all your past occupations, including volunteer positions, and pinpoint every task that isn't specific to your current field. Make sure to write this information down; you'll need it for your resume.

Identify your hidden aptitudes

Just as no single sport can take full advantage of every muscle in your body, no occupation can make use of all your natural abilities. Regardless of how long you've been in the workforce, chances are you have undiscovered professional potential. Taking an aptitude test can help you uncover your hidden talents and find a new career that you never would've considered otherwise. However, it's crucial that you answer every question honestly. Your objective isn't to flatter your own ego, but to pinpoint a profession that will sustain you for years to come.

Explore the options that interest you

Once you've figured out what your marketable skills are, then it's time to look at potential occupations, which can be surprisingly difficult. Too many options can sometimes feel like none at all, especially when you're trying to find a new career as well as job satisfaction.  Naturally, you should start with the professions that excite you the most, but be realistic in your approach. The world is full of jobs that you can't apply for without considerable experience, so make sure to research the industry as a whole and always consider whether or not you can deal with an entry-level position.

Explore the options available

Don't limit yourself to pipe dreams and popular fields, which are often oversaturated. You have to be practical and consider your odds of getting work. After all, it's not really your profession until somebody actually hires you. Besides, the occupation best suited to your needs may not be the one most people fantasize about, which is why you should always keep an open mind when trying to find a new career. The best way to learn about job prospects in any given industry is through contacts, but you can also consult a recruitment agency.

Get experience

Too many workers make the mistake of rushing into things when they find a new career, confusing a go-getter attitude with recklessness. As a result, they end up wasting years drifting from one vocation to the next, which is why you should always test the waters before committing to a new career plan. If the profession you've selected requires extensive studies, we would recommend that you attend a few night classes to make sure this is the right path for you. You can also apply for an internship or take a volunteer position in your chosen field.

choose the right path

These six recommendations will help you weigh your options and find a new career, but selecting the right occupation is only half the work. If you want to be successful on this new path, it's crucial that you establish a long-term plan, setting concrete goals for yourself as well as a realistic time frame to achieve them. Don't let the challenges ahead discourage you or blind you to the fact that you're improving your professional life and embarking on a new career.