Career change- Where do I start?

Career change- Where do I start?

 

Do you dread Monday mornings? Do you question your career path and choices on a regular basis? Well you are not alone according to a study from Gallup researchers. Figures from a study taken from over 148 countries show that only 13% of people asked felt engaged within their job.  A whacking 63% claimed not being engaged and the remaining 24% admitting to being actively disengaged. This alarming high percentage of workers not being engaged within their jobs is certainly a cause for concern.

If you find yourself in the “not engaged” or the “actively disengaged” percentage you should probably consider action.

Joel Garfinkle, who is an American life coach has identified 10 barriers that are potentially limiting you from your dream job. He states “whenever you find yourself resisting anything during the dream job process, know that it is fear that is talking”.

 

Joel’s 10 Barriers; ·         Time ·         Fear of failure ·         Fear of change and success ·         Isolation and lack of support ·         Should’s from family and friends ·         Comparing and despairing ·         Self doubt ·         Not knowing what you love to do ·         Fear of making wrong decision ·         Financial obligations and fear of poverty   More details on Joel’s tips can be found on his website dreamjobcoaching.com

 Joel has made a success out of career coaching and finds himself in the top 50 coaches in North America with his in depth studies of these barriers and helping people find their calling in life.

If you are not really in the market for a full time life coach, which let’s be honest not many of us are, we have put together some pointers that can help you progress in your career. As Richard Branson quoted “Every risk is worth taking as long as it’s for a good cause and contributes to a good life” and he seems to have done ok for himself to say the least. Now how does one go about taking a step towards a career change? Here are some pointers that will assist.

Seek help

Career shifters is an organisation which is run by people that themselves have made various career changes. They believe that “if you are going to spend 75% of your waking life doing something, it had better be something you love” and “more and more people are proving that your career doesn’t have to hold you hostage”.

They offer workshops in London that gives you the chance to understand which environment works for you and how to get past mental blocks. With a number of success stories, notably one gentleman went from finance worker to his dream job as a yacht skipper as well as high earning barrister turned garden designer. You may get new ideas on what you want to do and how to go about achieving this. You would also meet people who are in a similar situation to you.

 

 

Why not look within your current company?

It may be in fact that your true calling is closer to home than you think. Depending on the size of the company you work for, why not look at other departments? Derek Murphy, CEO of the booth company (TBC) encourages companies to look at their current talent pool and provide current employees with development opportunities. Former director of Thomas travel plc Jim Riley states:  internal recruitment is cheaper and quicker for companies to fill the roles and current employees who are familiar with the business and how it operates.  So why not speak to your boss and let them know you think you are due a change? The chances are they will respect you more for being honest and may even actively assist in looking at other areas.

Take a break?

It may be easier said than done but this could be an option within your company. For example Ebay offer 1 month paid sabbatical for employees that have worked for the company for 5 years. Taking a sabbatical may give you time to work out what you really want long term. It may give you the chance to do that volunteering project in Europe you always wanted to do or do that cookery course that you’re interested in. Yoursabbatical.com offer sabbatical services to companies to assist with programmes on offer. They believe it is a great tool for companies to retain valued employees, attract top talent and most importantly revitalise their workforce. To have any chance of being successful with getting a sabbatical you would have had to be with a company for at least two years. It may sound like an unrealistic option but why not explore the idea.

 

Study and work

You may think that your current qualifications are holding you back and stopping you from doing your dream job.  In these current times, there are many options to study and get qualifications as well as continue to do your full time job.  The Open University offer courses on up to 9 different areas such as: business and law, languages, computing, social sciences and social care. They currently have 190,000 students. They also offer flexible start dates as well as home study at your own pace so it can all work around your commitments. By taking a course it can give you a new lease of life by working towards something you really want to do in life.

Sean Russell who has been a director of careers departments for 2 universities highlights the importance of having an “action plan with dates and realistic goals”. This may include things such as: “spend time on my CV, attend an employer’s fair or make a list of things you enjoy at work and some you may not”.

Now is the time to stop thinking about the change and do something about it. Take those steps towards what could be a great new career and life for you.

Summer transfers- who is in the driving seat?

This Summers transfer window has seen some big names coming and going all over Europe. Real Madrid have not been shy with their cheque book as per usual. Some huge signings from them including World Cup Golden ball winner  James Rodriguez for a huge £63 million. According to reports they have already made £20 million of that back in shirt sales. For me Tony Kroos is the bigger signing out of the 2 though. For £20 million Real have brought in a proven midfielder at what seems a snip in current times. Madrid will certainly be a force to be reckoned with next season, however Barcelona have brought in quite the player themselves. For me the thought of Messi, Neymar and Suarez is enough to terrify any defender in the world. It just so happens that Suarez's ban ends just 1 days before, you guessed it El Classico. I fear for Atletico Madrid however as they have been victim of their own success with losing some key players.

Closer to home English teams have been busy themselves getting in players. Chelsea will be very strong with Diego Costa and Fabregas the big two for me. I am slightly disappointed however with the Drogba signing. Now Drogba was a great player but I am not sure it is wise when Lukuka is a ready made replacement in my eyes. He has scored bags of goals at both West Brom and Everton but Jose still doesn't quite fancy him.

Arsenal may have the best coup however in Sanchez. Massively impressed with him not just at the World Cup but also throughout the season. He will feel he has a point to prove after beings binned by Barcelona in favour of Suarez. Arsenal relied far too heavily on Giroud's goals last season so with more goals set to come from Sanchez sky is the limit. I would have liked to seen Keidera in the Premier league but doesn't look like it will happen. Largely overshadowed by Alonso in the Real Madrid midfield but still does a great job. I think Ramsey will be like a new signing for Arsenal as well as long as he can stay fit.

World Cup 2014 - a few stats so far

Most Goals - 

Holland have scored 12 goals so far so that equals a goal every 30 minutes

Columbia have been impressive so far and their stats match this. They have scored every 33 minutes 

Brazil have scored 9 goals in total as well as having played extra time against Chile. Taking this into account they have a goal every 43 minutes


Goals against - 

Cameroon have had problems off the pitch and looking at these stats they extended onto the pitch. They have conceded 9 goals in the 3 games they played so that's a goal every 40 minutes

Austraila have put in some brave performances but this doesn't hide the fact that they also conceded 9 goals in their 3 games so picking the ball out of the net every 40 minutes  

Honduras struggled to get into second gear all World cup conceding 8 goals in their 3 games so a goal every 45 minutes

Most represented countries in the scoring and assist charts ( top 8) 

Columbia have 1 player in the goal scoring chart and 2 in the assists chart ( 3 in total )

Holland have 2 players in the goal scoring charts and 0 in the assists charts ( 2 in total )

Germany have 1 player in the goal charts and 1 in the assists charts ( 2 in total )

Shots to goals ratios 

James Rodriguez leads the goal scoring ranks with 5 goals from 9 attempts with a  impressive success rate of 71%

Thomas Muller has hit the back of the net 4 times from 7 goal attempts so his success rate is 57%

Lionel Messi has scored the same amount as Muller with 4 goals in 7 attempts so a success rate of 57%

Neymar has scored 4 times from 9 attempts giving him a success rate of 44%

Arjen Robben has had 9 attempts on goal scoring 3 times with a success rate of 33% 


Players that have struggled to convert their chances;

Ronaldo will certainly want to forget this Summer along with the rest of his Portuguese team mates scoring 1 goal from  9 attempts giving him a ratio of just 11%

Di Maria has shown a lot of energy this World Cup but hasn't had a great lot of luck with his conversion rate scoring 1 goal from 9 attempts giving him a ratio of 11%. To be fair his goal has put Argentina in the last 8 so certainly a important goal.

Schweingsteiger  has had 6 goal attempts and yet to hit the back of the net so a ratio of 0%

Yellow cards 

Mexico, Costa Rica, Greece, Brazil have all had 8 yellow cards so far this tournament. All countries have played 390 minutes so they have received a card every 49 minutes.

Honduras and Ivory Coast have been the most guilty with receiving yellow cards receiving a caution every 39 minutes.

South Korea have received 6 cautions in their 3 games the group stage so they received a card every 45 minutes.

Brazil 2014- who is currently in the driving seat?

So nearly done with the groups stages and the no hopers are dwindling down by the day. With already a few surprise packages booking their place in the next round, who is really looking like the favourite?

For me the Dutch have been the most consistent so far. Robben seems to get better and even quicker with age and with the manner they dismantled Spain, the same team that broke their hearts 4 years ago they must be in the driving seat. Brazil and Argentina have also looked good, but not spectacular. Both have relied on magic from their main men Messi and Ronaldo, with Brazil having Lady Luck on their side in the opening game. Germany who looked awesome against Portugal but shaky against Ghana will no doubt improve through the tournament like most years.

It just shows how competitive this World Cup is with the majority of teams showing no fear against this big countries. Although you will always want the star players in your team, countries like Chile, Columbia and dare I say Costa Rica have shown the world it is not essential. Like most I wrote off Costa Rica's chances before they even boarded the plane but look what they have done. Being organised and playing with such a high tempo has worked for them. They took Uruguay apart with sheer pace on the counter attack as well as took the game to Italy and never let them settle like England did.

My bet is still on the Dutch winning this years World Cup. I think they look the complete package with solid defence as well as pace and a Goalscorer in Van Persie. The Germans will improve game to game as well as Argentina. I am not fully convinced by the hosts this year after seeing their defence last night. Neymar is a cracking player but up against the big boys I am not sure he will be quite so effective.

England V Italy - the bright side

So finally after months of waiting, the 14th June arrived and England kicked off their world cup campaign against Italy.The Italians were fielding out a very similar team that knocked out England at the Euro 2012 quarter final stage. Although England were beaten on penalties, it was very apparent they were a long way from being at Italy's level. One stat that for me the most alarming was that Joe Hart and Peter Crouch combined the most passes between them out of the whole team in that particular match.

Last night ended in a bitterly disappointing lose for the England team. It was a different feeling of disappointment however this time round. After seeing England struggle to pass the ball and have many real attempts on goal 2 years ago, last night was a huge improvement in my eyes. It was clear from the outset that both teams were playing very different styles as predicted. Andrea Pirlo yet again shone and showed his world class touch as well as awareness of where everyone else in this team were. Looking at both goals from the Italians, England really could have done better. Conceding from a set piece is always tough to take, with Pirlo dumbing the ball with his normal sublime manner, give Marchisio chance to smash it in from outside the box. We started well so to go one goal down was really hard and it took a lot of character to get back at the Italians. A great link between Rooney and Sterling saw Rooney clear of the defence and putting the ball across the six yard box. Daniel Sturridge darted across and smashed the ball into the Italian net and levelled the game up. Rooney done excellent to find this room, and looking at some articles this morning a lot of journalists must have not been watching at this moment. To be fair Rooney did look out of sorts last night in the unusual role on the left hand side. I struggled to really see his role within the team and how he fitted in. I am a Rooney fan and love the way he reads the game and brings others into play. He has struggled at major tournaments but he is not alone.

After 5 minutes into the second half the Italians, with a little bit to much ease got back into the lead by the animated Mario Ballotelli. Not for the first time the left hand side of the pitch was left exposed. Leighton Baines was caught chasing and the cross went in which was met by Mario's head. It is a tough time to concede in a match and meant England really had to take the game to Italy. I think we had a lot of the ball and run at the them and tested their back 4. If there is one thing Italy know and that is how to keep a lead. A bit of inexperience crept into England's game and Sterling should have done better with 2 or 3 breaks. Taking nothing away from the young Liverpool player, who had times at Italy in his wake. It was brave from Roy to start him but certainly a successful decision. Danny Welbeck who done his bit for the team even with a bit of pressure from the critics. Ross Barkley had a cameo and done his case no harm at all. Fearless comes to mind when you see Barkley play and after a few minutes on the pitch he had already test the goalkeeper.

It wasn't to be for England and Italy won the game 2 - 1 after 90 minutes. The celebrations from the Italians spoke volumes about England's performance. Not really interested in all these stats about only 4 teams have got out of their group after losing the first match. After seeing the game before I think we will beat them both. Uruguay were all over the place defensively and crumbled when Costa Rica came at them. Lot of credit to Costa Rica who were probably not expected to get any points out of this group.

Thursdays game was always going to be the decider and now with current results, it will certainly be a intense affair. Suarez will no doubt start now after not coming on but there is no chance he will be fully fit. Looking at their defensive woes last night, I think Sterling and Sturridge could have a field day.

Still so much to play for all teams in the group and if Costa Rica do get something from Italy then that game with England as well will be huge.

Most represented clubs in this Summers World Cup Brazil 2014

Position	Team	Number of players
1	Bayern Munich	16
2	Real Madrid, Chelsea	15
3	Manchester United	14
4	Barcelona	13
5	Arsenal, Paris st Germain	12
6	Liverpool	11
7	Manchester City, Napoli	10
8	FC Porto, Atletico Madrid	9
9	Dynamo Moscow, AC Milan,Inter Milan and Lazio	8
10	Zenit St Petersberg, Shalke, Tottenham Hotspurs, Dortmund and Wolfsburg	7

Above is the table of the top 10 most represented teams at this Summer World Cup in Brazil. These were counted using the Metro's article last week on the final squads. Now these are the original squads picked before a few injuries hit.

It is interesting to see a few of these up there. Napoli and Spurs for me only being 3 off Manchester. City who are littered with superstars. Bayern Munich naturally lead the way with a solid core (7 in total) of German players which you would think give them a advantage over other countries. Real Madrid and Barcelona take up a lot of the Spainish team with a few Atletico Madrid players thrown in there ( Diego Costa, Juanfran and the very lively Koke). Out of the 13 Barcelona players 7 of these are in the Spainish side with the main man Messi linking up with what could be a mouthwatering combo of Manchester City's Aguero and PSG Pacey Lavezzi and Napoli's Higuain. Napoli's fine season in Seria A has seen 10 of their players make their World Cup squad. On the other side of the coin Manchester Uniteds disaster of a season hasn't affected too many players chances with 14 of their players making it on the plane to Brazil with 4 of these being in the English national team. Of a United was to have a more successful season you would expect Cleverly, Carrick and even Young to have been in the set up too.

Naturally all the best teams have international quality players and after the success of Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, Spain will only benefit from this. Germany have had a lot of success due to the core of Munich players playing week in and week out together.

With Liverpool having such a good season, I think Hodgson should really try to keep the Gerrard, Sterling, Henderson and Sturridge connection going if we are going to have any chance this World Cup.

World Cup 2014- is this their year?

One of the great aspects of any World Cup is seeing players excel and put £10 million on their price tag. I am thinking Michael Owens impact in France 1998 as well as Zidane dismantling Brazil in the final and not to mention Diego Maradonna's brilliance against England in 1986. I have been doing a bit of research on players I feel will step up a level this Summer for this respected countries.

Paul Pogba ( France ) - the young French man helped Juventus to the Serie A title with a impressive 33 wins chipping in with 7 goals and 7 assists. A lot of hype around his famous switch from Manchester United to the Italian giants Juventus. A very strong midfield player but does have a tendency of giving away fouls (87 last year). He is technically good with the ball and has a 30 yard screamer in his locker too.

Eden Hazard ( Belgium ) - Belgium really are in their golden generation and this World Cup has come at the perfect time. Hazard has gone up a gear this season at Chelsea with 14 goals ( 5 more than the highest scoring striker) and 7 assists. He did suffer a few niggly injuries, which makes you wonder how well Chelsea could have done had he stayed fit. With a inhuman like ability to drift between players as well as a eye for goal he  is surely going right to the top.

Adam Lallana ( England ) - Lallana has impressed this season being part of the english core down at Southampton. Last season he was the 6th highest english goal scorer and gained many admirers up and down the country ( Tottenham reported already bidding for his services). A good old fashioned play maker he really is a natural with the ball at his feet. Along with Sterling he really is one player to run at players and make things happen in the final third.

Neymar ( Brazil ) - the young Brazilian is already a household name with various adidas adverts appearances. He got he dream move to Barcelona, even though the circumstances around the transfer have been dragged through the media in recent months.  He has seemed to have struggled to impress the Spanish city, in 19 league games he has scored 9 times and laid on 8 assists for his teammates. In a team with the likes of Messi, Iniesta and Xavi these stats are seen as average. His record for Brazil is impeccable with already a whooping 30 goals in the famous yellow shirt. Looking at the  Brazil squad it does look like it may attacking flair. This indicating Neymar will have a lot of pressure on his shoulders to come up with the goods.

Alexis Sanchez ( Chile ) - the Chilean has really been relishing playing in this high tempo Barcelona team. He has scored 19 goals in 34 games and 10 assists so certainly fits the bill. Chile find themselves in a very tough group so Sanchez may find he only has 3 games to impress this Summer. After seeing him in action against England in February it was clear he was a cut above the rest and he really is the main man in the Chilean team.

Angel Di Maria ( Argentina ) - Di Maria finds himself going into this tournament with a champions league medal which can only help boost confidence. An impressive 17 assists last season, it seems to have softened the blow for a lot of Real Madrid fans who were less than impressed with Ozil leaving. Playing. In a star studded team isn't anything new to Angel so playing wing Messi, Aguero and Higuain should be the norm for him. After losing heavily to Germany in the last World Cup, this year you sense the South Americans have something to prove.

Mario Ballotelli ( Italy ) - Last but certainly not least Mario Ballotelli has to be included here. A solid season personal for Mario with 14 goals, 6 assists in 30 games he has been a rare good point for a disaster season at AC Milan. He seems to be more popular for his reported off field antics ( not sure if any if these have any truth ) but let's not forget he is a very good young player. Aside from Pirlo, Ballotelli was arguably the best player for Italy at Euro 2012. I think the World Cup will bring the best out of him like the last tournament and I look forward to seeing what he can do this Summer.