In her new book, Own Your Life, 7 Essential Steps to Independence, author, speaker and lawyer Suzanne B. Quinn guides the reader through the seven essential steps to personal and financial security and independence. This article is an excerpt from her book, comprising one of the seven steps.
TIME FOR A CHANGE – FINDING THE RIGHT CAREER
Imagine how different your life would be if you looked forward to work. You were excited to get up in the morning, eager to start your day because you really enjoyed what you do. Doesn’t sound possible? Erase that negative thought from your mind immediately, if you ever hope to achieve “living your passion”. It can be done.
If you find your passion, and it is something that can be translated into a career, that will not only be fulfilling personally, but also assist you financially as well. If there is one thing that I have learned, it is that no one should be afraid to ask for help. Take the support you need, when it is offered. When it is not offered, seek it out, because it is there. Sometimes it may not be in the most obvious places, it may not be where you think it is, but it will be there when you seek it out.
When you have discovered that which you are passionate about, there are steps you can take to uncover the career that is right for you. One that is in alignment with your passion. There are steps you can take, to further yourself to your ultimate career goal.
1. Do some research. Find out what training your chosen career requires. You can surf the internet for this information, interview those who are already working in your chosen field, or speak to a career counselor at an educational institution that offers programs in your chosen field.
2. Decide what, if any, training is required for you to become proficient at your chosen career. If furthering your formal education is required, review the different institutions that offer a suitable program. Consider factors like: distance to school, times of classes, cost, whether or not there is a co-op component (actual work experience through the school program) and job placement services, when choosing an institution.
3. Consider volunteering for a company or individual that is in your chosen field. This gives you real-life experience which will allow you to decide whether this is truly what you want, and also give you valuable experience to put on your resume.
4. Part-time employment is another good way to get your foot in the door. If you dream of being a world-reknowned hair-stylist, in addition to some formal training, you will require work experience. Salons often need staff to book appointments, wash hair and sweep floors.
5. Multiple sources of income. One thing that may allow you to pursue your passion financially, is having more than one source of income. People earn in four ways: having a job, investment income, owning a business, and self-employment. If there is a way you can create more than one source of income, it can subsidize your education and training to pursue your chosen career path. For some, it leads to complete financial freedom. Multi-level marketing or network marketing is an ideal source of income. You can run your own business from home, get a tax write-off for doing it, you can do it part-time, and enlist the services of others in building your business. Find a company that resonates with you, and sign up. This supplemental income may just be your ticket to freedom.
6. Set your goals, then put your plan in motion. Goal setting only works if you actually take action on your plan!
Suzanne opened her own law practice upon being called to the Bar in Ontario several years ago. The focus of her law practice has been wills and estate planning, real estate, small business corporate, touching also on related issues of family law, administrative law and litigation. Her experience as a lawyer has provided unique insights into a diverse collection of life situations and circumstances of extreme hardship. Suzanne has counseled clients and businesses alike, in a variety of capacities, often outside of the legal realm. These experiences and insights have led her to pen her observations and advice into a guide from which readers worldwide can benefit.
Suzanne has spent a good deal of time throughout her career speaking to diverse groups of varying size on a number of topics. Through speaking engagements, Suzanne teaches others to take back control of their lives, finances, careers and time.
Suzanne currently lives and works in Woodbridge, Ontario. She is married, with three beautiful young children. Her family continues to motivate and inspire her every day.