Have Important Questions About Your Career? Start Here

You just landed your first job, or you're thinking about changing careers. You're ready to return to the workforce after time away, but you're not sure you want to stay in the same career field.

Or you love your company, but you're ready for more responsibility. Maybe you're thinking about leaving your job and starting your own business.

No matter where you are on your career path, you have important career-related questions.

We have answers – because your employment provides the income you need to build your financial house, prepare for your future, and reach financial independence. And that's something we hope everyone can achieve.

In the articles below, we'll help you determine the value of a compensation package, ask for a raise, deal with co-workers, return to the workforce after time away, look at continuing education or professional development, and more. And if you're unhappy or feeling “burned out” in your job, we explore that too.

Important Career Questions

1. Career Paths. How should you go about choosing a career path? Do you pursue your Passion or Profit? In this article, we explore the various career tracks you may consider to help you guide your thinking and define the best scenario for you.

2. Benefits. As you interview for positions, keep in mind that while the salary is important, your benefits package can also be a substantial part of an offer you receive. To learn more about what might be included and the value of your benefits check out the article, How Much Is My Employee Benefits Package Worth?

3. Co-Workers. Your employee benefits package might be worth a lot less to you if you have to work with difficult colleagues every day. Learn about personalities at work, what you can do to deal with challenges and how you might be playing a role in the difficulties in the article, What is the Best Way to Handle a Difficult Colleague At Work?

4. Raises. If you've proven yourself at work and believe you should be compensated more for your efforts, you may be in the position to ask for a raise. What evidence do you need to show to support your request? What are the best strategies to negotiate your next salary increase? Find out in one of our most searched articles, How Should I Negotiate My Next Raise?

5. Burnout. Job burnout has become a serious problem for many. People with job burnout end up suffering from a variety of mental, emotional, and physical challenges. And it's not just them who suffer. Family, friends, co-workers, and employers often feel the detrimental effects. Read, What Is Job Burnout And What Should I Do If I Have It? not just for yourself, but for the other important people in your life. While you may not suffer from it, they might.

6. Changing Careers. You thought you were following your passion into a dream career. Over time, you've realized you want to pursue something different. But, will you enjoy different work, and will you find success in a new career? Is it worth it to give up all you have in your current job to make the change? As you research these questions, this article can help you find answers – How Can I Plan For A Successful Career Change? 

7. Advanced Degrees. Is an advanced degree required for you to meet your next career goal? Or do you just enjoy learning and want to pursue another degree? There's no doubt the cost of higher education will impact your finances – unless tuition reimbursement is part of your benefits package. But even if an advanced degree is paid for through work, it will definitely take up a lot of your non-work time. Is it worth it? This article may help you decide – Is An Advanced Degree The Best Idea? Questions To Consider

8. Sabbaticals. Some people reach a point in their career where they want a break to pursue other learning opportunities or travel. Or even take time to pursue a passion like writing a book. Employers may provide a set period of paid time off for these breaks, while others offer them unpaid (although many employers don't offer them at all.) Is A Work Sabbatical Right For You? This article explains when it makes sense to step away from work for a period. And when you should stick with your job.

9. Returning to Work. If you've been out of the workforce for some time, it can be overwhelming to think about everything that's changed. What skills do you lack? How do you go about looking for a new job? How can you land an interview and then impress an employer with your knowledge and everything you know how to do? This article can help you get ready for your transition back to work – What Is The Best Advice For Returning To The Workforce?

10. Conferences. They may not take as much time and money as a degree program, but professional conferences are also a place where you can learn, network and advance your skills and knowledge. If you've been to a few conferences though, you may agree that some aren't worth your time and money. Before you consider booking your next professional event read this article – Is Attending a Professional Conference Worth It?

Considering Leaving An Employer To Work For Yourself?

Many people explore leaving W-2 employment to start a business. Maybe you'll quit your job to freelance, buy a franchise or start another business.

But first, you need to know how to structure your business, and what your business insurance needs are. As you probably guessed, there's a lot to consider before you give up your job with an employer.

If you have other questions related to your career, try the search tools located on the homepage and the top of the sidebar of the website, or contact us and we'll work to get you the answers!