From IT Manager to Paramedic

From IT Manager to Paramedic Success Story > From: Job To: Job From IT Manager to Paramedic “I needed more variety... and to feel like I was doing something worthwhile.” * From IT Manager to Paramedic Peter Stone was well paid, but wasn't on the same wavelength as his colleagues. A work course he hated (and a dodgy hotel) were the triggers he needed to finally shift into work that felt right. Here's how he did it. What work were you doing previously? IT Management. What are you doing now? I'm a paramedic. I'm working full time on an ambulance with the London Ambulance Service, and studying part time for a degree with the Open University in Paramedic Sciences. Why did you change? I studied Sports Science at university and drifted into an IT career. Following the sudden death of my father-in-law shortly after his retirement, I decided that spending my life doing a job that paid well but that I didn't enjoy wasn't something I could continue to do. Talking with colleagues it was clear that whilst I had a talent for it I didn't have the passion for it that was really required. I wasn't spending time at home messing with computers â€" I was very much the exception amongst my colleagues. I had conversations with my wife about my need to change and thought about what appealed. I desired a bit more variety in my work, and to feel like I was doing something worthwhile. When was the moment you decided to make the change? I was sitting in a cheap hotel in Nottingham. I was attending a three-day course there for work. I was hating it and the hotel was awful. In fact, I was close to walking out. After talking to my wife, I decided that I needed to do something about it. That night, I filled out the online application for the London Ambulance Service. Are you happy with the change? Yes. I enjoy a massively varied role where I get to meet some amazing people and be of help to them in their darkest moments. The job itself is stressful in a different way to my IT career, but to feel that I'm helping people, and being in a job that is respected, is a great feeling. What do you miss and what don't you miss? I miss having weekends off, as I work probably half of all my weekends now. I don't miss the phone calls and emails when I'm on holiday because some core system has stopped working and I need to fix it. How did you go about making the shift? I was a first aider at work. When going through the training I found I really enjoyed it, and was told during the course I had a really good manner with the 'patients'. I then looked into that area a little more and found it provided the variety of work I felt I needed. In addition, a friend of my sister's was going down the same route; speaking to him reinforced my view that this was a good move. He advised me to dip my toe in the water by becoming a community responder in my local area. This voluntary role gave me exposure to ambulance work (including some shifts with existing staff) to ensure that it was something I would enjoy and be able to cope with. I also spoke with someone who had some experience in careers counselling and I got advice from family and friends. What didn't go well? What 'wrong turns' did you take? My initial route in was with a direct student paramedic programme. However, as I failed my driving test for larger vehicles a few times, I missed the last group recruited this way. As a result, I was put in a difficult and awkward position with my employer at the time, who'd already been asked for a reference. This caused a one-year delay in my entry to the ambulance service. When I finally started, I had to start at a lower level and then wait another year to get onto the programme. How did you handle your finances to make your change possible? I cut back on luxuries. My football season ticket and Sky Movies subscription went first. As a family we also looked at our spending habits and saved money on our weekly shops by swapping to own-brand products. My wife was able to increase the amount of hours she worked to make up some of the shortfall. The travel costs in the new role were also significantly cheaper than the rail season tickets I used to have to buy. What was the most difficult thing about changing? Changing to shifts was hard, probably more so for my family as they often had to be quiet because I needed to sleep. It was also difficult moving from a fairly structured office environment to one where I didn't know what I would be doing from one hour to the next. Alongside that, trying to calm and deal with people who are suffering (sometimes grieving) was a difficult skill to master. What help did you get? My family has been very supportive. My colleagues are always keen to help me learn and get to grips with the skills required, including how to deal with seeing things that are sometimes disturbing or upsetting. What resources would you recommend to others? The UK Ambulance Forum website has some great resources for budding paramedics. The College of Paramedics is also a valuable source of information. And there are plenty of Facebook groups about becoming a paramedic too. Speak to your local ambulance service. Most have a ‘Working for us’ section on their websites and details of community responder programmes. Plus, their executive board minutes are useful for getting a 'heads up' on their likely recruitment strategies over coming months. What have you learnt in the process? I've learnt that the old cliché, of enjoying your job being more important than the salary, is true. I've also learnt that a shake of a hand from someone you have helped is worth way more than a large salary. What do you wish you'd done differently? I wish I'd done it sooner. I also think that some more consultation with those that had made similar moves would have been useful. And doing things face to face more rather than online, which is not always the best way of assessing whether something is right for you. What would you advise others to do in the same situation? Speak to those currently doing the job you're interested in, as it may not be as you'd imagined. Being a paramedic is nothing like Casualty or 24 Hours in AE. There are frustrations with the job that you need to be aware of and feel able to cope with. Becoming a community responder is a great way to understand the job a little more and get some valuable exposure to the people you are likely to meet. What lessons could you take from Peter's story to use in your own career change? Let us know in the comments below.

Turning Your Home Office into a Small Business Operation

Turning Your Home Office into a Small Business Operation Running a small business from your home hits two of the most wonderful aspects of being independent. You’re freed of commuting and you can work whenever you see fitâ€"as long as you meet your deadlines and milestones. Turning your home office into a small business operation gives you the ability to master your own destiny. It also positions you to take advantage of many economical solutions, from cheap website hosting to working in your bathrobeâ€"if that’s what you like. Here’s how to get started… Make Sure You’re Legal Before you charge off and invest in the gear you’ll need to turn your home office into a small business, make sure your neighborhood’s zoning laws will allow you to do so. You’ll need to access your town’s ordinances governing home occupations. If you rent or lease your residence, you’ll want to make sure your business stays on the owner’s good side too. You’ll also need to look at the codes, covenants and restrictions governing your homeowner’s associationâ€"if your neighborhood has one. In all likelihood, if yours is a quiet operation, nobody will care. But if you’re thinking of opening a body shop in your backyard… well, that’s another story. Choosing Your Workspace In a lot of cases, the choice will make itself readily apparent. The main thing you need is enough room to accomplish your tasks efficiently. Many a writing business has been started in the closet of a studio apartment. If your work requires a more spacious environment, you may wind up giving up a second bedroom. If you have a family, choose a room that will minimize your impact on the rest of the household. If you’ll be seeing clients, having a separate entrance is ideal. Failing that, choose a room as close to the front door as possible. Outfitting Your Workspace Rather than going out and spending a boatload of money on a workspace, remember you’re a startup. Look for ways to get the equipment you’ll need at the most reasonable prices possible. Craigslist and eBay are great sources for reasonably priced used equipment and furnishings. Meanwhile, cheap website hosting and a templated design will save you money on your web presence. If yours is a desk job, the two places you don’t want to skimp are on the desk itself and on your chair. Your desk should allow you to work comfortably at your computer with good posture and your chair should be both adjustable and supportive over long periods of time. Mind Your Time The best part of operating a home-based business is you can work at home. The worst part of operating a home-based business is that you work at home. While the convenience factor is undeniable, the job is always there and there is always something to do. You have to set boundaries. Keep to a regular schedule as much as possible. Popping into the office to take care of a couple of things can turn into an all-nighter very easily if you allow it to happen. In other words, work your business, don’t let your business work you. Are You Ready? Turning your home office into a small business operation can be rewarding both financially and personally. Managed well, you’ll have more time to enjoy with your family and your costs will be minimal. It might take some time to establish the perfect workspace in your home; plus the time it takes to nail down a schedule that works for you personally and professionally. But don’t worry. These things are best learned through experience and experimentation. So, ask yourself: Are you ready to establish a strong digital presence for your new venture?

The Ultimate Guide to Being an Interview Pro

The Ultimate Guide to Being an Interview Pro A job interview is always a daunting experience. The pressure to perform, show your personality,  be bright and engaging, convey your skill set, all whilst being calm and collected is no easy feat. However, with preparation, poise and a pleasant smile you’ll find the interview will go much  smoother than once imagined. Remember, you have already passed the first hurdle: the interviewer  liked your CV. Now is your time to impress face to face. Here are a few helpful tips and tricks that  will leave a lasting impression on your interviewer and, hopefully, secure the job in question: Before: Preparation First and foremost, to succeed in an interview, preparation is key.  To be uncertain  of the company, the job specification or what to expect in general, will put you at a  disadvantageous position. Therefore, initially, make sure you research the role you have  applied for. Why do you want to get this job? What is it that makes you excited about  the role? You must show the employer that you have a passion for the position and are  interested in pursuing a career in the given sector. Research Secondly, research the company you are meeting.  What are they like as a company: creative  or corporate? Big or small? Buzzy or quiet? These are things that are important to gage prior  to the interview, firstly, to work out whether you are right for the company as a whole, and  secondly, to present yourself and act accordingly in the interview itself. Take a look at the  company’s website to get a better insight into their recent developments and successes.  Articulating this information to your interviewer will show you have initiative, as well as  conveying that you have a true interest in becoming part of the team. Answers A further recommendation is to prepare answers to some ‘mock’ questions. Interviewers will  often ask you to define your skills or how you are as a person, and then expect you to back it  up with examples. If you can ensure you have these examples to hand, you will find yourself  able to answer questions confidently and without hesitation. However, potential employers  want to know the real you, so make sure not to sound overly rehearsed. It is important to  come across as natural and at ease. During: First impression Research has shown that an individual will subconsciously make their mind up about  another in the first 30 seconds of meeting. On that basis, a great first impression is  absolutely crucial when attending an interview. Give yourself plenty of time to get there,  arriving a little early to show you have good time keeping skills. On greeting the interviewer,  smile warmly and give a confident handshake. Eye contact is also very important so keep a  steady gaze and make sure to maintain this throughout. Attire What you are wearing and how you physically present yourself will contribute to how you  are first perceived, so you need to make sure you are dressed to impress. If the company is  very corporate, wear a smart suit and have your hair neat and tidy. If the company is more  creative, you may want to dress slightly more casual, so long as you are clean and smart.  Most importantly, make sure you look and feel good, as this will reflect in your interview  technique. Sell yourself Once in the interview, keeping calm and answering the questions in an articulate, concise  and composed manner is what matters most. Concentrate on why you are the best person  for the job. Often, in the job specification, there will be a list of competencies and qualities  that the potential employer is looking for. Revert back to your prepared examples here in  order to demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and personality to fill the position  perfectly. Dont panic Be aware that not everything can be premeditated. It is likely that you will be asked a  question you had neither expected nor planned for. Don’t panic and stay calm. Think the  question through properly before answering whilst keeping your composure. This will be  sure to impress the interviewer. Positivity A positive attitude is imperative. Try not to be negative about previous roles you have had  in the past as it can portray an unenthusiastic or bitter attitude to work. If you have had a  negative experience with a past employer, simply say it did not work out or it was time to  move on. Concentrate on your positivity and enthusiasm for the current role rather than  reflecting on the past. Friendly Lastly, try to keep things friendly and relaxed throughout. Building a rapport is important  as it shows that you are easy to get on with. It will also give your interviewer an insight into  how well you would fit in with the company and rest of the staff. Ask questions Often in an interview, you will be given the chance to ask your own questions. This is your  time to find out about more about the company: their culture, strengths and goals. You  can also clarify anything you may not fully understand about what they do as a company or  what the role encompasses. By asking questions it shows that you are inquisitive and also  demonstrates your interest in the job. After: Once out of the interview, say good-bye to your interviewer, again, with a firm handshake  and a smile. Tell them you look forward to hearing from them, and, if the moment seems  right, ask for their business card. Once home, you could even send an email thanking them  for their time. This shows how keen you are for the role and will be sure to put you in good  stead with your potential employer. By following these tips, you can really impress. Preparation, selling yourself, good body language  and asking questions will all contribute towards a great interview. But most importantly, be yourself. Good luck! Author: Kate Dow is from atticrecruitment.co.uk  who  specialise in PA, Secretarial and Graduate Recruitment.

Job Outlook Starting Salaries For New Grads

Job Outlook Starting Salaries For New Grads Are you a new grad? Do you know a new grad? The class of 2012 is probably tired of hearing how tough the economy and listening to news about unemployment. Who can blame them? Maybe we should focus on telling new grads what to expect from the position they have or want. Below is an infographic that depicts the job outlook and starting salaries for new grads. What do you think of the job outlook for new grads? Compiled by: Online Colleges Guide

#78 - Career Expert Series - Zak Slayback

#78 - Career Expert Series - Zak Slayback The Career Insider Podcast Apple Podcasts | Android | Email | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | TuneIn | RSSForEpisode 78of The CareerMetis Podcast, we will be hearing fromZak SlaybackThis interview is part of the “Career Expert Series“.evalGuest Introduction â€" Zak SlaybackevalZak Slayback is helps smart and ambitious people learn the skills for success that school never taught them.He’s also a blogger, and author of The End of School, Reclaiming Education From The Classroom. He coached private clients up through their careers and created a lot of opportunities to walk people through the professional development process.He felt that schools weren’t doing the best job educating people on professional development, and took matters into his own hands.Episode Summary1. He explains that a lot of young professionals have not been given the skills to take charge of their own career.2.He describes some of the challenges that young professionals face in the workforce. Things like a limit ed network, a lack of training surrounding networking, as well as a lack of introspection into what they would enjoy are just a few things he feels are holding people back.3. Zak also shares some tips on how to go about building a solid network. He delves into the concept of opportunity cost, and why it’s crucial to figure out which activities you enjoy in order to offer them to people who would find it valuable.eval4.Zak gives an example of how a new social media marketer would go about building a solid network, social proof, and a marketing portfolio in order to create opportunities. He shows the process and explains why he would go about it that way.5. He also shares where he feels the higher education industry is going, and what the value of a degree may be in the future.6. He shares a story that paints an interesting picture about work experience and how it may impact the education field.Quotes“Anxiety, stress and depression among people under 30 is at an all time high”⠀œPeople don’t know the right people”eval“How do we teach people to find they things they would enjoy?”“Don’t go to networking events”“Having a pretty business card is not going to get you an opportunity”“It’s much better to be strategic and have the right mindset”Links ResourcesTo learn more about Zak Slayback visit hiswebsite.You can also connect with him onLinkedIn,Medium orTwitter .Intro Music provided courtesy of Accelerated Ideas (www.accelerated-ideas.com). Soundtrack â€" Siren KickbackEnding Music provided courtesy of Accelerated Ideas (www.accelerated-ideas.com). Soundtrack â€" No Need to Rush

Interesting Google categories - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog

Interesting Google categories - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog For anyone interested in improving work, heres a few relevant categories from the Google directory: Coworker relations Job burnout Rethinking work Workplace spirituality Thanks for visiting my blog. If you're new here, you should check out this list of my 10 most popular articles. And if you want more great tips and ideas you should check out our newsletter about happiness at work. It's great and it's free :-)Share this:LinkedInFacebookTwitterRedditPinterest Related

Resume Writing Tips - Use Keywords When Writing Your Resume

Resume Writing Tips - Use Keywords When Writing Your ResumeThe best resume writing tips can be achieved by using proper keyword searches when writing a resume. It is common to hear that the perfect resume should contain just a single keyword. Keyword searches help the reader find your resume easily, thereby making it more attractive to them.Keywords must be a part of your resume and that too in order to search for it easily. All the information contained in your resume is useful to the reader. Therefore, you need to write them all in a manner which should not only be grammatically correct but should also be informative. The reader may also not be able to read the keywords if the sentence or paragraph contains words or names that are non-English. These words may not be readily available in the native language.With the passage of time, more foreign words are coming into use and they have become acceptable in the English language. Thus, in writing your resume with keywords, you need to ensure that you have written all the information in English. You also need to make sure that the keywords that you use are representative of your business. There are various types of keywords and you must ensure that they have been used for the purpose they were intended.The most common keyword that is used is 'recruitment' in a resume. If you wish to choose another keyword, then you must be aware of its meaning. This is important because certain keywords have a different meaning in different languages.You may also want to include in your resume certain skills that you have developed in the past. Write these skills down carefully. You can include several skills such as e-commerce, ERP, quality assurance and database management. You must list all the skills that are specific to your profession. You may also be able to provide a list of your skills that are specific to your field of work.For instance, if you have a degree in Web Design, then it would be much better if you would perfor m a keyword search on web design keywords before writing your resume. You can also add a note in your resume about the skills that you have acquired in your career or in the past. There may be a time when you have used a skill and found it useful and it has been valuable for you in the past. This is an example of how to include a few words about your skills in your resume.If you are the owner of a business, then you must mention the same in your resume. You may also be able to suggest the skills that your organization has acquired through a partnership. This will be helpful for the reader to get a better idea of your organizational skills.If your business has a big market or a large customer base, then you can also include the numbers of clients that you have in the past. This can also help the reader to get a better idea of your reputation in the business. In writing your resume with keywords, you should make sure that you write as well as format the information as such that they a re understandable.