Itís an unfortunate fact of life, that opportunities come to those who work hard to achieve them. Yet despite this pearl of wisdom, people the world over are continually seeking that miracle product or solution that will solve all their problems in an instant. But Pitman Training, the UKís leading provider of office and IT skills training is urging men and women throughout the UK, looking to improve their job prospects, to consider putting the effort into a training course.
Michael Graham, managing director of Pitman Training said: ìIt seems that these days every other company seems to be offering the quick fix solution to all our problems. We know we need to lose weight, for example, but instead of exercising and cooking real food, we wait until the next advert promises us the miracle cure of the week. Why spend valuable time doing all the right things when a pill will shed those pounds while we carry on snacking? The same applies to achieving our professional goals. There is no quick fix for career enhancement ñ you have to work at it. No-oneís ever succeeded by sitting on their laurels and waiting for their dreams to come true.î
Ade Ogunjobi agrees. Despite having always been ambitious, Ade who graduated with a BSc in economics was working as a call centre manager but felt he was treading water and had gone as far as he could go. He said: ì I had a good job, with a good salary, and it would have been easy for me to keep plodding along, but itís a long time to retirement, and a long time to be unhappy in a job.î
It was in fact Adeís sister who suggested that he should stop moping and retrain for a better career while he was still working. ìIíd always been interested in figures and a bookkeeping course appealed. Having done my research, I contacted my local Pitman Training centre. There, they tested my capability and recommended that I studied for their Accounting Technician Diploma. They were so positive and I knew they were right, but I wasnít ready. I didnít have the confidence to get started. I kept asking myself, ëbut what if I fail?íî
Ade finally took the plunge and returned to studying, 10 years after first graduating. ìIt was hard at first and at times I worried Iíd never make the grade but itís been worth it. I can do bookkeeping manually or on Sage Line 50, understand payroll and final accounts. My career looks like itís set to take off.î
Despite being aware that he will take a pay-cut when he gets his first accounting job, Ade is happy and certain that this initial set-back will benefit him in the long run, having finally found the career he wants to see through to retirement.
Michael Graham added: ìIf you are unhappy with the direction your life and career is heading (or not), get out there and get yourself trained. Prise yourself off the sofa and head to a reputable training establishment. Office based training and personal development isnít just geared to women. Make yourself and your CV stand out from the rest, and stop wishing for things that youíll never get without putting the effort inî
Fast Fix ñ ignore the tricks!
Pitman Training urges the UK to forget miracles and work towards their goals
