Ever fancied ditching the nine to five office job for something a bit more glamorous? Of course you have! A survey of UK office workers has revealed that 93% would like to make 2007 the year they change careers. 83% harbour ambitions of becoming self employed, but while we all have a secret talent weíd love to turn into a career, unfortunately none of us are born with the business skills that are vital to making our venture a success.
Office skills provider Pitman Training has revealed that the top ten ëdreamí jobs are:-
- Singer in a band
- Writer
- Interior designer
- Own a cake shop/ tea room
- Actor
- Sportsperson/ athlete
- Property developer
- Ski instructor
- Photographer
- Sculptor
Stan Knights, managing director Pitman Training said: ìItís interesting to see the types of jobs that people dream of doing ñ theyíre glamorous, they offer daily variation, travel and the opportunity to be creative that other jobs may not offer. But donít be fooled! Appearances can be deceptive and no job is all its cracked up to be. You may wish to get paid for turning your passion into your day job, but youíve got to be a pretty savvy business person too if youíre going to turn your fantasies into something that pays the bills. You might be lucky enough to be able to transfer the skills from your old job to your new one, but if not its worth adding some office skills to your growing list of talents.î
Stefanie Cayless, who took part in the survey is lead singer with funk band Kerr and knows only too well about the importance of being an astute business woman. She said: ìWe have a fantastic time performing at events across the UK and Europe but thereís so much paper work involved when youíre self employed or freelance. Book-keeping, marketing and even general admin, take time and itís vital you know what youíre doing if you donít want to come across as an amateur set-up and want to make some money from it. When youíre starting out, you simply canít afford to pay the professionals to do this for you so itís more cost effective to learn the skills yourself.î
Having got the skills she needs under her belt, Stefanieís band is flourishing, but, she says, ìitís still important to have something to fall back on and Iím juggling my singing with a job as an office manager at a London PR company.î
Pitman Training has more than 90 centres across the UK and with flexible learning courses in areas as diverse as accounting, marketing, executive PA and Microsoft Office, those looking to equip themselves with the skills necessary to be a successful freelancer or business owner can find something to fit in with what spare time they may have.
Stan concluded: ìWe all start the new year with big ideas of what weíre going to achieve in the following twelve months. If youíre determined to change your career path in 2007, start planning now and ensure that you have the confidence to deal with anything a new business venture can throw at you.î
Too afraid to follow our career fantasies
If youíre not born with a business brain, do something about it!
