Finding the Right Job…Outside the Office

Manila, Philippines – With the dawn of the global economic meltdown, lay-offs and retrenchments, finding the job that suits you best may prove to be a not-so-easy feat.

An office job or being an office employee is the most traditional kind of job in the world. For some, working as an office employee, especially in a beautiful office, is a dream job. One can easily get used to the eight-to-five routine with the usual smart-casual garb.

But for those who abhor the idea of being confined in the four corners of an office, it’s high time for you to start looking for options.

Below are some of the choices that you may consider in finding the right career, all of which are so far from the humdrum nature of an eight-to-five job.

BPO – Since this career requires workers 24/7, literally you are veering away from the eight-to-five routine. Most popular among yuppies and fresh graduates, this career option usually offers good compensation. Although most BPO jobs are office jobs, there are also BPO jobs that you can do at home or anywhere as long as you have an Internet connection, like medical transcription and language editing.

Career on marketing and sales – This kind of job would require someone to be always on the go, suited for those who would rather work away from the office. Good communication skills and a very pleasing personality are some of the qualifications for this kind of career. A good example of this is being a medical representative.

Professional Blogger – Why not make the cyberspace your virtual office? If you happen to spend more time in front of your computer at home than going out, and you have good writing skills and a creative mind, you might consider putting it to good use. Blog for profit – you can look for an employer or earn from advertisers. Bloggers are some of the most versatile career persons.

Starting your own business – Venturing on this career often becomes the “fallback” of most people who happen to not find the right job for them. This is a very satisfying career for those who would rather hold the reins. In this career, you are your own boss. Although for one to be able to start his or her own business, s/he must have the resources and know how to handle the finances.

Education Field – Anybody can be a teacher, even if one doesn’t have the license. With the increasing number of ESL and other schools that offer tutorial services to both local and foreign individuals, teaching has become a job for everyone. If you feel that you can handle the pressure of writing lesson plans, drafting your syllabus, lecturing, and the whole menagerie of the teaching profession, you can always try being a teacher. –JANE NEPOMUCENO, Manila Bulletin