April 2020 seems a long time ago, but it was a date that changed the working world as we know it. The pandemic forced many workers out of their jobs; more than two years later, many have not returned to ‘normal.’ While some people retrained, changed careers or started their businesses, many still have not returned to work even though many great jobs are available and employers are trying to fill them!
Consider these ten reasons why returning to work could be right for you!
- You have an identity, not just a name
How many times when you meet people do you hear ‘what’s your name and what do you do?’. Having a job helps give you an identity and gives people a glimpse of your personality.
- A paycheck
Money can’t buy happiness, but it can certainly pave the way to your peace of mind. Having a job can provide you with better financial stability and security as well as removing one of the many stress points in your life. Being able to afford your family’s needs and pay your bills is a great stress reliever! It may also provide you with extra income to assist other family members without putting more stress on your finances.
- The pride of being independent
Having a job can create lifelong satisfaction. Independence is not just limited to finances – it can relate to many aspects of your life and decision-making. Earning money and having an identity leads you to the path of independence.
- Add new people to your life
Meeting new friends at work can provide the opportunity to expand your social network as well as, potentially, meet colleagues that could act as mentors. Having a job will improve your confidence while dealing with strangers or superiors. These are not just formal meeting sessions but also improve your social skills. - Polish your skills
If you’ve been out of the workforce for a time, a new job can allow you to polish and update your existing skills and learn something new. New technical skills or improving your computer skills are a great benefit now that many jobs are being done online.
- Let your personal life breath
An outside job allows you to work for a fixed amount of time – either full-time or part-time. It simply means you can have a scheduled time for work and dedicated personal time for your hobbies and family.
- Consider your retirement
Have you considered life after retirement? Many employers have opportunities for retirement benefits to lessen the stress of not working in your older years. Pension contributions and health benefits help secure both today and the future.
- Enjoy some extra benefits
Perks! The job isn’t only about the salary. It can be more than that – paid vacation, paid training with some employers, health benefits, and travel allowances are all added benefits of value you may receive over and above the basic salary.
- The benefit of paid leaves
The law entitles many workers to various paid leaves you may qualify for depending on your circumstances. The benefit of maternal/paternal benefits, emergency leaves and caregiver leaves are all to be taken into consideration when returning to work. Some jobs even allow you to accumulate overtime pay or time off for working extra hours.
- A job can give you meaning & purpose
Having a job is not just about working the hours. Working can increase your sense of purpose and identity, allow you to learn new skills, open new opportunities and give you and your family better financial security. Whether you work full-time or part-time, remember that you add value to the organization and your sense of self. Having a job will give you the satisfaction and happiness of maximizing wealth.
If you haven’t connected with an Employment Consultant at Job Skills, NOW is the time to get that one-on-one support you can use as you return to work and move through the new way of working. Call Job Skills toll-free at 1-866-592-6278 to connect to one of JS’s experts.
If you’re looking to explore what your next job might be, Job Skills offers four workshops ‘in person.’ Career Exploration Series (4 workshops in total) in July at the following centres: Keswick, Markham and Mississauga. Talk to an Employment Consultant to get more information.
Job Skills has more than 40 online workshops to assist you in your career exploration and job search situation. Register to take part in the online ‘Identify The Skills to Pay The Bills’ workshop on July 11, 10:00 am – 11:00 am. Watch for the other dates and times to register for our online workshops and lots of excellent links and resources to assist you!
