What They Don’t Tell You About Freelance Careers

Published on: 10 May 2018 Last Updated on: 09 August 2019
Freelancer

In 2016, 34% of Americans were working freelance careers. That percentage is expected to climb to 43% by 2020.

An improved work-life balance is the first benefit that comes to mind when considering a freelancing.

But we also know what no one else is telling you. Read on to find out more.

There’s a Union on Your Side :

Who hasn’t wasted precious working hours searching the web for reputable information before becoming more stressed and confused?

What makes Freelancers Union so great is it’s a one-stop-shop for free resources for beginning and experienced freelancers.

When going freelance, most people are overwhelmed with tax concerns. Don’t know how to read a 1099 form? Need help determining sales and use tax?

All this information is written clearly on the site by experts. You’ll also find guides for choosing dental, vision, life, and health insurance plans.

And even insightful blog posts ranging from productivity hacks to methods for handling tragedy.

Furthermore, a subscription at ThePayStubs gives you access to an innovative pay stub maker.

You can have a pay stub downloaded and printed within two minutes after selecting your preferred template.

Relationship Building isn’t Just About Finding Clients :

Nobody misses unfair office politics or boring meetings once they’ve gone freelance.

However, after working alone for a while, it’s normal to feel lonely.

While most of your friends are likely to work less flexible schedules, it doesn’t mean you have to spend day after day without socializing.

While your old friends are great, wouldn’t it be amazing to have freelancer friends who get you the way your colleagues in your old office did?

Freelancers can enjoy real human interaction (and 68% better focus) by joining coworking spaces.

58% of Those with Freelance Careers Have Gone Without Pay :

Unfortunately, when reading up on how to go freelance, most newcomers won’t come across these insights.

It usually takes getting burned first.

  • Never begin a project without a signed contract that clearly states payment amounts and due dates.
  • Ween out nonpaying clients by having a mandatory deposit amount prior to starting each job.
  • Don’t lowball yourself. New freelancers tend to charge less than the value of their work.

Think about the time, supplies, and whether you’ll hire employees. If you aren’t strategic about the costs to stay in business, it won’t last.

  • Most people are Googlable. With a simple search, you can learn about a potential client’s character, including how they treat employees and whether they’ve been fair to freelancers.
  • Don’t make it difficult for clients to pay you. Send professional-looking invoices from user-friendly programs like PayPal, Due, or Authorize.

Accounting Tasks Can be Done with Minimal Effort :

Even if you’re running a small business with a few employees, the idea of correctly issuing pay stubs can be a pain.

On the same site, you can generate employee W-2 forms without stumbling over difficult math or spending buckets of money on an accountant.

Need more freelance career tips?

Let us teach you how to promote your startup on social media. And join our mailing list to be more in the know!

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Best Paying Jobs In Energy

Best Paying Jobs In Energy

Over the last decade, job requirements in the energy industry are proliferating in leaps and bounds. Especially when it comes to the renewable energy industry, a sharp hike is observable in their popularity.  In this context, one of the most frequently asked questions is what are the best paying jobs in energy? You may also wonder if energy is a good career path! These are quite natural to ponder upon if you choose the energy sector as your ultimate career destination.   Indeed, these are super tricky questions if you take your personal skills, career goals, and existing industry opportunities into account. There is no need to pressurize yourself; because we will speak about the best paying jobs in Energy industry in 2021.  Background Information About Jobs In Energy Choosing a career is critical, but what’s more difficult is verifying whether a particular career direction is opportunistic or not. Is energy a good career path? What are the best jobs in the energy field? Do energy jobs pay well? What is the best solar energy job salary? All these questions might be forming clouds in your head - right?  Well, leaving aside the negative and positive sides, the energy sector is one of the most prospective career directions. Owing to the social and political support, this sector is of utmost importance in every country. Do you want to explore some merits and demerits of it before hopping on to the best paying jobs in energy? Let’s go!    Advantages Of Careers In Energy Undoubtedly energy jobs are prosperous; particularly, renewable energy jobs have endless career directions with lucrative remunerations. Let’s pinpoint some core benefits of the best paying jobs in energy: Attractive salary packages  Development of technical and soft skills Strong career goals due to robust industry infrastructure There is a steady growth in this industry The energy sector is ever-changing with lots of new opportunities.  Disadvantages Of Careers In Energy No job sector is perfect because of the potential challenges residing in every industry. Energy is also not an exception in this regard. Some demerits of energy-related careers are as follows: There are high upfront costs As it is evolving consistently, you have to keep updating your skills and knowledge. Only people with specialized and high technical attributed get chances High probability of exposure to fatal rays and chemicals   What Are Some Best Paying Jobs In Energy? Now that you have some sound ideas on careers in energy, it’s time to know what are some best paying jobs in the energy sector. In the table below, we have jotted down the top 7 best paying jobs in energy you must know in 2021. This section will guide you to your end question - is energy a good career path? Job Profile  Educational Criterion  Salary (per annum) Experience  Chemical Engineer  Master’s in chemical engineering or industrial chemistry  $108,770 None  Green Construction Manager  Bachelor of Sciences, training in green construction.   $145,000 5 years+ experience in similar fields Data Scientist  Master of Technology in Information Technology, or computer sciences  $97,870 2-5 years of experience in similar fields Solar Project Manager  Bachelor’s in Science, Pro level training in solar project management   $138,500 5 years+ experience in similar fields Petroleum Engineer Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering $137,720 None  Materials Engineer Masters in computer programming, chemical sciences, mathematics.  $93,360 None  Environmental Engineer Biological or chemical engineering, Master’s in environmental sciences $88,860 None  Geoscientists  Master’s in Geology, Geography, Applied Geology, Earth Science, and Geological sciences  $120,253 2-5 years experience Wind Farm Site Manager Bachelor’s in Science, Pro level training in Wind installation and project management $125,780 None  Which Educational Backgrounds Are Preferable For Energy Industry? There is not a single job in the energy industry. For the millions of career opportunities here, the educational qualifications are also multidimensional. Check out what academic backgrounds you need to have for cracking some of the best paying jobs in energy. 1. Information Technology The energy sector is heavily dependent on data. Energy giants BHP Billiton, Royal Shell, Chevron Corporation, etc., have expert IT teams who manage huge volumes of big data. So candidates with IT backgrounds are always welcome.  2. Engineering The energy sector is all about applying scientific understanding to solve real-world problems. So engineering candidates with practical knowledge have high demand in this sector. 3. Business Administration You have to gain business administration degrees if you want to acquire leadership and executive positions in the energy industry.  4. Mathematics, Chemical Science And Physics Mathematical skills, analytical abilities, in-depth knowledge in physics and chemistry are MUST for joining best paid jobs in energy. As you have to deal with scientific elements, possessing expertise in these areas is mandatory.     Is Energy Sector Worthy To Build Your Career? - The Judgement I hope there is no need for any more explanation now. The above-discussed areas have answered all your queries. Firstly, to reply to your question “what do the energy jobs pay,” they pay extremely well if you have the desired skills and qualifications.  Moreover, all the best paying jobs in power generation require intensive self-study and research. With the increasing demand for renewable energy resources, the number of best paying jobs in energy is also increasing. It is expected, in the upcoming years, renewable energy will attract 70% of the global energy investment. So, there are some incredible careers in energy, especially renewable energy jobs waiting for you.  Considering all the above factors, it is possible to say that - YES, Energy Industry Is A Good Career Path in 2021. Also, you will find some of the best paying jobs in energy if you meet all the criteria.  Frequently Asked Questions Q1. What Skills Are Required For the Best Paying Jobs In Energy? Some of the skills required to apply in the best paying jobs in energy are: Mathematical skills Deep knowledge in advanced sciences,  Analytical skills Critical decision-making skills Computer Programming Q2. What Are Some Best Renewable Energy Jobs? Remuneration is always high when it comes to renewable energy jobs salaries. Some best paying renewable energy jobs are: Renewable Energy Designer Solar Project Developer Green Construction Manager Renewables Estimator Wind Operations Leader Q3. What Do Energy Jobs Pay? The average annual salary in the energy sector is $90,806. All the best paying jobs in energy fall under this category. Hence, this sector is good enough to kickstart your career.  Q4. Are Energy Careers in high demand? The shortest answer is Yes. Without energy, the world will never run. Moreover, the market is hoping to make significant value in the upcoming years. Therefore, careers in energy are expected to be in high demand in the coming years.  The Final Verdict  To summarize, careers in energy have limitless possibilities. Not only salary but also in terms of professional development, the jobs energy sector is a promising one. So what are you waiting for? Shortlist your preferences and start applying today. I am sure you will come out with flying colors. I hope this article was able to provide you with the necessary information about the best paying jobs in the energy. Did we miss something? Drop your opinion or query in the commenting area below, and we will be resolving those in no time. Read Also: Is Electric Utilities Central A Good Career Path Is Business Services A Good Career Path Is Hotels/Resorts A Good Career Path

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How to Ask for a Referral

How To Ask For A Referral? – Essential Tips For Professional Growth

Networking is the process where you make connections and build productive relationships in your professional field. It is an important factor if you want to grow professionally and seek new employment opportunities. A major aspect of networking is to get referrals. In this article, you will learn how to ask for a referral request.  Here, you will learn how to use your network to get referrals. As a result, you will have a better likelihood of getting access to new opportunities or cracking interview processes. Thereby, you can get better job offers and get professional growth. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article.  What Is A Referral Request? Having a professional network is essential for every employee or businessperson. This helps you get access to referrals faster. Basically, when you ask a member of your professional network to endorse or introduce you to a prospective employer, it is a referral request.   For example, it can be something like reaching out to a recruiter on LinkedIn or asking a previous employer to refer you.  In fact, if you have a referral in your arsenal, you give employers a chance to distinguish you from other job candidates. This will increase your chances of getting an interview or getting the job offer itself. Generally, employers go for candidates with referrals since it shows that the candidate has skills and experience.  Apart from that, if you have a referral with you, it shows that you can form and maintain good work relationships. Also, it shows that you can form and nurture networks. For instance, you can request a referral from a personal acquaintance. Moreover, your interview preparation gets easier if you have a referral.  Hence, you must ensure that you are choosing the right person for the referral. Moreover, you must approach them in the right manner.  How To Ask For A Referral? – Steps To Follow The following are some steps you must follow if you want to ask for a referral from a professional you know:  1. Choose The Right Medium  While asking for a referral, you must consider your relationship with your referrer. Generally, the best medium to reach a referrer is through writing. For example, it can be a message, an email, a LinkedIn chat, etc.   Basically, the choice of medium depends on your relationship with the person. If the relationship with the person is formal, the best option is to use a written medium. However, if you have a causal relationship with the person, a face-to-face conversation can be handy.  2. Find The Right Person To Ask  Another important factor to consider is whom to ask for a referral. This can be anyone you know, a former employer, a friend, or anyone else. Moreover, you can also ask someone in your existing network.  However, the best person to ask for a referral is someone you already know. In fact, that person can attest to how you work and what your character is. Basically, the stronger the connection, the better the chance of getting a referral. Hence, the best option is to ask an ex-boss, colleague, former client, or even a college professor.  Additionally, make sure you are honest with the referrer and explain what you need. Also, explain to them how they can help you and how beneficial it will be for your career.   However, don’t ask for a referral from someone close to you, like a family member or a friend. In such cases, the referral request is obvious and does not help you during an interview.  3. Give The Referrer More Context And Reasons  It is important to provide your referrer with the context of the referral. In fact, tell them why you need the referral and what exactly you want to achieve with it.   For instance, if you apply for a job, be sure to attach a resume and the job listing to your request. Moreover, mention why you are asking them for a referral. For example, if you ask your previous employer for a referral, include a note that you have worked together.   Additionally, you can also include a portfolio of your other work if you want to provide extra context.  Here, you must make sure your request is not vague where your referrer is unsure about what you want. Also, ensure you give them an idea of how they can help you in the first place.   Actually, this extra information will make it easier for them to agree with you. Hence, they will be eager to give you a referral that will help you grow professionally.  4. Ensure The Process Is Easy And They Say “Yes”  When the referral process is easier, it will provide you with better results. Apart from providing them with a context, make sure they find it easy to refer you professionally. Additionally, you can also send your referrer with your career portfolio or your website. However, it needs to be relevant and must be an easy reference to consider.  On the other hand, you can face a situation where the referrer wants to provide you with a referral but does not have the time to do so. In such cases, you can offer a draft letter on your referrer’s behalf. This way, they can just add a signature to it or attest to it.  Hence, you make it easier for them to give you a referral. Moreover, they do not feel like they must push themselves to give a reference to you.  However, if you are an independent professional, you can make it easy for your clients to refer you. Here, you just need to create and provide marketing materials for them. For instance, you can use a business card, an email template, or just a website button. This way, they can quickly refer you to their network with minimal effort.  5. Give Them The Option To Opt Out  You can request someone to provide you with a referral. However, that does not mean that they will agree to provide you with that. On the other hand, you can feel that an ex-employer or a friend can help you. However, they might not feel comfortable referring you to their network.  Hence, you must accept the possibility of rejection and move on. Therefore, to prevent an awkward situation, you can provide an opt-out option in the referral request.   For instance, in your request, you can write, “It’s alright if you can’t provide a referral…” Hence, you are giving your referrers an option to exit. Also, you are not jeopardizing the relationship with them.  6. Ensure A Follow-Up And Express Gratitude  When you receive a referral, you need to express gratitude. In fact, it is not a good idea to take a referral for granted. For instance, if someone refers you to their network, make sure to send them a thank you note. This way, you are expressing appreciation.  Moreover, if a professional contact offers you a dream role, you must thank them for their time and support. Furthermore, even if you do not land the job, you must still express your gratitude.  How To Ask For A Referral? – Tips To Consider  Apart from conceptual skills, companies also look for networking and communication skills. You can prove your networking skills with the help of a referral. Hence, getting a referral is essential for business growth.  The following are some of the tips you must follow if you want to ask for a referral from a professional network:  1. How you ask for a referral depends on your relationship with the referrer. For instance, if you ask someone an authority figure, you must use a formal tone.  2. You can also personalize your request if you understand it will work. For instance, you can include a thoughtful message. Apart from that, even if you are asking different people, make sure to write each referrer differently.  3. By being specific and providing context behind your referral request, you increase your chances of getting a referral.  4. Timing is the most important aspect of your referral request. For instance, if you know that the potential referrer is currently busy or not in the right mood, you must hold your request. Basically, you can yield better results if you ask at the right time.  5. You must build your network and grow it with time. In fact, once you prioritize your networks, you will not need to ask for referrals, as they will start coming your way. For instance, you can use a mutual connection when you are looking for a job or building a business from scratch.  Referral For Professional Growth: The Way Forward  Now, you know how to ask for a referral from someone from your network. Understand that the best referral comes from people you already know. Basically, if you have built professional relationships in your network, always feel free to ask for referrals.  Do you have more suggestions to offer on how to ask for a referral? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below.  Read Also: Best LinkedIn Recommendation Example – How to Write a Great LinkedIn Recommendation The Secret To Finding A Career That You’ll Actually Love What Is a Remote Job? Everything You Need to Know

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insurance agent exam

6 Common Myths busted for the insurance agent exam

Recent years have witnessed the absolute rise in the insurance agent exam owing to the vast vacancies for a chain of specialization within the insurance companies. As per the growing number of insurance companies is concerned, the need for the required number of man force is equally important. The conduction of the exam is subject to the deployment of the desired amount of candidates to fill their job positions. The intense competition arises the increase in the number of exam applicants. Still, the facts regarding the insurance agent exams undergo certain misconceptions owing to its unfamiliarity among the majority. The insurance agent exam is conducted by the insurance companies to fill their various positions of manpower in the diverse scale of operations. People who aspire to work with insurance companies, insurance agent exam, can be overwhelming to an extent where they feel that they don’t stand a chance. General myths regarding insurance agent exam: The myth factor arises due to several misconceptions regarding the idea of the concerned topic. Likewise is the case of an insurance agent exam where a major unfamiliarity still prevails. It is the direct outcome of the unglorified facts of the term insurance. As the popularity of insurance is relevant to the limited group of people opting for it. The untrue realities and ideas regarding the insurance agent exam refrain the people from choosing it. Followings are the common myths about the insurance agent exam: Need for high educational qualification: One of the most common misconceptions affecting the existence of an insurance agent exam is the context of the eligibility criteria for appearing in the examination. It is misbelieved that one should possess knowledge in the respective subjects. But in reality, the minimum qualification to enter the exam is minimum graduation in any subject. You can even start your career as an insurance agent after merely completing secondary school. Thus creating ease to begin your career immediately at the early phase. The requirement of a good command in English: Although a good command in English is a must to qualify in several other examinations. An insurance agent exam is conducted to test your interpersonal skills and aptitude. Your command over English has nothing to do with qualifying for the insurance agent exam. Due to the fear of lack of unproficiency in the English language, many candidates step back from appearing in the exam and fail to execute their career plans. It is better to belong from a commerce background: It is wrong to conclude that only the commerce candidates have access to the insurance agent exam. There are plenty of candidates from different backgrounds, including science, engineering, and arts into this field. Every year, the insurance agent exam witnesses candidates of diverse careers appearing for the exam. Besides proper guidance and assistance in work are provided by the seniors who create an environment of growth through learning. Adequate training would be provided during the probation period until you become a successful insurance agent. Cracking the exam depends upon luck: The luck factor does not justify the clearance of your insurance agent exam. Getting through the insurance agent exam depends on the amount of your hard work and dedication. Thus it is wrong to state that one cannot succeed in the insurance agent exam despite his eligibility and good performance. Self-study is not sufficient: Yet another myth persists over the factor concerning the mode of study. According to this myth, one shall opt for regular coaching classes to pass the insurance agent exam and for which self-studies would be considered weak. Contrary to the misbelief, one can easily pass the exam by conducting a proper time on self-study. There is no need for long-duration coaching classes that consumes the maximum amount of your time. People with higher IQs can get through the exam: Well, this information is untrue to the best of the knowledge. IQ is never a factor concerning the insurance agent exam. To be brief with the context, the insurance agent exam is all about sharpening your skills related to the relevant topic of insurance. It has nothing to do with a whole lot of external knowledge, unlike the case of civil examinations. These myths harm the preparation of the aspirants, thus offering a chance to back out from the chosen career field. The irrelevant knowledge and false assumptions often mislead the candidates over selecting their desired career path. This article is specially designed to drive out the present myths in the minds of the candidates who want to fulfill their career in this field. So go ahead, breaking the boundaries of the fear arisen by the myths and give a kick to your career as an insurance agent and to know more about the insurance agent exam click here. We wish you all the best! Read Also: Tips To Lower Your Insurance Costs Excellent Strategies To Outshine In BPSC 2020 Examination! 5 Tips For Transport & Logistics Business Owners Before Investing In Insurance Learning How To Choose The Best Merchant Account For Your Burgeoning Insurance Company  

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