The new year can be the perfect time to start afresh. If you’re in the market for a new job, then you’ll be pleased to know that January and February are busy hiring months for many companies that are back in full swing after the holidays.
Whether this is the year you’re finally going to leave a job you don’t like, go part-time, or make an exciting new career change, there’s a huge pool of opportunities out there just waiting to be discovered. So why not start 2023 with a blank canvas? What you do with it is completely up to you.
Here’s a range of ideas and inspiration to help you get started on your job search…
1. Explore popular career change alternatives
It’s never too late to start a new career and, no matter what your work history looks like, chances are you’ll have many transferable skills that could be used to help you start something new.
For inspiration, you could have a browse of what a few popular career change options like teaching, caring, and civil service jobs might entail…
2. Work part-time
Working part-time could allow you to find a better work-life balance so you can focus more time on things like health, family, and community interest.
A part-time job can also be a great option for those transitioning from full-time work to retirement, who perhaps don’t want to leave the workplace completely yet, or who would like to continue topping up their pension.
Whatever your reason for going part-time, there are plenty of different options to choose from.
3. Find a job that you can start without a qualification
If you don’t have the time or money to spend on a degree or other qualification, the good news is that there are many interesting roles that provide on-the-job training for people without the relevant skills or qualifications.
All you need is a willingness to learn and the right attitude for the job.
4. Work with animals
If you love animals, landing a job where you can hang out with them all day could be the purr-fect start to your new year.
From retraining as a veterinary nurse, to becoming an RSPCA Inspector, or assistance dog trainer, these are just a few ways that you could explore your passion for all creatures great and small.
5. Get out on the road
Do you love being behind the wheel? Would you enjoy a job where you’re out on the road rather than being stuck within the same four walls?
For a lot of driving jobs, all you need to get started is a full clean UK driving licence and a calm and confident attitude behind the wheel.
6. Make a difference to the lives of others
Many people say they find their work much more satisfying when they know that they’re making a positive difference to the lives of others.
From charity work, to handling emergency 999 calls, and delivering babies, there are so many ways that you can make your mark.
7. Explore unique roles that you may not have considered
Sometimes, it can help to think more creatively about your job search because you may come across roles that you might not have considered, or even heard of before.
If you haven’t found the right job for you yet, then it’s worth exploring our four-part series of jobs you may not have considered, where you’ll find a total of 60 unique job ideas for you to explore.
8. Start a side hustle
A side hustle is a job or activity that people do in their spare time to earn extra cash or test a business idea. Side hustles can be a good way to top up your income alongside your full or part-time job.
Popular ideas include setting up an Airbnb rental business or publishing your own books.
9. Travel the world
It’s not uncommon to gaze out of the office window and dream about all the exciting adventures you could be having around the world.
If your dream is to find a job that would allow you to immerse yourself in new cities and cultures, why not start browsing today?
10. Use your life experience
Life experience can be useful in many lines of work, but there are some jobs where the application of skills and experience gained through years of riding life’s ups and downs can be particularly invaluable.
Many of our members have told us that they’re keen to find roles and opportunities where they can use their skills and experience to help impart knowledge and wisdom to others. Various roles, including a youth worker and teacher, to a counsellor and life coach will allow you to do just this.
11. Start a business from home
Have you ever dreamt about becoming your own boss and working to a schedule that suits you?
Starting a business from home is an attractive prospect for many people, largely because you get to work in your own space. If this sounds like something that you’d like to do but you’re stuck for ideas, we’ve come up with a few to help inspire you to take those first steps…
12. Make people smile
Chances are you’ll enjoy your work so much more if you can leave knowing that you helped to put a smile on someone’s face.
From making children laugh as a children’s entertainer, to finding dogs new homes as a rehoming and welfare officer, there are plenty of feel-good roles where you’ll be able to spread a little joy.
13. Consider working from home
If you’re looking to cut the commute, have a better work-life balance, and work free from office distractions, then a permanent home-working arrangement might suit you.
From becoming a virtual assistant, to taking up a role in pet sitting or childcare, there are many great home-based roles out there.
14. Turn your favourite activity into a day job
If you want to have more fun at work, why not try turning one of your passions into a day job?
Whether you enjoy gardening, photography, music, or something else entirely, find out how you could earn money from these popular pastimes…
Final thoughts...
From business ideas that you can start from home to roles that’ll take you around the world, we hope you’ve found some ideas and inspiration for where to take your career in 2023.
For more job-related help, why not visit the careers section of our website? Here, you’ll find advice on everything from writing your CV and preparing for an interview, to handing in your notice at work.