contractor work

[car10001]

Hi

just have a quick question why do people today move on so quickly from jobs as soon as they know it’s time and not do what past generations did and stay longer and delay changing jobs.

many of you know that past generations stayed longer and until they couldn’t do it where as today’s generations move on so quickly as soon as they know it’s time and don’t stay a second longer.

many of you know also that am feeling behind because of staying too long in old job and now got frail grandparents and time doesn’t allow at moment

plus insurance and licenses and stuff costs so much and can’t afford to cover costs until starting to get enough work to cover costs and can’t afford the capital yet.

is there ways around this, is volunteering at a place and charging cost price and a little donation for time a way around it and would volunteer places have insurance you can work under instead of your own.

what are other ways around it that don’t involve taking a chance and hoping nothing goes wrong

[Elliot]

It's understandable to feel a sense of confusion or frustration when comparing the job-hopping tendencies of today's generation with the more stable, long-term career paths of the past. The rapid pace of change in today’s world, combined with shifting economic realities and evolving cultural values, has created a very different environment for career planning than what previous generations experienced. This shift can be particularly challenging if you find yourself feeling behind due to staying in an old job too long, especially when life's demands, such as caring for frail grandparents, add to the complexity of your situation.

In the past, staying at a job for decades was often seen as a marker of loyalty, reliability, and success. Workers would invest themselves fully into a single company, often receiving pensions, job security, and a sense of belonging in return. However, the economic landscape has shifted dramatically over the past few decades. Many of the benefits that encouraged long-term employment—like pensions and guaranteed job security—have either diminished or disappeared entirely. Companies today are more likely to restructure, downsize, or even close than they were in the past, making long-term job stability far less attainable.

Additionally, today’s workers often face a different set of expectations and pressures. With the rapid development of technology, the job market is more dynamic, and the skills that are in demand are constantly evolving. As a result, many workers feel the need to move on quickly to new opportunities in order to stay relevant and competitive. The idea of staying in one place until you can no longer do the job is less appealing when new skills, experiences, and challenges are seen as key to long-term success.

For someone like yourself, who might feel stuck due to staying in an old job for too long, the transition can be particularly daunting. When you add the responsibility of caring for elderly relatives and the financial burden of insurance, licenses, and other costs, it’s no wonder you might feel overwhelmed. The good news is that there are ways to navigate this transition without taking on too much risk or feeling like you’re gambling with your future.

One approach to consider is volunteering in your desired field. Volunteering can be a valuable way to gain experience, build connections, and ease into a new industry without the immediate pressure of making a full-time commitment. Many volunteer organizations do carry insurance that could potentially cover you while you’re working under their umbrella. This could alleviate some of the financial burden and allow you to focus on building your skills and network.

By charging only the cost price and accepting a small donation for your time, you can also start to build a reputation and a client base without the high upfront costs associated with launching a full business. This method allows you to slowly transition into your new career path while still maintaining some level of financial stability.

If volunteering doesn’t seem like the right fit, you might also explore part-time work or freelance opportunities in your desired field. These options often come with fewer upfront costs and can be a way to test the waters before fully committing to a new job or career path. They also provide the flexibility to balance work with other responsibilities, such as caring for your grandparents.

In today’s economy, the idea of staying in one place for too long can feel like a liability rather than a strength. However, by taking small, calculated steps, you can begin to transition into a new role or career without taking on unnecessary risk. Whether it’s through volunteering, part-time work, or other creative solutions, there are ways to move forward that don’t involve simply hoping for the best.

It’s important to remember that everyone’s path is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. What matters most is finding a balance that works for you, given your unique circumstances. It’s okay to feel behind sometimes, but with thoughtful planning and a willingness to explore new opportunities, you can make progress toward a future that feels more aligned with your goals and values.

[Rachael]

I totally understand where you're coming from! It's like you're feeling stuck between a rock and a hard place, wanting to move forward in your career but feeling held back by the responsibilities and costs associated with making a change. And to make matters worse, it seems like everyone around you is moving at a faster pace, switching jobs with ease, and leaving you feeling like you're lagging behind.

First of all, let's talk about why people today tend to move on from jobs more quickly than past generations. There are a few reasons for this. One reason is that the job market has changed significantly over the years. With the rise of the gig economy and the increasing demand for specialized skills, people are no longer expected to stay in one job for their entire careers. In fact, it's become more common for people to switch jobs every few years to gain new experiences, build their professional networks, and stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends.

Another reason is that people's priorities have shifted. With the increasing emphasis on work-life balance and personal fulfillment, people are no longer willing to stay in jobs that don't align with their values or make them happy. They're more likely to take risks and pursue new opportunities that offer better pay, more flexible work arrangements, or a sense of purpose.

Now, I know it's not that easy for you, especially with frail grandparents to care for and limited financial resources. It's completely understandable that you're hesitant to take a chance and start over. But here's the thing: you don't have to take a huge leap of faith to start making progress. There are ways to test the waters, so to speak, without breaking the bank or putting yourself at risk.

Volunteering is a great idea, for instance. Not only can it give you valuable experience and skills, but it can also help you build connections in your industry and gain confidence in your abilities. And, as you mentioned, some volunteer organizations may offer insurance coverage or other benefits that can help mitigate some of the costs associated with starting a new venture.

Another option might be to start small, by taking on freelance or part-time work in your desired field. This can help you build up your portfolio, gain experience, and generate some income while you're still caring for your grandparents. You could also consider partnering with someone or finding a mentor who can help guide you through the process and share some of the costs.

In terms of insurance and licenses, it's true that these can be significant expenses. However, there may be ways to reduce these costs or find alternative solutions. For example, some professional associations or networking groups may offer discounted rates on insurance or other benefits to their members. You could also look into local resources, such as small business development centers or entrepreneurship programs, that may offer free or low-cost advice and support.

Lastly, I want to remind you that it's okay to take your time and prioritize your family responsibilities. It's not selfish to put your grandparents' needs first, and it's actually a testament to your character that you're willing to make sacrifices for them. Remember that your career is just one part of your life, and it's not the only thing that defines you.

So, take a deep breath, and don't be too hard on yourself. You're not behind, and you're not failing. You're just on a different path, and that's okay. Keep exploring your options, seeking advice, and taking small steps towards your goals. And most importantly, be kind to yourself and celebrate your small wins along the way. You got this!