Start to Work at What You Love and Get Paid For It!

Start to Work at What You Love and Get Paid For It! 

Life abroad can be very exciting and demanding, however may also cause an anxiety, stress and homesickness. It may make you feel helpless, alone, lost and uncomfortable, especially if you are looking to build your career and life in new country. There are many expatriates, especially women, who are suffering in silence, either not asking for help or they do not know how, where or who to ask for support to design the career they want and live a successful life abroad.

Prepare your exit plan

First and the most important thing is to prepare an action plan. Take some time to reflect and ask yourself: how would you like your life to be? How would you like your business to be? What are your personal, professional and financial goals? What do you really want? Then write down random list of steps which you can take to achieve your goals. For example, if you are thinking of swapping to a part-time job and do your business simultaneously, firstly, you may speak with your boss or manager to discuss this possibility. To prioritize your goals give them deadlines at the same time: when are you going to speak with your boss? Solid plan will give you clarity and guide you to your vision. 

Working full time and dealing with your business simultaneously

You do not have to give up your full time job and sacrifice your all time for your own business. There are many people out there who are working during the week and they focus on their business during evenings or weekends, e.g. Maria, who is a social media expert. She is a full time business owner right now but two months ago she was a full time employee while growing her business in her "free time". Her transformation took some time, but she had a financial security, her full time job, which helped her to invest in herself and her business. Your full-time job can be one of your business resources.

Ask for part time and do your business at the same time

Anna was thinking about leaving her job and working full time for herself, but she knew that it was not the right time to do it, because with two children and rent to pay she could not give it up right now. She thought about switching her contract to part-time. She spoke with her manager about her situation and after long conversation she negotiated to work 4 days per week instead of 5, so she could spend more time on her baking business. 

Change your job completely, find a new part time contract

Not everyone can be as lucky as Anna. Take for example, Bob who is passionate about career coaching. Bob asked for part-time contract, but the answer was “NO”, so he decided to quit his company, look for part-time job or some temporary contracts and start developing his business idea. Within few months he found a part-time job much closer to his apartment and he also launched his coaching business. 

Take a sabbatical, work on your business...

Do some voluntary work to taste of your new career. Another suggestion for you is trying to find a way to taste the new professional path or business idea you chose - or some aspects of it. Do it as soon as you can so you will find out if the path you chose is the right one for you. For example, you can take a sabbatical and volunteer for 3 months.

Ask for financial grants

If you have an idea for a business you can look for sponsors or grants to develop your project further. If you are living in the UK you can research UK Business Grants on:http://www.ukbusinessgrants.org, orhttp://www.virginstartup.org. You can also find some useful information at:http://www.eubusiness.com/funding for grants, loans in Europe, or visit:http://ec.europa.eu/small-business/finance/index_en.htm. Spend some time to do the research, ask questions, contact people who have been successful and are willing to give you some tips and advice.

How can you get supported?

What additional support do you need? Starting a business is exciting, but it can also be tough sometimes. You can lose your energy and motivation, moreover, your self-esteem can decrease quickly. Surround yourself with people who can support you or read some positive stories to build up your motivation. Believe in yourself and what you can achieve. Imagine that you have already succeeded in order to gain the courage to leave your comfort zone and reach your professional goals by: joining business networking groups, making connections, keeping your eyes open and being curious.

These simple steps can really help you to start working at what you love and live the life you want. Remember, good action plan is a first step to your success, it will help you keep on track and automatically motivates you to go further with your business project.

About Dominika Miernik

Dominika Miernik is a Career, Intercultural and Expat Coach from Poland, who lived and worked in Italy and the UK. She has recently moved back to Rome. Dominika helps people who live and work abroad, those who are planning to move abroad or are coming back to the native country (repatriates) to create a career they want, find their own business idea or accelerate their international career. Get her Free 3 day career coaching e-program:http://dmcoaching.eu/. Clarify your career goals and create your action plan to achieve them. | First published on DM Coaching Blog