I often ask women what’s the best investment they’ve ever made, and many will say property, family or shares and if they’ve been on trend lately they might even include Bitcoin.
Sadly, education rarely gets a mention, but really if you can do one thing for yourself in 2018, it should be to focus on investing in your own skills.
Not only is education a smart way to boost your pay packet, and bridge that ugly gender pay gap, but it can also just make you feel more personally satisfied in your chosen career, and frankly your life.
It’s timely to also think about it given that school is back and most tertiary courses have opened up their intake.
We asked ME Money Expert Matt Read for some practical steps on using education to increase your pay, and launch into a better career in 2018.
- Investing in education
Improving your skills and qualification can be the key to making headway in the job market. No matter whether it’s a uni degree or TAFE qualifications, additional skills can improve your income earning potential and employability. To discover which skills are in demand, check out the Australian Jobs 2017 report.
- Raise a hand to volunteer
If you’re thinking of a career change to give your pay an uptick, volunteering in a relevant field can be a great way to know if you’re making the right choice.
Even better, recruitment experts say 95 per cent of hiring employers regard volunteering as a credible way for job seekers to gain work experience and skills. Head to websites like Volunteering Australia for opportunities.
- Build your own business
Running your own show isn’t just a dream for many Australians, it can also be a great way to earn more money.
Think about what you’re good at, research the market and develop a business plan to give your new venture a road-map. Be prepared to work hard and tap into the wealth of government support available to budding entrepreneurs.
While just over one in ten workers have built their own business to boost their income, a whopping 77 per cent say it has worked.
With a world of options available, 2018 could be your best year yet to forge ahead, kick financial goals, and add more coin to your pay cheque.
