So You've Been on The Same Job For a Long Time

by Michelle Wright

Once upon a time you worked for a company until it was time to retire and in gratitude for your years of service you received a gold watch. It was commonplace to work for the same company and/or in the same position your entire career. Now in this fast pace era of dot.com companies, PDAs, online social networks, and text messaging - the world around us is moving and changing at warp speed. Time is measured in micro seconds instead of hours. Today's employees are faced with a growing need for more knowledge in the workplace due to a global economy, sending jobs overseas, advances in technology, layoffs, and the decline of blue collar jobs which prompts many to reenter the job market. The problem is you have been doing the same job for a long time, is it too late for you to get onboard or have you missed the bus already?

The great thing it is never too late to change or learn something new. The question is - are you willing to learn new things? You have obviously mastered your current position and now it is time to conquer new skills or transfer old skills to a new position or industry. I know it sounds scary but you can do it. We all have the ability to embrace lifelong learning. The question is are you willing to do so. If you think about it I?m sure you could think about two things that you have learned this week. Think of your parents or grandparents that have learned how to use ?those computers and cell phones? it is never too late to learn a new skill. Do not get left behind, get on the bus and go forward.

So if you wondering, I have been on the same job for a long time ? how, what, and where do I acquire these new skills.

Here are some options:

  1. Start with your company's training programs

    These programs could include e-learning, new software applications, new manufacturing skills, basic office skills, a foreign language or how to use a computer. The point is to take a chance and see what training is being offered. A company cannot prosper unless it adapts to change. Be a part of the change and adapt by learning new things within the company you work for.

  2. Go back to school

    It does not matter if you did not complete high school or you have your PhD, you can still learn something new. You can go back to school to learn a new trade, get your GED, get a certificate or diploma, or earn a degree. There are programs especially designed for the adult learner that address the needs of a student that may work fulltime, have kids and other dependents, or has not been in a classroom for many years.

  3. Transferable skills

    There are resources such as the Department of Labor (federal & state), the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, the Occupational Handbook, and O NET website (occupational information network ? U.S. Department of Labor) that provide helpful tools about job trends and requirements for jobs or industries. Your skills could be used in another industry or with additional training and/or education you could do something new and different.

  4. Research free or low cost retraining

    There are training and educational opportunities offered to you if you are currently collecting unemployment benefits. One such program is WIA or the Workforce Investment Act
Think about it this way - you learned how to ride a bike, how to drive a car, how to surf the internet, how to order your favorite cup of coffee, and the names of your kid's video games - then you can learn anything. Are you willing to learn new things? Of course you are. So just get on the bus, it will take you where you need to go. Enjoy the ride and see you when you get there.