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Bigg Challenge: We received a question from Gary, one of our listeners. He graduated from college a few years ago with a liberal arts degree. He had planned to go to law school, but didn’t want even more debt. He tried to get a job in his field, but didn’t find one. So he’s still delivering pizza, a job he started in college.
He feels trapped. He’s applied for a number of jobs, but has been told that he’s not qualified because of his inexperience. He wants our advice on how to get out of his dead-end job.
Bigg Advice: Sometimes you know you have more potential than your job offers. It sounds like you’re in that position, Gary. But keep your chin up – you’ll find a rewarding career if you keep trying.
You don’t find your current job challenging. But here’s the good news – when you go home, your job doesn’t go with you. Think about these two questions:
- What are you passionate about?
- Are there opportunities to do something part-time in that field?
Get your foot in the door.
On the show, Mary-Lynn said that, when she was young, she wanted to work full-time in radio as a disc jockey. She didn’t have the experience or the skills required.
So she got a full-time job as a waitress and worked part-time at a local radio station. Whenever an opportunity presented itself, she volunteered her time so she could learn the skills she needed. She wasn’t getting paid for that time, but she was investing in her future.
It paid off! Within a year, she got a full-time job as a disc jockey! Get your foot in the door.
- From janitor to mogul
As a kid, Sean Combs knew that he wanted to be in the music business. He went to New York and volunteered to be the janitor at a record company.
They were growing fast because hip hop was hot. They needed people. They were comfortable with him. They knew that he had a good ear for talent. He had proven himself. In a year, he became the Vice President of Marketing. We know the rest!
Part-time business
Would you like to start your own business? Could you do it part-time? A lot of businesses – like Dell, Microsoft, and Apple – started part-time.
On the show, George said that he was a salesperson when he was young. After his work was done for the day, he devoted his time to his part-time business. Within two years, he opened a store, which provided him a full-time salary.
Back to school
You mentioned law school, Gary – why not go back now? You may have to take on some debt, but most lawyers get paid well. Odds are you’ll be able to pay it off quickly. It doesn’t have to be law school. Maybe there’s something else you’re passionate about that offers great opportunities now and in the future.
Thanks, Gary, for sending us your bigg challenge. We wish you bigg success!
| Do you have a suggestion for Gary? Leave a comment below. |
Our Bigg Quote comes from Cullen Hightower.
“Worry compounds the futility of being trapped
on a dead-end street. Thinking opens new avenues.”
But that’s just the start! After you’ve thought about your escape route, put it in gear and burn some rubber getting out of there!
Next time, with the Super Bowl upon us, we’re going to discuss how to fumble forward, toward the end zone. Until then, here’s to your bigg success!
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