Category: Jobs

Many people still feel that owning their own home is something to aim for but if you are looking to buy your own home then you may be surprised to hear that your job can have a big impact on your chances of being accepted for a mortgage. This is particularly so if you are self-employed for example as in most cases you will be required to provide three years of accounts showing that you have a good turn over before you will even be considered for a mortgage. If you have not kept accurate accounts then this may prove problematic, and you could find yourself in a situation where few mortgage providers will be willing to offer you the money you need.

Another issue for those hoping to secure a mortgage is if you are on a low or zero hour contract as you may struggle to get the mortgage deal you are looking for. As you have no guarantee of work, mortgage providers tend to refuse to risk lending people in this position the funds they require. So, if you want to get a mortgage what is the best advice concerning employment?

You may have to consider finding alternative employment, ideally a full-time permanent position at least in the short term. You will usually need to provide at least the last three months of payslips and possibly a contract of employment but is you can secure a mortgage then this will be worthwhile.

Some employees find that working in an office or factory environment has a detrimental effect on their mental health and so look for other types of work that may suit them better. Working outdoors for the majority of the day can have huge benefits as spending time outdoors has been shown to improve mental health and wellbeing. Being able to do this and earn a living for many people can be a helpful experience.

There are many different jobs on offer that involve working outside not just working on a farm as many people may think. Modern technology is changing the face of agriculture and therefore there is an increased need for engineers, scientists and researchers in farming.

Working as a gardener can be a very rewarding job as often it is on a self-employed basis which means you can choose your own hours of work. Being your own boss can be a major factor in someone’s wellbeing and job satisfaction is high amongst people working in this field.

If being self-employed is not something you want to do, many large country houses and estates employ a team of gardeners and grounds people to maintain the large gardens. Large tourist attractions and theme parks are also a good place to seek employment that involves outdoor working so if you are not afraid to work in all weathers why not give it a try?

Excellent communication skills can make an enormous difference to your career. But how do you go about improving your skills in this area?

The best place to start is simply by listening and watching. Observing how others in your office interact with colleagues and management is a great way of gaining a better understanding of what works in your company. Once you have this understanding, try to replicate it and practise it in your day-to-day life both at work and in your leisure time.

Another way to improve your interpersonal skills is to always try to remain positive, even when it is hard as it is important not to allow negativity to encroach on your interactions at work. Always try to remain calm and find the positive aspects of any situation.

Emotions and empathy are important in the workplace, but it is even more important that you have control over them. Whether you are irritated or happy, always try to express yourself in a calm and patient manner.

Everyone wants to be appreciated so showing that you recognise and appreciate their talents is an effective way of building trust with co-workers. Our lives are much more than our work so getting to know more about your colleagues develops and solidifies your relationships, giving you a better understanding of them as a person.

As the cost of higher education has become more expensive in recent years many more young people are considering doing an apprenticeship as a route into getting not only a good job but also training. The attraction of being able to earn while you learn is driving the popularity of apprenticeships in all fields as school leavers fed up with classroom learning want to begin their career.

Apprenticeships can be undertaken from the age of sixteen and last at least twelve months. They usually comprise of some practical work alongside experienced colleagues and either time spent at college or online learning. Many apprentices are taken on after their apprenticeship has finished as the company know their capabilities, reliability and the training that they have received.

There are many benefits to completing an apprenticeship. Probably the greatest is to be able to gain qualifications whilst working and getting paid, but another huge benefit is not incurring debts that will need to be repaid in the future. On average those workers who have undertaken an apprenticeship earn potentially more over their working life than someone who has not so it should certainly be considered and compared to the route of A levels then university.

Many parents find that it is impossible to survive on one adult’s earnings and so it is necessary for both parents to work in some capacity. The cost of childcare can be astronomical and unless the jobs are well paid many parents wonder whether it is worthwhile both parents working for a small additional amount whilst paying someone else to look after under school age children.

One solution to this dilemma is to find a way for one parent to work from home so that they can be at home with young children and also earn a wage. It is worth considering whether one parent has a skill that could be adapted to enable them to work in this way such as secretarial skills or marketing. These roles could be carried out at home on a computer with meetings organised to coordinate work via online conference calls.

Some people may have a hobby that can be used to earn a wage from such as dressmaking, baking or woodwork as there may be an interest locally in employing someone to make or alter clothes, make celebration cakes or design and make items from wood. It is worthwhile asking on local social media groups to ascertain the level of interest if you think this is an area that could be developed into a business venture.