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-Sports
-Design
-Health
-Cars
-Etc.

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Think About What You Don’t Want to do in Life

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Think About What You Don’t Want to do in Life

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-Having fixed hours
-Feeling stuck

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Go to School or Complete Prerequisites Needed for Job

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Go to School or Complete Prerequisites Needed for Job

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-College
-Trade school
-Internship

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Use Social Media:
-LinkedIn
Facebook

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What is your dream job? | Cecilie Johnsrud | TEDxYouth@FortWorth

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Spark Presentation

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High Population

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Low Population

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How Might Your Job be Affected by its Location?

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How Might Your Job be Affected by its Location?

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-Short/Long Commute
-Public Transportation
-Work Vehicle
-Little vs A lot of business

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PowerPoint

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Would You Make Enough Money for Your Satisfaction?

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Would You Make Enough Money for Your Satisfaction?

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-Research!

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Does the Job You Want Make A lot of Money?

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Does the Job You Want Make A lot of Money?

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-If not, research jobs related to your interests to see which would make you happy while still making money to your liking

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Are There Jobs Available in this Career?

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Are There Jobs Available in this Career?

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Watch ‘Day in the Life’ Videos of your Preferred Job

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Watch ‘Day in the Life’ Videos of your Preferred Job

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Top 5 Tips for Finding a Job You Will Love

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Tips for finding a job that you’ll love, including how to be sure the position and the company are a good match for your interests and career goals.

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As we start 2016, I'm thinking about a question that I've been asking myself the last few years, and that I've encouraged anyone who will listen to ask themselves too:
What kind of life do you want?
In college, everyone wants to know what job you want, what kind of work you want to do, what company you want to work for.

No one asks:

"How much free time do you want?"

"What do you want to spend money on?"

"Who do you want to spend time with?"

"What do you want to do for fun?"

Yet, these are monumentally more significant questions.

The vast majority of my peers in college were working tirelessly towards getting a certain job. That could be in a certain niche (consulting, banking) or at a certain company (Google, Microsoft).

It was their main focus. Their main goal. The one thing they worked towards.

But since they've graduated, I've seen unhappiness. Dissatisfaction. Unrest.

They got the job they wanted, but they didn't get a life they wanted. They didn't consider (or they ignored) that the job might come with:

A horrible work life balance

Limited growth from being at "entry level" and there being fixed promotion tiers

No time to travel with a limited vacation allowance

Cut-throat competition among other first years

And other aspects that create an unhappy or unfulfilling life

They don't always admit it, but when you're working 80 hour weeks, complaining incessantly, using alcohol and drugs as your source of fun, not sleeping, dreading Monday, and longing for the weekend... you have a shitty life.

If you're in college now, or even if you're a recent graduate, I don't want that to happen to you.

Take a few minutes (or hours) and seriously think about what kind of life you want to have. If you're in college, that's when you graduate. If you've graduated, then think about what life you want to have right now.

Instead of getting a job and then trying to get a good life out of it, create your idea of a good life now and find work that supports it. Doing it in this order is the only way to build a life you want and to not have to compromise what makes you happy.

Difficult? Yes. But life isn't a dress rehearsal, you get one go at it and if you don't start living it to the utmost now then when will you?

This is also the first step in finding fun work that you love after you graduate. If you're a college student who isn't excited about typical corporate prospects, defining your ideal life like this is the place to start.

So instead of setting a New Years resolution, and instead of thinking about what job you want, start thinking about what life you want.

Tips to Guide Your Thinking

Sitting down and trying to answer everything about your "ideal life" is difficult, so here are some tips and guiding questions to get you started.

Think about what you DON'T want

As a result of Impact Bias, the Empathy Gap, and a host of other biases, we're terrible at predicting our own happiness.

We buy fancy things, then get used to them quickly. We go out drinking and have fun, then lose a day to a hangover. We think someone is "the one" then hate them 6 months later.

If you sit down and say "what will make me happy?" you'll get it wrong. Instead, think about what makes you unhappy, and then about how you can create a life that avoids as many of those problems as possible.

For example, I hate:

Being told what to do

Dealing with stupid people

Having fixed work hours / locations

Feeling "stuck"

Slow personal growth / limited upward mobility

So I know I have to create a life that doesn't allow any of these.

Focus on Experiences

For the reasons mentioned in the last section, "stuff" doesn't make us happy.

Experiences, however, do have a lasting impact on our happiness. So don't say you want a life where you're rich and famous with a garage full of Ferraris and topless supermodels (idk why you're keeping them in the garage, but who's to judge).

Instead, think about the kinds of experiences you want to have and what a life with those experiences in it would look like.

That could be travel, it could be learning new skills, it could be being able to go completely offline after 6 pm. Think about the experiences that you know you want to have in your life and make sure they're in your "ideal life" plan.

For example, I know I like traveling, whether it's to visit friends, see new places, or just work from somewhere different. So my life has to support that.

‍I'm writing this from a tea house in Miami with one of my closest friends

Plan an Ideal Week

Take a minute and plan an ideal day or week. It doesn't have to be down to the minute, but what do you definitely want in your typical week?

If you're not sure what to put, then think back on some of your best days that were also productive. What happened during them? What makes them stand out?

For example, these are some of mine:

Find People You're Jealous Of

Look for people older than you that you're jealous of. What is it about what they're doing that makes you envious? Is it what they're getting paid for? How they're impacting people? The size of their audience? Your sources of envy are a big indicator of what you (secretly or overtly) want in your life.

For example, I've always been a little jealous of people who can make a living off of their writing. I'm partially doing that now, and that's also part of why I have this site.

Experiment More

You need a large data set to know what you like and don't like.

Play around more, try new things, be willing to fail, and as you gain more exposure to different options you'll get a better sense of what you like and don't like.

For example, On the recommendation of a friend I went to a free acro-yoga class. Turns out it's a ton of fun, and I'm going to start doing it more regularly.

Think About What Kind of Fun You Want

There needs to be some fun in your life. What types of fun activities get you the most jazzed up?

When you think about it, Netflix is most likely not something that you consider super fun, but something you do to veg out for a while. What do you find seriously fun that you want more of in your life?

For example, Don't count out activities that might seem hard to do regularly like sailing, mountain climbing, or dirt bike racing. If that's what you find fun and want more of in your life, then you should find a way to make it happen.

Ask Where do You Want to Be

Many people just go for the best job and don't think about location as much. But think about where you want to live for the next few years of your life.

Somewhere with seasons? Warm all the time? Beach? Expensive? US? What kind of nightlife? Food? Consider the types of cities you'd be excited to be in.

For example, Maybe you don't want to pay the high cost of living in New York City or SF. Come hang out in Austin instead.

Taking Action

This isn't something you write down once and then go on with your life.

At the back of your mind, you should always be asking yourself:
What kind of life do I want
And
Is what I'm doing right now in line with that idea of an ideal life?
The type of work you do needs to fit that image of your ideal life. The other way around, the way most people do it, is a recipe for unhappiness.

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The Ultimate Question: What do I Want in Life - Nat Eliason

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As we start 2016, I'm thinking about a question that I've been asking myself the last few years, and that I've encouraged anyone who will listen to ask themselves too: What kind of life do you want? In college, everyone wants to know what job you want, what kind of work you want to do, what company you want to work for.

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Unless you are one of the lucky few who works in a high-demand career, finding a new job can be a challenging and frustrating experience.

You can make the job search a bit easier on yourself if you use proactive strategies for finding a new job - and the tips for finding a new job included in this article are applicable to all job seekers, from those just starting out to experienced candidates who need a quick refresher.

Here are some of my best tips for finding a new job at any career level.

1. Get clear on what you want

Before starting your job search, take the time to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses and the type of work you enjoy doing. The better you know yourself, the more likely you'll find a new job that provides you with greater satisfaction. What do you want in a job? What's most important, title, money, promotion, the work itself, location, or company culture?

2. Research your target companies

Once you know what you want, it's time to find out what the companies you're applying for want. A great tip for finding a new job is to investigate a company's Glassdoor page. It will help you get a feel for their company culture, figure out what questions they commonly ask in interviews, and even discover what salary you're likely to be paid.

Your resume is still one of the most critical tools of a job search. One of my best tips for finding a new job is to have an achievement-oriented resume that includes quantifiable achievements that are relevant to the job you're applying for.

3. Tailor your resume to each job

Your resume is still one of the most critical tools of a job search. A lot of resumes I see are full of responsibilities (instead of tangible achievements) and jobseekers send the same resume to various openings. One of my best tips for finding a new job is to have an achievement-oriented resume that includes quantifiable achievements that are relevant to the job you're applying for.

Make yourself an obvious fit. Study the words and phrases that are used in the job description? Make sure you include them in your resume (provided you have that experience, of course). Tailor your resume to each job - the recruiter should know within a few seconds of looking at your resume that you have the skills they are looking for.

Editor's note: You can tailor your resume, or build a new one from scratch, using LiveCareer's free resume builder.

4. Create your online career brand

Building your brand simply means showcasing your expertise and passion online where employers searching the Web can find it. Most recruiters, including myself, use LinkedIn as their primary search tool and if you're a professional, you need to be using LinkedIn to your full advantage. It's a great resource for finding people working at companies that interest you and also for positioning yourself to be found by recruiters and hiring managers with relevant openings.

5. Get organized

Before you start applying for jobs or interviewing with employers, take a moment to develop a system that works for you in organizing your job search. A simple spreadsheet works best for many to keep a track of the jobs you've applied for, where you have been invited to interview, etc.

6. Build, cultivate, and utilize your network of contacts

For the vast majority of jobseekers, a large and strong network of contacts - people who know you and want to help you uncover job leads - results in more job opportunities. Networking - in person and online - is essential to your success in your job search.

It also helps you to get a good idea of what is out there and available, so you can be more strategic in your job search. Don't be afraid to reach out to people on LinkedIn, and if you know someone working at a company that interests you, ask for a referral. Hiring managers would prefer to interview people who came recommended before sorting through the resumes arriving via a career website.

7. Don't limit yourself to online applications

If you rely only on submitting online applications, you could be looking for a job for a very long time. By the time you apply, the company might be in the final interview stage, or the job might have even been filled. Contact companies that interest you directly - you might get in contact with an internal recruiter or schedule informational interviews with people who work in those companies. Ideally, you want to be known to the people who might influence you getting your foot in the door.

8. Aim to complete a few job-related goals daily

It takes a great deal of time and effort to find a new job. In a long job search, it's easy to get discouraged and distracted, but by focusing on achieving daily goals you can motivate yourself while also building a foundation for success.

9. Be kind to yourself

Looking for a job can be stressful. So, take some time to meditate, exercise, watch a movie or whatever it is that helps you unwind. Create a good support network - having people to brainstorm with or vent your frustrations to will help the process be less painful.

10. Develop examples and stories that showcase your skills

This is one of the main tips for finding a new job. People remember stories, so your goal should be developing a set of interview stories you can use in networking meetings or job interviews that clearly demonstrate your skills, achievements, and passion for your work. Be memorable! Using stories (use the STAR format) may also help you feel more comfortable talking about yourself.

11. Prepare for all job interviews

Before you get called for your first interview, develop responses for common interview questions, and then practice them - ideally using the mock-interviewing technique with a friend, network contact, or interview coach. The more prepared you are for the interview, the more comfortable you'll be - and the more likely you'll succeed.

For the vast majority of jobseekers, a large and strong network of contacts - people who know you and want to help you uncover job leads - results in more job opportunities. Networking - in person and online - is essential to your success in your job search.

12. Write thank-you notes after interviews to all interviewers

A quick note (by email is fine) of thanks that emphasizes your interest and fit with the job and employer will not get you the job offer, but it will help make you stand out from the majority of jobseekers who do not bother with this simple act of courtesy.

13. Continue following up with hiring managers

Your work is not done once the interview is complete or the thank-you note sent. Following up with the hiring manager regularly shows your interest and enthusiasm for the job. The key is doing so in a way that is professional while not making you sound pesky or needy.

14. Expect the job search to take longer than you think

You can hope to have a new job within a short period, but the likely reality is that it might take months to find the right opportunity and get offered the position. You should mentally prepare yourself for a long battle - and then you can be happily surprised if you are one of the lucky few whose job search is short.

5 Final Thoughts on Finding a New Job

Here a few other tips for finding a new job if your job search situation does not fit the typical model - if conditions are such that finding employment will be unusually hard.

First, having both a positive attitude and outlook is extremely important. Employers can sense desperation and despair; organizations want to hire positive and competent people. If you've been unemployed for a long period and depressed or recently downsized and angry, find a way to shrug it off when job hunting or you will only be hurting yourself.

Second, if you're an older worker trying to find a job, you may face age discrimination. Among the ways to proactively counter any issues about your age are to limit the number of years of experience you list on your resume (by keeping to the last 10-15 years), eliminate dates in the education section of your resume, and focus on adaptability and flexibility in the interview.

Third, remember that you may need additional training or experience, especially if you are entering a new career field.

Fourth, you may need to consider temping or volunteering for a short period to gain experience and build network contacts that can lead to a full-time position.

Fifth, in the most extreme cases, you may need to consider relocation to a place that has a higher concentration of jobs in your field.

Hope you've found these tips for finding a new job useful. I'd love to hear what you're going to change in your job search after reading this article.

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14 Quick & Effective Tips for Finding a New Job | Resources | LiveCareer

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Unless you are one of the lucky few who works in a high-demand career, finding a new job can be a challenging and frustrating experience.

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Even when you have gone on more interviews than you can count, job interviewing remains hard.

With each job interview, you are meeting new people, selling yourself and your skills, and often getting the third degree about what you know or don't know. And, you need to stay upbeat and enthusiastic through it all. This can be a challenge, especially when you're interviewing for a job you would love to get hired for.

That said, there are ways to make a job interview feel much less stressful.

Just a little preparation time can go a long way. The more time you take in advance to get ready, the more comfortable you'll feel during the actual interview. Remember, though, that a job interview is not an exam: you don't need to study for hours on end. Instead, prioritize researching the company. That way, you'll understand exactly what they are looking for in a new hire, and be ready to discuss your experience and what makes you a great fit for the job.

Note

Keys to Effective Interviewing

Ultimately, these are the keys to effective interviewing:

Project confidence

Stay positive

Be able to share examples of your workplace skills and your qualifications for the job

Take the time to work on your interview skills so that you can develop effective strategies to use in all of your interviews. With some advance preparation, you'll be able to nail the interview and showcase the experience that makes you the ideal candidate for the company's next new employee.

Interview Tips That Will Help You Get Hired

Here are some job interview tips that can help you interview effectively. Proper preparation will help alleviate some of the stress involved in job interviews and position you for a positive and successful interviewing experience.

Practice and Prepare

Review the typical job interview questions employers ask and practice your answers. Strong answers are specific but concise, drawing on concrete examples that highlight your skills and back up your resume.

Your answers should also emphasize the skills that are most important to the employer and relevant to the position. Be sure to review the job listing, make a list of the requirements, and match them to your experience.

Note

While it's important to familiarize yourself with the best answers, it's equally important to listen carefully during your interview. That way, your response will provide the interviewer with the information they are looking for.

Also, have a list of your own questions to ask the employer ready. In almost every interview, you'll be asked if you have any questions for the interviewer. It is important to have at least one or two questions prepared in order to demonstrate your interest in the organization. Otherwise, you might come across as apathetic, which is a major turnoff for hiring managers.

Research the Company, and Show What You Know

Do your homework and research the employer and the industry, so you are ready for the interview question, " What do you know about this company?" If this question is not asked, you should try to demonstrate what you know about the company on your own.

You can do this by tying what you've learned about the company into your responses. For example, you might say: "I noticed that when you implemented a new software system last year, your customer satisfaction ratings improved dramatically. I am well-versed in the latest technologies from my experience with developing software at ABC, and appreciate a company who strives to be a leader in its industry."

You should be able to find out a lot of information about the company's history, mission, values, staff, culture, and recent successes on its website. If the company has a blog and a social media presence, they can be useful places to look, too.

Note

Develop a Connection With the Interviewer

In addition to indicating what you know about the company, you should also try to develop a connection with your interviewer. Know the interviewer's name, and use it during the job interview. If you're not sure of the name, call and ask prior to the interview. And, listen very carefully during introductions.

Note

Ultimately, building rapport and making a personal connection with your interviewer can up your chances of getting hired. People tend to hire candidates they like and who seem to be a good fit for the company's culture. Here's how to get the hiring manager on your side.

Get Ready Ahead of Time

Don't wait until the last minute to pick out an interview outfit, print extra copies of your resume, or find a notepad and pen. Have one good interview outfit ready, so you can interview on short notice without having to worry about what to wear.

Note

Not only will planning out everything (from what shoes you will wear, to how you'll style your hair, to what time you will leave and how you'll get there) buy you time in the morning, but it can also help reduce job search anxiety, and save you from having to make decisions, which means you can use that brainpower for your interview.

Make sure your interview attire is neat, tidy, and appropriate for the type of firm you are interviewing with. Bring a nice portfolio with extra copies of your resume. Include a pen and paper for note-taking.

If you're interviewing virtually, have all the technology set and ready in advance. Do a trial run to be sure everything is working properly, and you're comfortable with it.

Be on Time (That Means Early)

Be on time for the interview. On time means five to ten minutes early. If need be, drive to the interview location ahead of time so you know exactly where you are going and how long it will take to get there.

Take into account the time of your interview so you can adjust for local traffic patterns at that time. Give yourself a few extra minutes to visit the restroom, check your outfit, and calm your nerves.

Try to Stay Calm

During the job interview, try to relax and stay as calm as possible. Remember that your body language says as much about you as your answers to the questions. Proper preparation will allow you to exude confidence:

As you answer questions, maintain eye contact with the interviewer.

Be sure to pay attention to the question so that you don't forget it, and listen to the entire question (using active listening) before you answer, so you know exactly what the interviewer is asking.

Avoid cutting off the interviewer at all costs, especially when he or she is asking questions.

If you need to take a moment to think about your answer, that's totally fine, and is a better option than starting out with multiple "ums" or "uhs."

Check out these tips on avoiding job interview stress to help keep your nerves calm. If the thought of a job interview puts you in panic mode, reviewing these interview tips for introverts will be a great place to start.

Follow Up After the Interview

Always follow up with a thank-you note reiterating your interest in the position. You can also include any details you may have forgotten to mention during your interview.

Note

It's worth the extra effort. A Robert Half survey reports that 80% of hiring managers said it was helpful or somewhat helpful to receive a thank-you note after an interview.

Avoid These Common Interview Mistakes

What shouldn't you do when interviewing? Here are the most common job interview mistakes, blunders, and errors a candidate looking for employment can make.

Take the time to review these mistakes before your interview, so you don't have to stress out about blunders after it.

Successfully Handle Any Type of Interview

Review tips on how to handle interviews that are different from a typical one-on-one meeting. These include tips for phone interviews, second interviews, lunch and dinner interviews, behavioral interviews, interviewing in public, and more advice for interview success.

Also review these signs that your job interview went well, so you can see what skills you may need to brush up for next time.

Key Takeaways

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Job Interview Tips That Will Help You Get Hired

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The best job interview tips and advice to help ensure interview success, including how to practice, how to get ready, and what to wear to an interview.

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Moving to a new home can be exciting, especially if you move somewhere that is very different from where you currently live. It can also be stressful moving to a new environment that you are not used to. One of the biggest changes you can make in your living situation is moving from a small town or suburb into a big city like Chicago.

Moving from Suburbs and Small Towns

Many people who have never lived in a big city but have had the desire eventually succumb to the allure of city life and find themselves living in a much more populated and concentrated area than they experienced in the suburbs.

While there are plenty of people that would love to move to the city, big city life is not for everyone. It is very different than life in the suburbs or a small town and moves at a much faster pace. Like with any location, living in a major city has its advantages and disadvantages that you must take into account before ultimately deciding to ditch the suburbs for the big city lights.

The following are the main pros and cons of living in a city that you should consider before moving, even if you have always wanted to live in a major city.

Pros of Living in the City

Even though city living has its inconveniences, it makes up for these inconveniences with all that it has to offer. Big cities are major cultural centers that have vibrant art and music scenes, a wider variety of food, more places of interest such as museums, events like ball games and concerts, and a diverse population with a shared experience of city living. The following are the main advantages of city life:

1. Meeting New People

You will meet new people anywhere you move, but the experience is different in a city because major cities draw all kinds of people to them from all over the world. There are also more people in a city which means you will be encountering new faces every day. Meeting and talking to new people who have had very different life experiences than yours can be refreshing and give you a new perspective.

2. Activities

If you have lived in the same town for 10 years or more, chances are that you know the town very well and have done about everything there is to do. If you spend 10 years living in a major city, you likely won't come close to experiencing everything the city has to offer. There is always something to do in a major city to keep people of all different interests from getting bored. Most cities have a lively nightlife, different types of food to try, shows of all types, museums, landmarks, parks, festivals, sports games, and much more. If you are a visual or performance artist or a musician, there are plenty of opportunities in big cities to become a part of the scene.

3. Public Transportation

The public transportation system in major cities is a good alternative to driving yourself and dealing with the traffic and parking situation. Cities have trains or subways, buses, and plenty of taxis and ride sharing drivers so you can get where you need to go. Many public transportation options such as the bus and train are very affordable and free you of the hassle of driving. If you live in Chicago, for example, the average cost of public transpiration per month is around $82; in New York, the average cost per month is around $130 according to Expatistan.com.

It is possible to live without a car in most major cities. According to AAA, the average is $10,728 or $894 per month for owning and operating a new vehicle in 2022. It is certainly a hefty cost.

4. Big Events

The biggest events such as sporting events, concerts, festivals, and art openings happen in major cities. You can catch a concert or a baseball game without the long drives to and from the suburbs.

5. Shared Experience

One thing that can be very comforting in a big city with millions of people of different backgrounds is that everyone is sharing the same experience of living in the city. Big cities are more welcoming than many people believe and if you go to the same places and do the same activities, you will quickly meet new people who have similar interests and likely came to live in the city for the same reasons as you.

6. Free Activities

While many activities are typically more expensive due to the higher overhead costs, there's also many free things to do when they're planned well. Everything including going to the park, window shopping, visiting museums during their free admission days, and enjoying the sites downtown are all free and you can spend all day staying busy. While you won't be spending your money, you'll definitely be spending your time at these gorgeous sites, making the most out of your city-living experience.

7. Higher Salaries

Despite the high costs of living in the city, employers are usually willing to pay more. This is why many suburbanites commute to the city to get the higher pay and still enjoy the economical housing costs. Specifically large corporations like Google, Amazon and McDonald's who moved many of their corporate offices downtown are offering higher salaries with remote positions. So some employees many not have to face the commute everyday.

8. More Job Opportunities

With companies ruling the city skyscrapers, it's pretty hard not to find a job, although it may be tough to find one that pays your elevated rent cost. But a city full of companies is a city full of career opportunities. Chances are you'll find one you love. If you want to get into skilled work in technology, arts, entertainment, or business, these type of highly skilled jobs tend to concentrate in big cities.

Statistics also show that people in larger cities also find better employment opportunities than those in the suburbs or smaller towns.

9. Lots of Dining Options

There's never any shortage of authentic restaurants in the cities. From fast food chains to Mom and Pop restaurants, you're likely to find a cuisine of your liking within a mile or two.

Although dining options in the city are also usually higher due to their higher rent, many restaurants will have lunch and dinner specials as well as the availability of food stands. So you'll have to do some research to get in on the good deals.

10. Close Proximity to Airports

If you have to travel a lot for work, you'll definitely have an easier to commute to the airport when living in the city compared to the small towns. Instead of paying an Uber or Lyft for $20+, public transportation has connecting routes to international airports everywhere for just a few bucks.

Living next to an international airport will also have more non-stop flights, so you can expect to arrive at your final destination must faster.

11. Easy Healthcare Access

Healthcare access is important for many individuals when considering where to move. Living in the city also provides you with easier and better access to mental and physical health care options. You are more likely to find specialized care when needed. If you live in a big city, the medical technology is likely better and more advanced compared to rural areas.

According to Pew Research Center , the average distance to the nearest hospital is around 5 miles for urban and suburban residents, while rural residents live an average of over 10 miles away from the nearest hospital, doubling the distance.

Cons of Living in a City

People who routinely visit or work in a big city know that they can be a hassle. Major cities have more people, traffic, and neighborhoods that can make navigating through the city more difficult. The following are the main disadvantages of big city life:

1. High Cost of Living

The higher cost of living is the first disadvantage that people typically think of when considering moving to a city. Major cities always have a higher cost of living than the surrounding suburbs, and cities like San Francisco and New York routinely have the highest costs of living in the U.S. Normal living expenses such as rent and utilities tend to be higher in big cities and you may have additional living expenses you wouldn't have in the suburbs such as parking permits and laundry. Food, drinks, tobacco products, and gasoline are also more expensive in major cities.

2. Noise

In general, the noise level in major cities is higher than in the suburbs. Cities have more people and more traffic that contribute to the noise, as well as trains and nearby airports with loud planes flying in and out. Special events such as concerts and ball games can also make a neighborhood louder and more congested. Downtown areas in some major cities like New York are loud and busy almost 24 hours a day. However, it is possible to find city neighborhoods that are almost as quiet as the suburbs. Chicago has plenty of neighborhoods throughout the city that are relatively quiet.

3. Lack of Space

Moving from the suburbs to the city almost always involves downsizing your living space. Most people in major cities live in apartments and in some cities, the apartments can be very small. It is also rare to have an outside space like a yard or patio. There are homes in major cities, some with decent sized yards, but they are much more expensive than in the suburbs. If you want to move to the city, you must accept that you will be living in an apartment building with neighbors on the other side of your walls.

4. Lack of Parking

The parking situation in a major city is a huge hassle compared to the suburbs. In the suburbs, people can park in their driveways or on their residential streets and most businesses have parking lots for their customers to use. In big cities, parking is not a guarantee. Some residential streets are permit parking only which means you need to buy a permit, and streets with free parking fill up fast. It is rare for an apartment to have a designated parking space, but there are apartments that do. It is also rare for businesses to have their own parking lots which means that you will most likely have to pay to park somewhere on the street, maybe even a couple blocks away from your destination.

5. Higher Auto Insurance Premiums

If you live in the city and absolutely must have a car, congested city living will lead to a higher risk of accidents. This will then yield a higher insurance rate when living in the city compared to the suburbs.

According to ValuePenguin, drivers report paying almost $1,000 higher on their insurance premiums when living in a big city than their state's national average.

6. Higher Crime Rates

Some cities will have higher crime rates than other, but you can definitely count on these urban areas to be more dangerous than smaller towns. More people = more crime.

Higher crime rates also raise auto insurance rates, due to car theft and damage, burglaries and vandalism, according to QuoteWizard.

7. Pollution

Cities often grapple with various forms of pollution that impact residents' daily lives. The most prominent among these is air pollution, stemming from congested streets, heavy traffic, and industrial activities. Cities produce around 78% of carbon emissions and substantial airborne pollutants that affect over 50% of world's populations.

Breathing polluted air can lead to respiratory issues and long-term health problems. If you have any respiratory issues, living in the city may not be the best idea.

Move with Professional Movers

Living in a major city definitely has its drawbacks, but to some people, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages of living in a city. If you are planning to move to Chicago or another major city, it is beneficial to hire professional movers to help out.

Mid-West Moving & Storage provides residential moving services and can help you make your move from the suburbs to an apartment or condo in the city. We are trusted Chicago based movers who have been providing professional moving services since 1983.

Contact Us
Give us a call at 847.593.7201 or fill out a contact form on our website to get a free quote for your move to the city.

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Pros and Cons of Living in the City | Mid-West Moving & Storage

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Cities have tons of events & jobs that will keep you busy but the crowds and cost of living are not good. Here are the pros and cons of living in the city.

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Your career has a big impact on your future. It will shape your identity, personal fulfilment, lifestyle, income, family and retirement. Don't let the opinions or expectations of others sway your decision making. Ultimately, deciding on a career is solely down to you. In this article we explain how to decide on a future job, what questions to ask yourself when choosing a career and what factors to consider when weighing up the options so that you make the best informed decision for your future.
Choosing a career in 4 easy steps

Interests, Values & Personality Traits

1. What are my interests?

The activities you enjoy doing in your free time can give you insights into careers that would be satisfying and fulfilling for you. To figure out your interests, ask yourself:

What hobbies do I enjoy?

Do I prefer spending time indoors or outdoors?

Do I enjoy working with people, animals, data or, books?

What activities would I miss the most if I could no longer do them?

2. What are my values?

Everyone has values or things that are important to them, such as financial security, social justice or work-life balance. These values can help you decide what type of career to pursue. Here for instance, consider a job that pays well if you value financial security, and consider the type of hours you'd like to work to achieve work-life balance and what career may offer that to you.

3. What is my personality?

Your personality is the way you think, feel and behave. It can be an important factor in guiding you toward a specific career, so consider several aspects of your personality as you reflect on your future.

Are you a leader or a follower?

Do you prefer to work alone or in a group?

Do you prefer to cooperate or compete with others?

Do you enjoy helping others or prefer to empower them to do things themselves?

Are you a thinker who focuses on ideas or are you a doer who takes action?

Are you a creative and artistic person or do you thrive with structure and routine?

Skills, Attributes & Education

4. What are my skills?

Right now, you already possess skills that can help you succeed in the future. Think about your hard skills and soft skills.

Hard skills - skills you've acquired through study, such as culinary arts or computer programming.

Soft skills - the people and life skills you possess, including empathy, teamwork, problem-solving and time management.

Remember, skills can be developed and new skills can be learned at any stage of life, so don't let a lack of skills put you off a certain career path. Let the existing skills you have guide you. Whether you require further skill development or not will be the next challenge.

5. What are my talents and strengths?

From the time you were little, you demonstrated talents and strengths that make you unique; these qualities can help you succeed in your chosen career. In fact, Sir Ken Robinson, author of The Element, Out of Our Minds, says that:

You owe it to yourself to ensure that there's some part of your day or week when you're doing what comes most naturally to you and makes you feel at your most centered and authentic.

If you don't know your talents and strengths, make a list of everything you're good at doing. Your family members, friends, teachers, boss and mentors can help you write this list that you will use to narrow down potential careers.

6. What education or training do I need?

Certain careers require advanced education and financial investment. For example, you may need eight to 12 years of education and training to be a doctor, but you could earn a hospitality management bachelor in four years. Think about the time and money required to pursue a career as you make your decision.

If you already have these hard skills but feel as though you a missing a piece of the puzzle, soft skills such as effective communication, are highly sought after in leadership positions in the hospitality industry. Skills such as communication, leadership, critical thinking, organization, follow through, cultural competency, flexibility, and customer service, just to name a few.

According to Daniel Ciapponi, a Senior Lecturer at EHL, these soft skills are currently missing in hospitality in what he describes a Skills Gap. Therefore, developing and honing these skills will give any candidate the competitive edge.

As a general rule, although there are exceptions, the higher the salary bracket, the higher the education level is required. However, any career path is worthy of such time and financial investment, but you have to decide whether it is worth it to you.

Salary & Lifestyle

7. How much money do I want to make?

Different careers provide different monetary rewards. Even though salary shouldn't be the main factor in choosing a career, your paycheck can play a role in your quality of life and where you live. Consider your earning potential as you narrow down your career options.

8. Where do I want to live?

Some jobs are more readily accessible while others can only be performed in certain locations. For example, you will probably need to live in a rural location if you choose to work as a park ranger or farmer, and you may want to live near an urban area if you plan to pursue a finance or fashion career. Plan carefully to ensure you can work where you want to live - and vice versa.

Availability & Competition

9. Are there jobs available in this career?

LinkedIn publishes stats on the most in-demand jobs globally, a variety of IT roles have been the highest in-demand for a number of years now, followed by sales people and registered nurses.

Interestingly, statistics from the second half of 2021 showed that the biggest amount of new job listings during this time came from the hospitality sector, with housekeepers, food specialists and kitchen staff all making the top 10 spots. The labor shortage in the hospitality industry happened because of the dramatic reduction in staff when global restrictions were imposed and subsequent surge in demand for the industry caused by Covid-19 restrictions loosening again. Whilst the industry is desperately trying to attract new talent to the industry it presents a perfect opportunity for young graduates to bag themselves better working conditions such as work-life balance, paid leave and higher salaries.

While you don't have to work in one of these popular occupations, you should consider the potential job availability in your future career field. The travel and tourism sector is estimated to contribute $8.6 trillion to the global economy in 2022, supported by 330 million jobs in 2022.

10. How competitive is this career path?

Choosing a competitive career path isn't to be automatically shunned. Competitive by its very nature means there must be a rich reward for those who are successful in attaining the post and therefore it is a worthwhile pursuit. You must, however, weigh up the risk vs. reward. Are you prepared to accept rejection and failure countless times before you're accepted? Are you prepared to jump through as many hoops as required to reach this goal, such as further education, gaining internships and real-world work experience, and often extensive application and interview processes? If the answer is yes, then you probably have what it takes!

Over to you to choose your career

After answering these 10 questions, we hope that the clarity of your vision and talents has been sharpened. Remember that audacity and ambition have a better chance to develop once you are fully aware of how you function, what your strengths are, and what you value. The future is yours!

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How to decide on a career? 10 essential questions to find your perfect job

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How to decide on a career? Ask yourself these 10 career questions and ensure you choose the right career path fit for you and your future.

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Will You be Able to Balance Work and Life?

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Will You be Able to Balance Work and Life?

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Three Questions to unlock your authentic career: Ashley Stahl at TEDxBerkeley

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Career Exploration Strategies | 5 Steps Career Research and Planning At Career Crossroads