JobMonkey.com, the coolest jobs on earth

----------------------------------------
JobMonkey
Volume X, Issue #38
----------------------------------------

Demanding Jobs, Overnight Jobs,
& Getting a Raise

Are you willing to work hard for your money? Tough and demanding jobs build character and allow you to have crazy experiences in life, and as an added bonus, many demanding jobs are also high-paying with positions available across the country (and even around the world). Do you have what it takes for a cool tough job? Plus, have you considered overnight jobs? Our career adviser uncovers some options.

IN THIS NEWSLETTER:

1) Career Adviser: Overnight Jobs
2) Spotlight: Make More Money with a Tough Job
3) Advice Spot: Impress Your Boss to Get a Raise
4) Hot Jobs in the Job Center

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAREER ADVISER: Overnight Jobs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

by Amy Lindgren

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work the third shift or overnights in your job? Maybe you're a night owl who would love working when you feel freshest. Or perhaps you just can't find another option, given your responsibilities or the employers in your area.

Whatever it is that makes you consider this work schedule, following a few tips can make things go more smoothly. First and foremost: Get your sleep. It's too easy to skip a sleep cycle if you need to get something done during daylight hours. One way to maintain your sleep cycle is to stay in your night owl pattern all week long.

Another tip is to stay organized in order to handle your personal business during the day. Since you might be sleeping until 2 or 3 in the afternoon, you'll want a good to-do list to help you get things done in the few business hours remaining each day.

Another important tip is to consider the kind of work you'll do. Some overnight jobs, such as group home counselor and security guard jobs might mean you're being hired to keep an eye on things. These can be good for students who want to study during their shifts. But other jobs, including custodial and factory positions, are likely to be quite physical. These are good for people who like to stay active to make the time fly by.

If you do take an overnight position, give yourself at least a month before deciding if it's a good fit; you'll need that time for your body to adjust so you can judge the job on its own merits.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPOTLIGHT: Seriously Demanding Jobs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Some jobs may not be easy, but if you're willing to work hard, you can make a lot of money. Here's what you need to know about working in a tough job:

Types of Tough Jobs

Tough jobs aren't limited to a specific industry and workers in these positions come from all walks of life. Some common types of tough jobs include:

• Dangerous jobs such as becoming an underground miner, bomb squad team member, or Alaskan deckhand
• Physically demanding jobs such as becoming a stuntman or bounty hunter
• Mentally or emotionally demanding jobs such as becoming a 911 operator
• Jobs with long hours such as becoming a truck driver or working as a nurse

Undoubtedly, owning your own business is also a tough career route. You can consider options such as selling on Etsy, working as a freelancer, or opening a franchise location if you want to start your own small business.

How Much can You Make in a Tough Job

Because tough jobs are so difficult, employers often offer high salaries to entice workers to fill those positions. Just how much can you make in a tough job? It depends on your skills, experience, employer, location, and other details, but here's what you can expect:

• Many tough jobs come attached to performance bonuses or you're paid solely based on performance. (For example, as a deckhand in Alaska, you'll make a percentage of the total catch.)
• Tough jobs are often found in areas where cost of living is low so you salary will stretch. (For example, mining jobs are usually found in rural areas, where housing is extremely inexpensive.)
• The benefits of a tough job extend beyond typical packages that include things like health insurance and paid vacation days. (For example, physically demanding tough jobs will keep you in shape and other tough jobs give you the opportunity to travel for work.)

Getting a Tough Job

Tough jobs aren't always given to the person with the most education. With this type of job, experience in the field is often more important. As an entry-level worker, when you don't have experience to show, rely instead on great references. Prove not just that you have the skills needed, but also that you're a hard worker who isn't likely to give up after just a few weeks.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADVICE SPOT: Impress Your Boss to Get a Raise
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you want to make more money at your current job instead of starting over with a new career, you have to impress the people who make the salary decisions. Don't be afraid to ask for a raise if you deserve one! Here's how to impress your boss so that when you do request more money, you're happily given the raise:

• Get to work early every day.

The most dedicated employees don't roll into work at 8:59 for a 9:00 start time. If you get to work at least ten to fifteen minutes early every day, your boss will be impressed at your dedication. Work somewhere with a flexible start time? Don't wait until the last moment to show up to work. If you get there early, you can leave early, and it makes a better impression than getting there late and staying late, even though you work the same number of hours.

• Make suggestions for improvement.

If you think of ways that the company could be making more money or doing less work, don't just complain around the water cooler. Actually take your ideas to your boss. Make sure you approach your boss when he or she isn't busy with other tasks and be aware that they might not have the power to make the changes you propose. However, even if that is the case, it will make a good impression, since it shows that you're an extremely loyal and motivated employee.

• Help others.

Although it might feel thankless to help other employees if they don't return the favor, most managers do notice when one employee is pulling more than his or her fair share of the weight. Make sure you get your own work done first, but be willing to lend a helping hand to others in your company. This is the mark of someone who will make a good leader, and leadership positions almost always come attached to higher salaries.

 

 

JobMonkey Home >>>