In the UK, 43% of retirement income comes from company pensions and 40% from state pensions/benefits. Saving early into a company pension gives your investment more time to grow.
Rather than work harder, you can work smarter. When you work smarter, you remember what you are trying to achieve and you focus on tasks which help you to achieve this.
If you have time off work in the summer holidays, make sure it’s really time off. Try not to check emails or work ‘phones and really focus on enjoying time with your family.
Turn off your ‘phone in a job interview. You don’t want to be distracted and you want to let the interviewer know that you can focus on more important things.
If you are unsuccessful in a job interview, ask if they will keep you on their records, and if there are other positions available that may be more suitable to your skills.
Volunteering for charity is free work experience which looks great on your CV – especially if you do it in your chosen profession and interests.
Why not do some volunteering at Christmas? Many places appreciate extra help at this time of year, you’ll meet new people and it may even lead to permanent work.
You can get started on an apprenticeship by visiting apprenticeships.org.uk and searching for what is available, or calling the National Careers Service on 0800 100 900.
Apprenticeships can take between one and four years to complete depending on the level of Apprenticeship, the apprentices’ ability and the industry sector. The minimum salary is £2.65 per hour; however, many apprentices earn significantly more.
Apprenticeships (and Advanced Apprenticeships) can lead to a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, Level 5; a Key Skills qualification, like problem solving and using technology; (in most cases) a technical certificate, such as a BTEC or City & Guilds Progression Award; other qualifications needed for particular occupations; for higher Apprenticeships knowledge-based qualification such as an HNC, HND or Foundation degree.