For most of us, living in South Africa can be tough – the high cost of living makes it difficult to pay off debts and keep on top of things financially. But don’t despair, there are ways to improve your financial situation and one of these is through upskilling. This will allow you to improve your career thus financial upliftment.
So, what exactly is upskilling? It’s the process of learning new skills or improving your existing skills in order to improve your career prospects and financial well-being. It’s not necessarily about getting a fancy degree or more qualifications, but rather it’s about keeping up with the latest trends in your field of work and acquiring practical skills and knowledge that can help you progress and rise through the ranks at your workplace.
Why is upskilling important?
There are several reasons. Firstly, it can increase your chances of progressing in your current job and in this way, earning higher pay. By adding new skills to your CV, you become more valuable to your employers. Secondly, upskilling can help you adapt to changes in your industry. With technology rapidly changing the way we work; industries and businesses are growing faster than ever before. By staying up to date with the latest trends and developments, you can ensure that you’re not left behind and that you remain relevant in your field.
Finally, upskilling can boost your confidence and self-esteem. Learning new skills and achieving goals can give you a sense of accomplishment and purpose, which can lead to greater overall satisfaction in your career and personal life.
Here are some practical tips on how to improve your skills and by so doing, your financial opportunities:
- Identify your skills gaps. Take a look at the sort of jobs in your industry that interest you and identify the skills and qualifications that employers are looking for. Then, assess your own skills and work out where you need to improve. This will help you identify which areas you need to focus on.
- Take advantage of on-the-job training. Many employers offer in-house training programmes for their employees. Take advantage of these opportunities to learn new skills and improve your existing ones. Not only will it benefit your job performance, but it can also lead to promotions and higher pay.
- Find a mentor. Look around and identify someone in your industry who has more experience or knowledge than you do and is doing a job you find exciting. Ask them to be your mentor or advisor. They can provide guidance, advice and support to help you develop your skills and achieve your career goals.
- Learn from colleagues. Don’t underestimate the power of learning from your colleagues. Whether it’s a mentor, a peer or a manager, there’s always someone who has more experience or knowledge than you. Take advantage of their expertise and ask questions to learn from their insights and experiences.
- Seek feedback. Ask your supervisors, managers or colleagues for their opinion and advice on your performance. Constructive feedback can help you identify areas where you need to improve and provide guidance on how to do so. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback and use it as an opportunity to grow and develop.
In all, upskilling yourself can help improve your career and ultimately allow you to access better opportunities, leading to an improve in your financial state.