Thinking about getting some new skills for a better job? Often that’s the key to moving up in a company. Or moving out of your current job to one that pays better. If you are cringing at the mere thought of … eek … numbers, you’re not alone.
But just imagine being able to add any or all of these (see below) to your resume as key work skills — ones that you actually have. Even a basic grasp of some of these skills can open doors to jobs you actually want. And not having any of them can keep you stuck. Lack of the right skills is like career quicksand.
So what are some of the potential financial / number skills that can help you?
- Budgeting
- Cash management (cash flow)
- Preparing a balance sheet (assets, liabilities, capital, equity)
- Understanding credits and debits
- Simply feeling comfortable with numbers (Not just true for women who often avoid such things or think they can’t understand them. Men can feel this way too.)
- Creating spreadsheets using online software
- Understanding financial terms (finance concepts)
- Knowledge of how credit and interest rates work
- How to read and use charts for visual presentations
- Bookkeeping ability and using online software like QuickBooks
- Negotiating things like salaries, product prices, cost of goods, and so much more
Even if you’ve never gotten the chance to actually use them, adding to your job skills tool kit can help in job search and promotions. You can list any course or real-life experience on your resume to help get you in the door. Even a little actual experience will help in some cases if you target your resume and cover letter well.
But cool jobs don’t require finance!
People often think numbers equals boring. But not all jobs that require an understanding of numbers or finance are accounting. And, btw, I actually know some accountants who love their work. One who was a partner recently retired with over $200,000 coming to them EACH year. She’s not bored by that.
Most people who feel put off by numbers don’t realize that even in the world of accounting, numbers touch all kinds of businesses and human interest stories. And that can make them interesting once you get into the background details.
But there are also many very cool jobs that do need you to be able to handle numbers easily. So here are just some examples of cool jobs that DO require you to feel comfortable with numbers and / or finance. And where learning skills for a better job might move you into a career you truly love. Of course there are many more possibilities:
- Theatrical, literary, or sports agent
- Film, TV, video producer
- Real estate broker
- Account executive in advertising
- Product manager for a glamour industry
- Fundraiser for a cause you believe in
- Software developer — What? Why? Because often numbers are involved and you have to make them work.
- Chef — What? This too? Yup. You have to know how to work with the measurements in recipes and order / budget for food and supplies.
- Bookie, drug dealer — Just to see if you’re paying attention. But even illegal careers (and I do NOT recommend these) need numbers ability.
- Any management job that has budget responsibility
- Freelancers & artists who negotiate for themselves
Where do you get skills for a better job?
For those of us with busy lives, trying to find time & energy for classes (online or in person) may seem undoable. But even if you have to take it slowly rather than enrolling in an actual degree program, bit by bit you can add to your financial knowledge. And increase your skills for a better job in the future.
There are countless books that can be read in spare moments if time is a problem. And your local library has them for free — even online in some cases. Also you can find a lot of free information online. Here’s a list of free online finance courses to at least get you thinking:
⇒ US News: 12 Best Free Online Personal Finance Courses
Also community colleges or local non-profits often have lower-cost continuing education classes. Some larger colleges or universities may have something for you too. And you may even find other students there who, just like you, are doing their best to squeeze it into busy lives and schedules.
You can even look for someone near you who’ll let you apprentice during your spare time. Offering to help them in their business in exchange for them teaching you could be a win-win. And not only would you be acquiring real-life experience, but a potential job reference.
A word of caution
If you absolutely never ever want to use these skills for a better job, do not list them on your resume. If you do, you may be forced to do what you hate. This is true for any skill / type of work you prefer not to do.
But at least either (1) give using any of these skills a chance to grow on you; or (2) acquire some anyway, telling nobody about this. At least you’ll know when someone is trying to take advantage of what they think you don’t know.
Some more posts to help
Afraid To Take Promotion You Were Offered?
Why Are You So Afraid To Ask for a Raise?
How I Negotiated a Four-Day Work Week
Women: Is Fear of Numbers Hurting Your Career Dreams?
Career Goals: Put Small Steps to Work on Big Goals!
Your Relationship With Money Can Affect Life & Career!
Start Building Networking Connections That Last!
How To Make Friends With Your Money
Daring To Imagine a Different Life!
What an MBA Might Teach You
Will Volunteering During Job Search Get You a Job?
Job Morphing: 20 Ways You Can Improve Your Job and Career
Niche Careers: Creating a Career Niche for Yourself
10 Two-Letter Words To Motivate Yourself
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