Feel like you could be working better? We have the answers.
There are seemingly endless think pieces out there about how to be more productive at work, and how to work harder to achieve goals. But success isn’t always about working harder – sometimes, it’s about working better.
That can start out small: instead of thinking of meetings as a relentless waste of time, start viewing them as a valuable source of information, and make it your mission to learn something from each one.
One way to achieve that can be to start taking notes more effectively. We have a guide that can help you do just that.
An essential aspect of working better may go without saying, but we’ll say it anyway: do make the effort to be sure that you’re working in a role that you’re happy with. Often, feeling like the job you’re doing isn’t a great fit can stop you from wanting to do the job at all. This has a knock-on effect that results in you half-assing your role.
If you want to work in tech, but aren’t sure which role to pursue, personalised career platform Paysa recently carried out an extensive survey into the most in-demand jobs in tech. But choose wisely!
From that Paysa study, you’ll note that software engineers are the most sought-after talent in the tech world. To find out if working as a software engineer is right for you, check out our interview with Liberty IT’s director of operations, Felim O’Donnell, in which we discuss the difference between software engineers and software developers.
Working better can also mean simply exploring your options, following opportunities and making choices that further your career.
John Romero, famed game designer, spoke at Inspirefest in July. He told the audience at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre that exploring the possibilities presented by computers is what led him to his glittering career in game design.
We also heard from Deloitte senior manager Lucia Navaza, who saw Dublin as a city of tech opportunities and decided to make the leap.
Another person who made a big move was Senan Quinn, who started his career as an accountant before realising it wasn’t for him. He returned to college and segued into computer science. He’s now happily working (better) as an EC2 Linux cloud support engineer at Amazon.
Finally, never take an internship that won’t benefit you. Find one where you get more out of the role than an advanced course in coffee-making. That way, any skills you pick up will be transferable to jobs beyond barista (unless being a barista is your dream, in which case you’re golden).
As always, for more on any of these stories, follow the links below.
1. How can you make endless meetings worth your time?
The endless cycle of meetings that make up the modern working week can feel like the biggest waste of your time imaginable. Author Paul Axtell has some tips that might help make them feel more worthwhile.
2. The ultimate guide to effective note-taking at work
While some might believe note-taking to be a tedious waste of time, it’s actually one of the most important skills you can have in your professional career.
3. What is the most in-demand role in tech?
Interested in working in tech, but not sure what you want to do? A recent survey from Paysa may help you make your choice of tech jobs.
4. Are you a software developer or a software engineer?
There are countless jobs in software development and software engineering. But what’s the difference and which one are you best suited for?
5. John Romero: A boy from the desert who learned about STEAM the hard way
John Romero is a legend in the gaming industry, but his rise to prominence was by no means a walk in the park, as he recently explained at Inspirefest 2017.
6. ‘Ireland offered great opportunities in the technology space’
Lucia Navaza, a senior manager at Deloitte, left Spain for the opportunity presented by Ireland’s tech sector. This is her story.
7. From accountancy to Amazon: Making the leap from finance to tech
Senan Quinn was an accountant before deciding to make a change and pursue a career in tech. This is how he got to where he is now.
8. Internships: How to upskill in the art of making coffee
Do internships provide a helpful gateway into industry or do they still fit the stereotype of tea-making and photocopying?
