14 Ways to Increase Your Earning Potential

Whether you’re in a career field you enjoy or are looking for a fresh start, it’s always important to take time to reflect and review where you are at and where you want to be.

There are many ways to assess and decide what is best for you to help determine whether you need a complete career change or simply need to strengthen specific skills to grow as an employee and individual.

In a competitive job market, it can feel intimidating to stand out among a sea of applicants, let alone understand how to increase your earning potential.

Which is why we’ve created a list to help you understand some of the best ways to reach your educational goals and standout in the market.

Ways to Increase Your Earning Potential

1. Go back to school or earn new certifications!
   1. Whether this is your second certification or fifth, there is always something new to learn and explore. Obtaining another certificate or degree is an excellent way to strengthen your skills or gain new experience in an area of interest. Certificationshows that you’ve met a certain standard of competence and can give you a competitive advantage, more job opportunities, a higher pay scale, and job security. It’s never too late to get an education or earn a new certificate!
2. Attend professional development opportunities
   1. It’s important to set career goals for yourself to help you stay on track. Participating in professional development courses will expose you to new ideas and perspectives. Expanding your working knowledge is crucial to stay up to date on new procedures, innovations, and findings in a career. Utilizing seminars and conferences will teach you information that could make your job easier and develop critical thinking skills.
3. Network
   1. A great way to network is at seminars or conferences where people from all over the area or country are coming together to learn about ideas and focus on a topic of mutual concern. This is an opportunity to meet people with a common interest, learn about other people’s positions, and connect for future inquiries or assistance you may need on a project or when looking for a new position.
4. Learn a New Language
   1. Understanding and being able to communicate in multiple languages is a coveted asset. Although time consuming in the beginning, it shows employers you are willing to dedicate time and determination to a more challenging task. It can also be useful when customers, patients, or representatives come to your office. You will better be able to serve them and ensure they receive the same attention and treatment as everyone else.
5. Find a Mentor
   1. Mentorship in your field of work is useful in growing in your skills and understanding. Having a seasoned employee walk you through tasks or show you different procedures can eliminate the overwhelming feeling of a new position. In addition, you can go to your mentor for advice or assistance.
6. Develop good time management skills
   1. Employers want employees who know how to manage their tasks well with the time they’ve been given and turn in projects efficiently. Learning how to deliver quality work in a timely manner, will impress your employer.
7. Start a side hustle
   1. Outside of your main job, it’s a useful tool to use the other skill sets or hobbies you have and turn them into revenue. Not only will you be growing and learning new skills doing something you enjoy, but you’ll generate additional income.

There are a plethora of other ways to increase your earning potential, but it’s important to remember it is not all about the money. Displaying a healthy work/life balance is crucial, in addition to finding job satisfaction and gaining the respect of others.