Best Skills for Bills, Career Advice & AI Options to Not Be Out of Work 🤑

Good Afternoon. It’s Christmas Eve, Sunday, 24th December 2023, and in this week’s roundup, we’re covering the best skills to pay the bills, a side hustle story, artificial intelligence job news, and much more. First time reading? Sign up here.

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Employment News

You cannot have a conversation at work without hearing AI and artificial intelligence. It’s defo the main buzzword at work, but now, 9-5ers have to be concerned, because we all have the burning question we need an answer to…i.e. “Is my job actually safe?”

Recent data shows AI job losses are rising, but the numbers don’t tell the full story. In a nutshell, more than one-third (37%) of business leaders say AI replaced workers in 2023, according to a recent report from ResumeBuilder. Employees say that 29% of their work tasks are replaceable by AI, project management and collaboration software company Asana found in its surveying. While positions like research and data analysis are in line for AI automation, companies will still need someone to prompt the AI, make sense of the results, and take action.

So you may ask, what jobs are out there that AI cannot replace? The data suggests that the highest job growth in 2023-2027 is expected to be agricultural equipment operators, drivers of heavy trucks and buses, and vocational education teachers, according to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023. The skills most in demand from employers over the next five years will include analytical thinking, empathy and active listening, and leadership and social influence, according to the report.

Are you considering a new career out of fear of your current job being replaced by AI/Robot? We would like to hear from you.

Convo of the Week

While on the topic of AI and options to not be out of work because of some savvy robot created by Elon Musk and his crew…if you are wondering which are the top high-income skills to learn in 2024? Not sure which is the best skill to learn for the future? How and where to get started? Check these out…👇

• Artificial Intelligence Careers: Machine Learning Engineer, Data Scientist, Robotics Engineer, AI Product Manager, and Computer Vision to name a few [Salaries surpass $124,000/year for all of these roles on average]

• Blockchain: Blockchain Developer, Blockchain Architect, Blockchain Consultant, Cryptocurrency Analyst [Salaries surpass $135,000/year on average for these roles]

• Digital Marketing: Digital Marketing Specialist, SEO Specialist, PPC Specialist, YouTube Manager, Affiliate Marketing Manager, E-Commerce Marketing Specialist [Salaries range from $80k-150k/year on average with some freelancers and businesses reporting profits of Multi million+]

• Full Stack Web Development: Backend Developer, Frontend Developer, JavaScript Developer, Golang Developer, E-Commerce Developer. Web Development Instructor/Trainer [Salaries range from $125k-175k/year on average]

• Video Content Creation: YouTuber, Online Course Creator, Trainer/Coach, Digital Marketer, Video Editor, Entrepreneur, Vlogger [Salaries range from $75-125k/year on average]

Starting the journey to acquire high-income skills is not just an investment in education; it’s an investment in your future earning potential and career satisfaction. The rapidly evolving job market demands a dynamic skill set, and the proactive pursuit of in-demand competencies positions you as a valuable asset.

By setting clear goals, choosing the right skills, investing in education, and consistently practicing, you can build a robust skill foundation. The emphasis on networking, seeking feedback, and staying updated ensures that you remain connected to industry trends and opportunities. Remember, the path to mastering high-income skills is a continuous process, requiring adaptability, discipline, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Be patient with yourself and make sure to have a lot of fun on the pursuit and do not neglect building strong relationships with people in your chosen sector. Networking alone has been responsible for me earning an extra $200k in my career.

Careers Advice

Tip of the week: Build authentic relationships to help you get promotions, forge bonds with people who will talk positively about you in rooms you are not in, and more. When you connect with colleagues and clients on a personal level it will always help you. I found out that this was one of my strengths when I landed two contract roles that led me to make an extra $100k without applying for a job!

Try to show genuine interest in their lives (even make a note of their kid’s names and things they are interested in, so you can ask at the end of that Friday Teams call “How’s [xxname of your bosses daughter xxx) getting on in gymnastics”, offer support, and collaborate on projects that align with their interests. Building strong relationships fosters trust and loyalty, which can lead to career advancement. Your boss will remember you simply because of this and prefer a conversation with you over someone in the same role as you just because you remember what their kids are into (the most important thing in their lives)!

You can create a more authentic and memorable presence by incorporating your personal style into your professional life. This will not only enhance your reputation but also open doors to new opportunities and collaborations. Remember, your personal style is what makes you unique, and it's this uniqueness that can set you apart in the competitive corporate landscape.

Personal Finance

A Must Have: Having a Stocks and Shares ISA is a must-have if you want to grow your money tax-free over time and generate compound interest in the stock market. The first step is to find an ISA provider who matches your investment style and goals. Moneybox and Moneyfarm are some of the best platforms in the UK, especially for new investors and those who prefer a passive approach to investing.

How do they compare, and where do you begin? Moneyfarm and Moneybox are two of the UK’s most popular stocks and shares ISA platforms. If you’re a beginner or an experienced investor who prefers the “set it and forget it” investment approach, you’ll have a lot to love about these platforms. But they aren’t created equal. So the best ISA provider for you will depend on your investment strategy, approach, and goals.

Check out Moneyfarm if you are looking for a simple, affordable and efficient way to make passive income with low fees and minimal exposure to market volatility and to set up your Stocks & Shares ISA. With a 4* review on Trustpilot and a simple-to-use app that makes investing on the go easier to manage, Moneyfarm has become a favorite and is definitely in my top 3 investment apps with Interactive Investor coming second and Moneybox coming in at number 3.

Side Hustle Spotlight of the Week

Getting a side hustle can result in you making an extra $12k/year according to side hustle stats published by Finder. If you are thinking to get started on a side hustle in 2024, here are some to consider:

• Etsy: Selling products on the popular online marketplace

• Fiverr: Selling digital marketing services to entrepreneurs

• TaskRabbit: Doing handyman services for homeowners

• Airbnb: Renting out your home or a spare room

• Turo: Renting out your car on the car-sharing platform

Check out this story of a 31-year-old mum who left her job for a simple and easy Etsy side hustle which she brings in up to $101,000 a month from 30 minutes of work per day.

The Ideas Hub: ‘Numbers Don’t Lie’

Mallet: Tommy Mallet built a shoe brand generating £20M+ a Year. You probably heard of ‘Mallet London” or seen the footwear in Selfridges. This is how it started: The idea for Mallet London was born as Tommy wanted to create a luxury everyday shoe while still being affordable. Tommy and his business partner borrowed £25k as an initial investment to start the company. Mallet London is now stocked in 60 retailers in 12 countries, included the likes of Selfridges and US Saks Fifth Avenue. The brand hit £22M in sales in the past year with a gross profit of £10M. Mallet departed the business in October after eight years as co-founding director. He still retains ownership in the company as it is set to continue expanding internationally.

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Weekly Round-Up

Celebrity News: Sorry Taylor Swift can’t come to the phone right now, she is too busy owning 2023 and voted Time Magazine’s Person of the Year

Music:  Mariah Carey’s hit single “All I Want For Christmas Is You” becomes the first song in history to rank at #1 on the Hot 100 in five separate calendar years (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, & 2023).

Sports: The Lakers won the inaugural in-season tournament “NBA Cup” and then lost to the Knicks😒 

Joke of the Week: What did the ocean say when Santa flew over? Nothing. It just waved.🤣

Travel: Surprise Surprise Prague has been voted the destination that offers the Best Christmas Vacation

Health: Secret hack to enjoy your favorite holiday meals: have a glass of water before and take a walk after your meals. It will make your workouts in the New Year much easier.

How to Spend it: Check out Forbes 2023 Holiday Gift Guide

Why The Careerguard? The schooling system doesn’t adequately equip new adults for ‘adulting’. With our weekly nuggets of information, we spread knowledge fundamental for all 9to5’ers to know in 5 minutes to spark creativity, help someone consider a new career opportunity, and improve their financial well-being with also a little recap of the week.

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Thanks for reading,

Dominic

Created by the Founders of www.ambitiousinvestor.com & www.hustleyour9to5.com