How to nail a phone interview

Employers often use phone interviews as the stage before a face-to-face interview. It’s a great way to screen candidates and get a feel for their experience without going into too much detail. Phone interviews will contain questions about your experience. But often these questions will be less in-depth than your typical interview questions.

Sometimes a telephone interview can be trickier. That’s because you don’t have the benefit of building rapport in the same way as an in-person or video interview. So you have to work a little harder!

Here are some ways to make sure you shine in your phone interview:

  • Don’t wing it
  • Practice your answers
  • Do your research
  • Prepare questions
  • Cut out all distractions
  • Charge your phone
  • Have your CV handy
  • Answer with your name
  • Walk around as you talk
  • Smile
  • Don’t use loudspeaker
  • Make notes
  • Build rapport

13 tips to absolutely ACE your phone interview

Don’t wing it

Sometimes people make the mistake of treating a telephone interview with less importance than a face-to-face interview. But you should take it just as seriously and put in some prep work to make sure you shine. 

Practice your answers

As part of your prep work, you should be practising your answers to basic screening interview questions. Get used to saying these answers out loud. Also, be sure to include as many examples as possible when giving your answers.

Do your research

Make sure you research the company before the interview. It’s common for hiring managers to test your company knowledge ask during the phone interview. This is to make sure you’ve done the most basic prep work to find out exactly what the company does.

Prepare questions

Always prepare questions to ask the hiring manager. Towards the end of the call, they’ll usually give you the opportunity to ask some of your own questions. This is often a test in itself. If candidates don’t ask any questions, it shows a lack of preparation and enthusiasm.

Cut out all distractions

You want to make sure you find a quiet spot to take your call. Find a quiet setting indoors where you won’t be disturbed. If there are others in the house/building, make sure they know not to disturb you. Also ensure your phone is on silent throughout the call and that no pets will come and disturb you either.

Charge your phone

There’s nothing like a dead battery to ruin your telephone interview. As part of your preparation, you should make sure you’ve charged your phone.

Have your CV handy

Always have your CV or job application form handy during the call. The hiring manager might make reference to it. So it’s good if you can follow along and know exactly what they’re referring to.

Answer with your name

When the phone rings, don’t just say ‘hello?’. You know it’s going to be the interviewer. So why not make their life easier and answer professionally with your name? For example, ‘Hello, James speaking.’. Chances are you may have to take calls in the job so it’s good to show you can put on a professional telephone manner.

Walk around as you talk

Since you’re not in person, you need to do everything possible to engage the hiring manager. If you stay seated during the call, your voice may sound a little flat and your nerves may get the better of you. But if you pace up and down during the call, you’re able to project your voice more and channel your nerves.

Smile

Smile! Even though the hiring manager can’t see your smile, they can hear your smile. This helps to create a more lighthearted tone and creates more engagement. You’ll also find that smiling as you speak helps to relax your nerves!

Don’t use loudspeaker

The person on the other end of the phone can tell if you’ve put the phone on loud speaker. This often affects the quality of the call. Keep the phone to your ear to make sure your call quality is the best it can be.

Make notes

The hiring manager will likely give you more details about the job during the phone call. This may come in handy during the next stage of the interview. Have a notepad and pen handy. This way, you can make note of any important details or anything you’re unsure of. Refer to these questions at the end of the call.

Build rapport

Last but by no means least, make an effort to build rapport with the hiring manager. This is so important during a phone interview since you’re making up for not being there in person. Try to bring a little humour into the conversation. Or have a brief conversation about something you have in common like football, the weather, or children.

Time to get hired

Whether you’re still in a job or you’re currently unemployed, SonicJobs can make your job hunt easy. With our app, you can manage all your applications in one place and apply with just one tap.

Browse our app today to find your dream job!

How can I change my career with no experience?

If you’re reading this blog, you’ve probably reached a point in your career where you’re yearning to switch lanes. It’s time to take on a new career. But if you’ve not got any relevant experience, you can be left feeling stuck in the mud. Most job adverts seem to want someone who’s experienced, so how can you overcome this challenge?
Here are our tips for making a career change when you’re lacking experience:

  • Leverage your current role
  • Start out as a trainee
  • Take a course
  • Attend webinars/events
  • Focus on your transferable skills
  • Volunteer
  • Build a portfolio
  • Network
  • Tell your story

9 tips for changing careers when you lack experience

1. Leverage your current role

To gain more experience, your current role should be your first port of call. Once you’ve decided on the direction you want to take, identify all the skills employers want. Then seek out ways to build on those skills in your current job. This will likely mean asking your manager if you can take on some new responsibilities. Examples of skills could be:

  • Mentoring
  • Marketing
  • Project management
  • Process improvements
  • Data entry

2. Start out as a trainee

Sometimes you may need to start out as a trainee in a new career and work your way up. If most employers are looking for someone with experience, try searching for junior positions instead. That way, you’ll be able to find a job that doesn’t require any experience and will provide full training.

3. Take a course

The internet is full of free and inexpensive courses. No matter what career you’re interested in, there will be short courses you can take. They don’t have to turn you into an expert, but it shows the employer you have a genuine interest in the industry. The course will make your CV pop and you’ll be more likely to get an interview.

4. Attend webinars/events

If you’ve got no experience, attending webinars and events is a great way to add some content to your CV. This will make your CV more relevant. By attending industry webinars/events, you’ll show employers you’re passionate about the opportunity.

5. Focus on your transferable skills

Even if you think you’ve got no relevant experience, you will! Go through the job description carefully to identify ALL the skills (both hard and soft) needed. You’ll have some transferable skills to offer, whether it be communication, teamwork, timekeeping or IT skills.

6. Volunteer

Volunteering is one of the most effective ways of jazzing up your CV. Find a company that can offer you a bit of volunteer work so you can gain some experience. This will show employers you’ve already got your foot in the door. 

7. Build a portfolio

This point may not apply to everyone, but it’s a good tip if you’re looking to move into marketing, design, writing or photography. If you’ve got some skills but no formal experience, try building your own portfolio to showcase your skills instead.

8. Network

Sometimes it’s not what you know, but who you know. Try to create some connections in the industry. Use platforms like LinkedIn to build a strong professional network. Be sure to also talk to any people you already know in the industry. Also, attending some events where you can meet lots of industry professionals is a good idea. You never know who you’ll meet and what doors they can open for you.

9. Tell your story

If you don’t have heaps of experience to talk about, you’ll want to make sure you have a compelling story to share. This should explain why you’re interested in this particular career/industry, and how your journey has unfolded. You can include a snippet of this story in your cover letter, and also talk about it during the interview. 

A change is coming

Although changing jobs with no experience is harder, it’s nowhere near impossible. There are plenty of ways you can gain a bit of experience to add to your CV. And anyway, it’s not all about experience. Employers have become more and more open to hiring people based on potential rather than experience. So don’t forget to focus on showing employers just how employable and passionate you are above all else!

SonicJobs is home to thousands of jobs across the UK (including no experience jobs). Browse our app to start your career move today!

How often should you move jobs?

Throughout the course of your career, you’ll find lots of opportunities to move roles. But knowing when to seize those opportunities and when to stay put can be a whole dilemma of its own. If you move around too often, you risk being branded a flakey job-hopper. But stick around too long and you risk stagnating while others climb the ladder.

There is no hard and fast answer to this question, as it varies for each individual. But generally speaking, 3-4 years is a solid amount of time to spend in one job before moving onto the next. Yet it’s not uncommon for Gen Z workers to move around every 2 years, and employers are adapting to this trend.

6 tell-tale signs it’s time to move jobs

1. Long tenure

If you’ve been with your company for several years, it could be time for a change. Switching employers is a great way to freshen up your professional expertise. It gives you a new perspective. On average, people move jobs every 4 years. But if you’re happy and fulfilled in your role, don’t fix what isn’t broken!

2. Low salary

If your company can’t offer you a competitive salary, it may be time to look elsewhere. But be sure to do your research and check the average UK salary  before rushing to hand in your notice. And remember not to only follow the dollar signs. A successful career is a healthy balance of good financial reward and fulfilment. 

3. You’re feeling under-challenged

If your role has become monotonous, you’re well within your right to want to seek out a new challenge. This is especially true if you’re someone that thrives off a challenge. It’s important to be in an environment that stimulates you to be the best you can be.

4. No room for progression

If you’ve hit the ceiling in your current company, it may be time to find a new opportunity where you can progress. Always check what progression opportunities are on offer. And it’s important to find out how to achieve those promotions. For example, is your promotion dependent on someone else leaving? You want a job that can promote you based on your merit, not based on whether the person above you has left.

5. Poor relationship with manager

Having a poor dynamic with your manager and teammates is a red flag. You should have a relationship that has clear communication and trust. Support with your development is also a must. If you’re struggling to feel supported by your manager, this may tell you it’s time for a career move. 

6. Restructuring

Restructuring is a word that rings alarm bells for all employees. Usually this happens when new management or ownership comes into the company. The leadership team then finds ways to streamline and build a more efficient team. This usually means redundancies. If you hear the word ‘restructure’, talk to your manager about what this might mean for your job. The next stage is to make a backup plan and start applying for jobs.

The Great Escape

Deciding to move jobs is one of the most difficult decisions you can make. But you have to put your career progression and happiness first. Although you may feel loyal to your employer, you also need to make sure you’ve got opportunities in front of you.

Start your career move today with the SonicJobs app and find a job near you from your phone!

What should you bring on your first day of work?

First days at work can be a daunting experience. You want to make the best possible impression, but at the same time, there are SO many things running through your mind. From making sure you arrive on time, to getting the dress code right, to meeting new people – it’s a lot for anyone to take on board.

So to make things a little easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of all the things you’ll need to take on your first day of work. Whether you’re in a blue collar, office-based job or even an internship, these items all apply:

  • Map the route
  • Lunch
  • Questions
  • The right attire
  • Notepad and pen
  • Paperwork
  • Put your phone on silent
  • Water bottle
  • A smile

9 essential items to take on your first day of work

Map the route

First things first, know where you’re headed in advance. Don’t leave this to the last minute or you’ll probably end up late on your first day. If possible, make the commute yourself before starting work so you know exactly where you’re going. Be sure to allow time for rush hour and arrange parking if you’re driving.

Lunch

First days are often full of training and videos. Your company may have a canteen or food van, but it’s best not to leave it to chance on your first day. Take a lunch with you that doesn’t require a microwave, so you can be sure to eat no matter what the time or circumstances.

Questions

When it comes to having questions, don’t be shy or fear looking stupid. Your employer expects you to have questions and might be concerned if you don’t ask any. So if something isn’t making sense to you, always ask the question so you can do your job to the best of your ability.

The right attire

Getting the dress code right is a pretty important part of your first day. You don’t want to dress up in a suit and tie when everyone else is wearing casual jeans and t-shirts. Equally, you don’t want to turn up wearing your finest clothes if your first day is going to be on a mucky construction site. Make sure you ask your employer what the dress code is in advance.

Notepad and pen

Always take a notepad and pen on your first day. You’ll be loaded with information and you’ll need to store it somewhere. So make notes throughout the day of any important points that you’ll need to refer to later down the line. This will prevent you from asking the trainer to repeat themselves because you forgot something.

Paperwork

You may need to bring some paperwork on your first day but your employer should give you this information before you start. This could be a signed contract, ID, your national insurance number or perhaps proof of address.

Put your phone on silent

Don’t let your phone going off be the reason you make a bad first impression. Before you enter the building, remember to turn it on silent. Simple but effective!

Water bottle

Take your own bottle of water on your first day – the water tap might not be as accessible as you need it to be if you’re in and out of training all day. Stay hydrated to stay on your A game!

A smile

The key component to a successful first day – a smile! Although starting a new job can be stressful, it’s important to not let that tension overcome you. A simple smile can release tension and help others to feel at ease around you too.

First impressions count

It’s true what they say: first impressions count! It’s normal to feel nervous on your first day of work, but the most important thing is to be as organised as possible. Be sure to use this list before your first day to make sure you start out on a strong footing. 

To find a job near you, browse over half a million vacancies on the SonicJobs app!

Tips for working from home

Until 2020, the idea of working from home was a distant dream for most employees. But because of the pandemic, millions of people have been thrust into remote working. And suddenly, everyone realises it’s not all comfy clothes and lie-ins. Work from home jobs come with their own challenges. 

So if you’re feeling the strain of remote working, don’t worry! Today we’re sharing our top tips to transform your work from home experience.

6 ways to transform your remote working experience

Create a dedicated workspace

Nobody feels motivated looking at a dark, cluttered room. Working from home is a great excuse to create an uplifting work space; one that you look forward to going to. And it’s important you don’t just work from the sofa, but have a dedicated space that separates work and home life. Here are some simple ways you can revamp your office space:

  • Invest in a filing cabinet
  • Put up family pictures
  • Buy some flowers
  • Hang a whiteboard
  • Use good lighting
  • Keep it tidy
  • Use a partition (if you don’t have a separate office)

Get dressed

Getting dressed is one of the simplest ways to transform your working day. We know it can be tempting to lounge about in your pyjamas all day. But how much is this really helping your motivation levels? We’re not saying you need to put on your finest office wear… but dressing as though you’re going to leave the house is a great way to shift your mindset.

Develop a routine

When you’re working from home, it’s so important to develop a routine to help you stay on track. Normally you’d have your manager keeping you accountable, but it’s not the same when you’re a remote worker. If you don’t develop a routine, distractions will step in (the fridge being one of those distractions). 

Interact with your team

Home based jobs can get a little lonely from time to time. It’s easy to roll out of bed, switch your computer on and get to work. But before you know it, a whole day has passed and you haven’t interacted with anyone. To avoid feeling isolated, be sure to check in on your colleagues. Make sure you attend team meetings, and also talk to your manager if you feel you need more interaction.

Take breaks

When you’re working from home, it can be easy to work through your breaks, especially if you work for a startup. But avoid getting into the habit of eating your lunch at your desk. Force yourself to get away from the computer and take your full breaks. If you don’t do this, it won’t be long before you experience burnout and your motivation levels drop to an all time low.

Set boundaries

If you don’t live alone, it’s important to cut out as many distractions as possible. You may need to tell your children not to disturb you between certain times. Or you may need to shut the office door to make sure your pets don’t come and disturb you. Setting boundaries is particularly important if you have deadlines to meet.

Flourish from home

Working from home can be a fantastic addition to your life, but only when managed in the right way. It certainly has its drawbacks. But it’s all about learning how to manage these downsides rather than letting them pile up on you. As long as you make a conscious effort to use these steps, you can continue to enjoy your job!

Want to work from home? Browse the ‘work from home’ section on the SonicJobs app to find a remote job near you!

Should you have a break between jobs?

When it comes to looking for a new job, many people decide to hop from one job straight into the next, without any gap. And generally speaking, employers tend to disapprove of long gaps on CVs. But are there circumstances where a short break between jobs might be beneficial?

In some cases, it’s totally beneficial to take a break between jobs. If you have the finances to support yourself during the break, go for it. This will give you time to recharge your batteries before launching into your next role. And it will also give you space to reflect on your next move.

“Sometimes taking a step back is actually taking a step forward.“

How long should your break be?

Taking 1 to 4 weeks between jobs is a good amount of time to take. But, you may be in a position to take a little longer. Just ensure your break doesn’t exceed 3 months to prevent it from negatively impacting your CV. If it’s any longer, you may need to explain this when you update your CV. Employers may jump to conclusions about your work ethic if the break is longer than 3 months.

Benefits of taking a break between jobs

Time for career reflection

If your job is stressful, it can be extremely difficult to think straight. This makes it difficult to plan your next move. You may just take the first opportunity that comes your way to get away from the stresses of your current role. But you need to evaluate what you want for yourself. By taking time off, you have the opportunity to think clearly. And you no longer have the pressures of work weighing you down. Taking a break gives you more opportunity to find the right job for you.

Reboot your system

Going from one job straight into the next doesn’t give you much space to unwind. We all need a break to restore our energy and motivation levels. Once you return to work, you’ll find you have bags more energy and are able to perform much better. Sometimes taking a step back is actually taking a step forward.

Pursue your passions

Let’s be honest, sometimes the stresses of work get in the way of you pursuing your personal interests. At the end of a long day in the office, you don’t always have heaps of energy to do the things you enjoy. By taking time off, you get to spend some quality time on your hobbies, projects or interests. How about that room you’ve been meaning to decorate? Or that yoga class you’ve been meaning to start? Or that hike you’ve been meaning to go on? Your career break can be the perfect opportunity to indulge in your passions!

Disadvantages of taking a break between jobs

Employer judgement

So one of the downsides to taking a break between jobs is that some employers may disapprove of your break. They may assume you’re not motivated because you didn’t jump straight into a job. The good news is that more and more employers now understand the need to take a break. And in some cases, they see this as an advantage.

Financial risk

There can be some financial risk if you take a break without having another job in place. It may take longer to find a job than you thought. So you need to have some money in the bank so you don’t run into money problems. Always ensure you know your expenses. Have some money set aside to support you in case the job search takes a little longer than planned.

Danger of becoming demotivated

You may end up enjoying your break so much that you find it hard to return to the working world. After working hard for so long in one job, it can be refreshing to enjoy some time to yourself. This isn’t a bad thing. But just be mindful that you may experience the blues when you resume your job search.

Break away

Taking a break in between jobs is totally acceptable. And in many cases, extremely beneficial. It can give you more energy and clarity about your career. But we should point out that it’s okay if you don’t feel called to take a break in between jobs. You may be ready and raring to go straight into a new job.

Looking for your next career move? SonicJobs can help. Browse over half a million jobs on our app today!

How long is a notice period?

When leaving a company, you’ll usually have to give a formal notice period. This is standard practice in most jobs. It gives the employer time to find a replacement or reallocate your workload. In today’s blog, we’ll be discussing everything about notice periods. By the end of this post, you’ll be confident to hand yours in!

Most notice periods for full-time permanent employees tend to be 1 month. But this can be shorter or longer depending on a few things. Seniority and length of employment can influence your notice period. Lower level roles tend to be less time. But the notice period for senior level roles can last several months.

Here’s what we’ll cover in today’s blog:

  • What is a notice period?
  • When to hand in your notice
  • What happens if you don’t work your notice period?
  • The 3 parts to a resignation letter

What is a notice period?

A notice period is the length of time you need to continue working once you’ve told your employer you’ll be leaving. The length of this period will be written in your contract. It can be influenced by the amount of time you’ve worked for that company. Generally speaking, the longer you’ve worked at a company, the longer your notice period can be.

When to hand in your notice

It’s best to give notice once you’ve received a formal employment offer in writing and agreed a start date. Ideally, you’ll have signed your contract first but this isn’t always possible. Avoid handing in your notice when you’re still in the interview process. And wait until you’ve finished negotiating your salary. Otherwise you could end up jobless if your new job falls through.

You may want a little break between jobs. If that’s the case, you can hand in your notice whenever it suits you. But just make sure you have the finances to cushion you in case your job search takes a longer time.

What happens if you don’t work your notice period?

If you don’t work your notice period, you’re breaching your employment contract. As a result, your employer doesn’t have to pay you for the part of your notice period that you didn’t work. This may also hinder your chance of receiving a reference from your employer. So it’s best to work your notice period where possible and leave on good terms.

The 3 parts to a resignation letter

Your notice of resignation can be short and sweet. You should hand this over in-person as a hard copy, as well as over email. It’s a good idea to keep it factual, professional and polite. You can divide your notice into 3 parts:

Part 1: The facts

Let your employer know you’re writing to give formal notice, the position you’ve held, the length of your notice period and your end date.

Please accept this letter as formal notice that I, [John Smith], will be resigning from my position of [salesman]. In line with my contract, I am providing [1 month’s] notice and will therefore remain in my position until [25th January 2022].

Part 2: The plan

Include a couple of sentences to state your intent for your notice period.

During my notice period, I will be happy to continue performing my role to the best of my ability and will assist with any training requirements.

Part 3: The thanks

Finally, you want to end the letter on a positive note. So round the letter off with some sincere words of thanks.

I have enjoyed my role over the past [8 years] and the team will be sorely missed. Thank you for understanding my reasons for leaving to pursue a new challenge. I wish you all the best of luck for the future success of the company.

Leave on good terms

The most important thing to remember when giving your notice is to leave on the best possible terms. No matter what your reasons for leaving are, it’s never good to burn bridges. So keep it professional and give the required amount of notice. 

Looking for a fresh start? SonicJobs have over half a million live jobs across the UK. Browse our app to get searching!

What is a P45?

Most people have come across the term P45… but not everyone knows what it means. You get the gist that it’s something important, but you’re not exactly sure what purpose it serves.

Fear not, today we’re telling you everything you need to know about your P45.

A P45 is a document issued to you by your employer when you leave your job, whether you were full-time or part-time. It includes information relating to your salary, and how much you’ve paid in taxes over the past financial year.

In this blog, we’ll also cover:

  • When do you get a P45?
  • Why is it important?
  • What’s in a P45?
  • How long is it valid for?
  • Can you start a job without it?
  • How do you get off emergency tax?
  • What other paperwork will you need for a new job?

When do you get a P45?

Your P45 will be sent to you by email or by post when you leave a job. Your employer has to issue your P45 immediately once your final pay and tax deductions have been calculated. You shouldn’t need to request your P45. Instead, your employer should send it to you immediately.

Why is it important?

A P45 is important because it contains your tax code, and tells your employer how much you should be getting taxed.. Without the P45, you may end up being put on emergency tax and paying more tax than you should be.

What’s in a P45?

A P45 is made up of 4 sections: Part 1, Part 1A, Part 2 and Part 3. Your employer will send Part 1 to HMRC. You keep Part 1A for your own records. And you give Parts 2 and 3 to your new employer.

How long is it valid for?

Your P45 is only valid for the tax year it was created in. But don’t be so quick to throw it out. It’s best to keep it in your records for at least 22 months after the tax year has ended as HMRC are still able to refer back to it.

Can you start a job without it?

Yes, you can absolutely start a job without your P45. However, without a P45, your employer may ask you to fill out a ‘starter checklist’ and you could end up on an emergency tax code if your new employer doesn’t have the required information. Unfortunately, if you’ve lost your P45, you aren’t able to get a replacement.

If you’re on emergency tax, you’ll notice one of these codes on your payslip:

  • 1257 W1
  • 1257 M1
  • 1257 X

How do you get off emergency tax?

If you’re put onto an emergency tax code, you’ll stay on it until the end of the tax year. At that point, you may be owed a tax rebate. If you think you’ve overpaid on tax, be sure to claim it back!

What other paperwork will you need for a new job?

Your P45 isn’t the only bit of paperwork you’ll need. Your employer will need to carry out identity checks and your right to work in the UK. Depending on your status, you may need to present your ID (usually either a driving license or passport), proof of address (utility bill, bank statement etc), your bank details, your national insurance number or other proof of your right to work. 

New job on the horizon?

Are you feeling called to take the next step in your career? Well, SonicJobs is here to help. With over half a million live vacancies across the UK, we’re helping job seekers across hospitality, logistics, warehousing, IT, retail and more find their calling. 

And the best part? 

You can find your next role from your phone.

Browse our app to find a job near you today!

Is being self-employed a good idea?

If the 9-5 lifestyle is starting to wear thin on you, you might be getting curious about other ways of working, like being self-employed. If you’ve been in a 9-5 your whole working life, becoming self-employed can seem pretty foreign. And it’s not a decision you should make lightly. After all, becoming self-employed would mean taking on a whole new way of living – and it’s not for everyone! But happiness at work should be your first priority!

Let’s take a look at all the advantages and disadvantages of being self-employed, so you can see if it’s a good fit for you!

5 positives of being self-employed

Full autonomy

One of the biggest benefits of being self-employed is undoubtedly being your own boss. You call the shots. There’s no need to ask your manager for time off, and you’ve got nobody breathing down your neck cracking the whip. 

Higher earning potential

Generally speaking, self-employed people earn more money than traditional PAYE employees. A study found that self-employed people were earning roughly £5000 more than the average salary in the UK. Of course, this all depends on the success of your business, which doesn’t necessarily come easy. 

Variety of work

A great advantage to being self-employed is that you’re usually working with different clients. This gives you a nice variety of work. You won’t get stuck doing the same thing day in, day out. And if you do, it’s in your power to change that!

Choose your clients

Instead of working for a boss you don’t like, as a self-employed person you get to choose who you work with. If you don’t gel with a particular client, you can politely decline the work and move onto a client that’s a better fit.

No office politics

It’s not fun when you work in a place that has office politics. Whether it’s a hierarchy or just a dog eat dog culture, that’s no place to be. Being self-employed, you completely cut out the stress of any toxic office politics.

5 negatives of being self-employed

Uncertain income

Being self-employed comes with its uncertainties. Unlike being an employee, you’re not guaranteed a set income each month. If a client drops out, your income can significantly drop from one month to the next. You’ll need to develop a strong client base. You also really need to have your finances in check to prepare for worst case scenarios.

Time management

Some people struggle with being self-employed because they’re not used to managing their own time. In a regular job, you have more structure and a manager to keep you in check. But as a freelancer, you need to manage your own time and be disciplined!

No ‘benefits’

As a self-employed person, you miss out on the benefits that regular employees get. For example, paid sick leave, annual leave and pension contributions. But so long as you factor these things into your pricing by charging more, you should be able to cover the costs.

Everything is on your own shoulders

Being self-employed comes with its own pressures that you wouldn’t have in a 9-5. For example, if a client is late paying an invoice, it’s down to you to chase it. If you’ve had a full day of appointments but have a stack of admin work that needs doing, it’s down to you to complete it. You need to be prepared to step up to the challenge, and sometimes that means working late! 

Lack of team

Self-employed people are often lone wolves. If you’re a people-person who enjoys working as part of a team, you may struggle with the solo life. It’s not for everyone!

10 self-employed job ideas

Here’s a list of some of the best self-employed jobs to get your ideas flowing:

  • Cleaner
  • Beautician
  • Graphic designer
  • Plumber
  • Electrician
  • Hairdresser
  • Photographer
  • Personal trainer
  • Gardener
  • Masseuse

Is it right for you?

The self-employed life isn’t right for everyone. To thrive as a self-employed person, you need to be highly self-motivated. There’s a lot of solo work involved. But if you think you can handle those things, you’ll find yourself thriving in the freelance world. You’ll probably never look back!


At a crossroads in your career? Browse the SonicJobs app to see what career opportunities are available. We have the UK’s largest database of jobs, so we know you’ll find something you’ll love!

Is 50 hours of work a week a lot?

If your hours at work are starting to stack up, you’re probably wondering if what you’re working is normal. And maybe questioning how far to push yourself. Everyone’s circumstances are different. So you shouldn’t use other people as a benchmark to set the standard for yourself. Otherwise you can end up feeling miserable at work. If you’re experiencing burnout, chances are you’re working too hard! 

50 hours of work a week is a lot by UK standards. UK regulations prohibit workings from exceeding an average of 48 hours per week (averaged over 17 weeks). This means that some weeks you may work 50 hours, but this is okay so long as your average over the 17 weeks is below 48 hours.

What are the average working hours per week in the UK?

Most full-time employees in the UK work between 35 to 40 hours per week. But, some companies may have longer working hours, increasing the working hours per week. UK working time regulations prevent workers from exceeding an average of 48 hours per week. But you can opt out of this if you want to work more hours per week.

5 tell-tale signs of burnout

If you’re working a lot of hours during the week, it’s important to make sure you’re not compromising your health. Here are 5 signs that could indicate you’re working too hard:

1. Exhaustion

If your energy levels are low and you just pass out once you get in from work, you’re probably overdoing it! You should still have enough energy to enjoy your free time instead of gasping for your bed.

2. Stress and anxiety

Anxiety and stress are key indicators that your work may be taking a toll on you. If you’re working as many hours as possible, reducing your hours may help reduce some of your stress.

3. Skipping lunch

Skipping your lunches is a sign of overworking. Your breaks are there for a reason. Working without a break will be detrimental to your health.

4. Staying late

If you’re staying past your finish time to complete, chances are you’re bordering on burnout. Staying late once in a while is fine. But if this is a regular part of your working routine, you may need to reassess your hours to find a better work-life balance.

5. Sleep deprivation

Sleep deprivation is a tell-tale sign of burnout. Sometimes we take on so much during the day, that it’s not possible to sleep properly throughout the night. This isn’t healthy, and should serve as a sign that you need to rejig your workload or hours.

How to create more work-life balance

It may reach a point where you need to take some serious action to rebalance your work and personal life. Here are a few tips to implement:

  • Exercise – doing exercise regularly is a great way to release endorphins and release stress. It also gives you something else to focus on other than work. Often, due to the intensity of exercising, you’ll completely forget about your work life during your workout. Exercise gives your mind a break.
  • Take your breaks – we’re all guilty of skipping a break here and there, but this can’t be a regular habit. Your body needs a break so it can recalibrate and perform even better when you get back to work.
  • Ask for help – there’s no shame in asking for help. If you’re drowning in work or struggling to cope with your hours, speak to your manager to see what can be done to help.
  • Reduce your hours – you always have the option of reducing your hours if necessary. You can learn more about the rights of part-time employees to see if it would suit you.

Prioritise health

Keeping a healthy work-life balance should be a priority for any employee. It’s okay to take on some extra hours here and there. But too much work can result in burnout, leaving your energy levels depleted. If you’re feeling burnt out, it may be time to speak with your manager or find a job with a better work-life balance.


Looking for a change? SonicJobs is home to over half a million job opportunities. Browse our app to find a job that fits your lifestyle.