1 . It has been five years since I left my staff job and became self-employed. I remember my terror as I walked out of the office for the last time and the excitement when I sold my first piece days later. Working for yourself, setting your own hours and being responsible for your success or failure are exciting. I left my job just as summer was starting, and my first few months were as blissful as the fair days.

When winter came, an office where someone else paid for the central heating and my salary was guaranteed seemed attractive. January is tough for freelancers (自由职业者), and it was no different for me — after masses of work, I earned none. I shared my fears with some businesswomen I knew — what if the reality would be more like what I was experiencing?

Whether through choice or circumstance, the number of freelancers is rising and, if you’re just starting out, it is scary. I’ve been lucky that these women making money their own way shared key lessons about what it takes.

You can’t feel half-hearted about what you do because, at some point, you’re going to have painful days. When that happens, you have to remember why you wanted this life in the first place. Don’t quit your job for something that you think might be more interesting, quit it for something you can’t stop thinking about.

Setting up a business is tough. Rather than waiting until all is perfect, go for the moment when it feels as if momentum (势头) is with you. Look after yourself. There is no sick pay when you are self-employed. You can’t do a bad day’s work and blame it on your boss. You are the backbone of your business and you need to prioritize your health and well-being. Rest regularly and find like-minded people to support you and lift you up when things get hard.

Finally, enjoy it. Freedom is yours and, if you can make it work, there is nothing better.

1. What does the underlined word “blissful” in paragraph 1 mean?

A．Pleasant.

B．challenging.

C．Awful.

D．Boring.

2. What bothered the author when winter came?

A．The cold weather influenced her working performance.

B．She eventually realized freelancing wasn’t to her taste.

C．Masses of freelancing work brought her much anxiety.

D．She couldn’t even earn enough to meet daily basics.

3. According to the author, why should we quit for a new job?

A．To escape from the current pain.	B．To satisfy our temporary interests.
C．To explore where our strength lies.	D．To pursue what we really desire.

4. What’s author’s probable attitude towards becoming freelancers?

A．Critical.

B．Favorable.

C．Cautious.

D．Unclear.

2 . So, if you are one of those who felt something was missing, we recommend rethinking your philosophy to work and career. It may be time to reframe what being happy with your career requires. The good news is that there is a better path out there waiting for you.     1    . Here are some prompts to help you break free from the old vicious cycle (恶性循环) and struggle inside for a new virtuous one:

Purpose inspired work

Is there a clear and appealing purpose to your work?     2    ? Look for an opportunity to work for a company with an inspiring purpose, or think about starting one of your own.

Help further a cause

We under-estimate our ability to do something in addition. We can always find time for something we truly love.     3    . Non-Governmental Organizations always need volunteers new entrepreneurs always need advice, and there are many causes struggling to be heard.     4    

As time goes by. we lose some of our youthful vigour (活力). Spend some time reminding yourself of what mattered most to you in your teens and early twenties. Sometimes we put these things to one side while we start our careers believing we will return to them and then forget. Make 2024 the year that you fulfill any hidden promises to your youth.

Reacquaint (重新熟悉) yourself with joy

    5    .Climb Kilimanjaro, learn a new language or how to write JavaScript. Whatever it is, commit yourself to something that inspires you to make 2024 mean something greater than the old familiar routines.

A．Reconnect with your youthful idealism

B．Set aside some time to evaluate your past work

C．Is it a job that you would like to pull yourself out

D．However, to find it, you will need to think differently

E．Can you link your daily efforts to making a difference to something important

F．If you don't love your work, try to find something you can love alongside your job

G．Give yourself permission to find one pleasure, goal, or ambition you will conquer

3 . Aptitude Tests Recommendations

Aptitude tests are helpful to job seekers of all ages. While career quizzes explore your values and work style, aptitude tests provide a more objective evaluation of your skills, helping you select a career you’re most likely to succeed in. Below are some of the best aptitude tests out there.

Clifton Strengths

The Clifton Strengths program was created based on research around leadership. The research in question pointed to common strengths among successful leaders, like strategic thinking, adaptability and communication. To complete the test, you must answer around 150 questions, each within 20 seconds. Allen Cheung, a tech blogger, notes that CliftonStrengths is more valuable than your average career test because it includes “tricky questions which aren’t as easily gamed”.

Red Bull Wingfinder

Developed and tested out by psychology experts, the Red Bull Wingfinder assesses your thinking under pressure. Questions include image sorting, logic puzzles and leadership-related questions. Once you complete the test, you’ll receive a nine-page report and career coaching tailored to your results.

SEI Development Report

The SEI Development Report is an extensive EQ aptitude test that has timed right-and-wrong answers that assess eight fundamentals, including emotional literacy, emotional management and empathy. At the end, you’ll receive a 20-page report with recommended courses on workplace EQ development.

CareerOneStop

While it only takes a few minutes to complete, the CareerOneStop Skills Assessment will help you rank both your technical and soft skills. The career suggestions at the end can be sorted by relevance, annual wages, and job outlook, coupled with with professional coaching or consultation improve your skills.

1. What do aptitude tests mainly assess for job seekers?

A．Their work ethics.	B．Their career interest.
C．Their preferred work style.	D．Their professional competence.

2. What is a unique feature of Clifton Strengths?

A．It evaluates leadership skills.	B．It is developed by experts.
C．It includes challenging questions.	D．It offers a comprehensive report.

3. Which test suits a job seeker who prefers categorized suggestions and career coaching?

A．Clift on Strengths	B．Red Bull Wingfinder
C．SEI Development Report	D．CareerOneStop

4 .

FAQs on preparing your Application
Q: Should I target my Application to a specific Job Opening (JO)?
A: Yes. Naturally, a customized cover note will also help you focus on the key aspects of your Application that relate to the JO, but it is also in your interest to target the Application according to the responsibilities and competencies of the position.
Q: What’s the difference between duties and achievements?
A: Duties describe the specific responsibilities of your job. They accurately reflect what you are doing or have done in each of your previous jobs. In other words, it is the “what you do” of your job. Achievements describe in specific terms “how well” you did in your job.
Q: Many of my achievements are team-based, how do I draft them in my Application?
A: You should include your team-based achievements in your Application. Indicate that you were part of a team, and describe your specific role in reaching the goal.
FAQs on general Application guidelines
Q: Can I save my Application?
A: Yes. You should save your Application when you make changes and/or update it. It is recommended that you save different versions of your Application in Word format and then edit the Application online according to the post for which you are applying.
Q: Can I update my Application to apply for a new JO?
A: Yes. Each time you apply for a new JO, we recommend that you review your Application and update it, if appropriate, or target it to better reflect your suitability for the new JO. Your updates will not affect the content of Applications previously submitted against other JOs.
Q: Must I use up all the available characters in each section of my Application?
A: No. In fact, doing so may result in an unnecessary lengthy Application. Unless you have an enormous range of experiences, there is no reason to use up all the space given. Applicants are encouraged to list their duties and achievements in a clear and brief manner.

1. Which of the following descriptions best shows your achievements?

A．I’ve developed various interests, ranging from oil painting to designing model.

B．I’m good at creating proposals for new product ideas aimed at a specific market.

C．I’m in charge of the clearance, production and distribution of information material.

D．I succeeded in directing a video presentation, assisting our group to win the first prize.

2. If you want to apply for another JO, you’d better __________.

A．target your focus on your interest in the JO

B．save your latest application in Word format

C．prepare one application with all your competencies

D．update your application to match new requirements

3. Applicants are expected to __________ in their applications.

A．introduce what JOs they have previously applied to

B．list the greatest achievements they have made in detail

C．give key information about their experiences and achievements

D．provide the results of their tests, assessments and examinations

5 . Do you need a career launch plan? It isn’t absolutely essential but it can be extremely helpful! A well-created plan is not just about landing a job; it is about entering the professional field with a competitive edge. Beyond that, it’s a strategy.     1     Therefore, a career launch plan is your survival guide, helping you avoid the traps and seize the right opportunities. So why not follow the following tips to create a right career launch plan?

    2     If you were to plan out your travel routes, what would you do? You’re not just randomly moving; you’re intentional about where you want to go and what you want to achieve. So is a career plan. It involves outlining specific and achievable goals that give direction to your career trajectory (轨迹).

Develop relevant skills. Once you’ve identified the qualifications and skills demanded in your ideal profession, it’s time to acquire them! Sign up for courses, pursue certifications, or gain hands-on experience to enhance your skill set.     3    

Start your job hunt. Your approach to job applications should be more like a precision strike than a messy explosion of arrows in all directions.     4     It’s not just about quantity; it’s about quality. Tailor each application to the specific role and company, emphasizing how your skills and experiences agree with their needs.

Stay flexible and agile (机敏的). The job market is changing, and being adaptable is an invaluable ability.     5     Develop a mindset of continuous improvement — always seeking ways to enhance your skills, knowledge, and approach to stay relevant in the ever-evolving professional landscape.

A．Set your goals.

B．Research your options.

C．So, what should you do to deal with it?

D．To achieve this, develop a systematic approach to your job search.

E．By doing these, you’re essentially improving your techniques!

F．The job market can be a jungle, especially when you’re just starting.

G．The goal is to create a foundation that’ll guide your career decisions.

6 . Both my parents worked for 30-plus years for their employers — they had lifelong careers at a single company. Growing up, they taught me the importance of “loyalty” and “commitment”.

But in a rapidly changing world, the concept of a job for life has become as rare as a dial-up internet connection. This shift from stable, long-term employment and single-employer careers to a world where frequent job changes are the norm comes directly from globalisation, rapid technological advancements and the changing ideas about work.

Globalisation has turned the world economy into a giant, interconnected web. This has made job markets fiercely competitive and talent and opportunities in the labour market more diverse and digitally accessible.

Jobs can be widely publicised and explored online and are no longer tied to your city of birth. Add to this the rapid technological progress. We now live in a world where the skills you learned yesterday might not be enough for today’s job market.

The job market is transforming, with new careers emerging as automation and artificial intelligence (AI) advances. Risks and price policies can be efficiently assessed using AI, making insurance underwriters redundant while advanced software in banking and finance mean data analysis can be automated.

Online booking has reduced demand for travel agents and desktop publishers are being replaced by user-friendly software, which allows people to create their own materials. These changes highlight the need for professionals to update their skills and adapt to a technologically evolving job market.

As a result, career paths have become fluid and multi-directional. It’s no longer just about climbing the corporate ladder and getting a regular paycheck; it’s about exploring different paths, switching jobs and industries and sometimes even venturing into freelancing and the gig economy.

Loyalty is defined as an employee’s commitment to their organisation and its goals. It means a willingness to put in extra effort and to uphold the company’s values and objectives. Loyal workers often identify strongly with their workplace, are reliable and view the organisation positively, even during tough times.

When long-term employees change workplaces, it does not mean they are disloyal. It signifies a change in priorities and a redefined loyalty bond. Employees are loyal to their employer and its interests while working there. But they also seek mutual growth and expect to be recognised and rewarded.

Career paths are now a kaleidoscope (万花筒) of experiences and opportunities. Instead of a career identity being about a company brand, it is about skills, experiences and the meaningfulness of the work. This transformation means career decision-making is more intricate, considering personal aspirations, market trends and family considerations.

1. What factors have contributed to the shift in job market dynamics?

A．Increased reliance on desktop publishing software.

B．Changing ideas about loyalty and commitment.

C．The decreasing demand for travel agents due to online booking systems.

D．Globalization, rapid technological advancements, and evolving work concepts.

2. What skills are highlighted as essential for professionals in the evolving job market?

A．Skills related to desktop publishing.

B．Skills that were relevant yesterday.

C．Skills in data analysis and adaptability.

D．Skills in insurance underwriting.

3. How does the passage suggest employees should approach loyalty in the modern workplace?

A．By remaining with a single employer for their entire career.

B．By prioritizing personal growth and recognition.

C．By relying on traditional definitions of loyalty.

D．By avoiding job changes to maintain loyalty.

4. The best title for the passage is________.

A．Forget About a Job for Life

B．Learn More as Much as You Can

C．Benefit from Long-term Employment

D．The Impact of Globalization

7 . If you’re considering changing careers, here are some steps to guide you through a change in your career path.

Take a personal inventory (清单). Consider your reactions to your current job and how they impact your job satisfaction.     1    , when you have time. Ask yourself tough questions like, “What is it about my job that I do or don’t like?” Answer them, then read your answers. From your own notes, you’ll begin to see a picture of what job satisfaction looks like for you.

Decide if you want to change industries.     2    , though you are discovering more about yourself and what satisfactory work means to you. For some, switching careers might mean starting over in a completely new industry, while others may seek a new occupation within the same one.

    3    . With your career shift narrowed down to a few job types you may take, you’re able to begin more extensive exploration. One way to learn more about a field of interest is to conduct informational interviews with people in that field.     4    .

Make an action plan. Creating your action plan means defining a clear goal and milestones (里程碑) to complete it. By this point, you’ve done all the research and should be able to narrow your career change to a specific occupation.     5    . Think about things like education and certification, skill development, attending networking events and seizing opportunities to practice within the specific industry or field. Write down what steps you plan to take and a timeline to completion.

A．Research potential job matches

B．Ask others in your professional network

C．It’s time to consider what it will take to get there

D．Write down notable events and how they make you feel

E．This will help you decide if the industry or field is a good fit

F．You should also define in what way you want to change career paths

G．For example, if you’re into IT industry, talk to those who are experts in this area

9 . A new research from the University of Michigan stated, “People tend to have one of three beliefs about the meaning of work and which category you fall into largely depends on your parents.” Workers who are job-oriented (有工作倾向的) are those just trying to make a living who much prefer the activities they pursue outside of the office. Career-oriented adults value the social status and fame that comes with professional achievement. Calling-oriented people do work that they are passionate about because they want to have a positive impact on the world.

In the first study into how these orientations originate, researchers found that how teenagers perceive their parents’ work habit is central to the development of their own work attitudes. It’s not a straightforward transfer of values. People who perceive their father to have a strong career-orientation are more likely to be career-oriented themselves-but career-determined mothers have no effect on their kids’ work orientation. The researchers owed this to generational gender norms. When the study’s participants were teenagers, mostly in the1980s, men were more commonly employed outside of the home and were more likely than women to hold “career” jobs with opportunity for advancement. Mothers do have a notable effect on whether children have a job-orientation mentality. Teenagers who are close to their mothers are less likely to view work as just a job when they grow up, probably because they’ve been raised to value social, rather than instrumental life experiences.

Having both parents display the same work ethic (行为准则) has a strong influence, but only in the case of calling-oriented offspring (子女). As the society nowadays favors money and professional achievement, a child with two calling-oriented parents is more likely to have the confidence to ignore these societal pressures and pursue her dreams. Children can affect their parents’ work ethic, too. Allowing people to bring their children into the office has been shown to boost efficiency and productivity and could help raise that next generation of career-oriented workers.

1. What motivates calling-oriented people to do work they like?

A．To achieve social status and fame.	B．To pursue activities outside the office.
C．To believe they can earn them much money.	D．To make a positive contribution to the world.

2. What is crucial in shaping the work attitudes of teenagers?

A．Peer pressure.	B．Personal preferences.
C．Educational background.	D．Awareness of parents’ work habits.

3. Why are children close to mothers less likely to be job-oriented?

A．Because mothers value social life experiences.

B．Because mothers focus on instrumental life experiences.

C．Because mothers tend to have a stronger career orientation.

D．Because mothers emphasize the importance of work as just a job.

4. What is the main idea of the passage?

A．The influence of societal pressures on work beliefs.

B．The preferences of workers in different occupations.

C．The impact of parental work habits on teenagers’ attitudes.

D．The relationship between money and professional achievement.