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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| A．Critical. | B．Favorable. | C．Cautious. | D．Unclear. |
2 . 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. |
| A．It evaluates leadership skills. | B．It is developed by experts. |
| C．It includes challenging questions. | D．It offers a comprehensive report. |
| A．Clift on Strengths | B．Red Bull Wingfinder |
| C．SEI Development Report | D．CareerOneStop |
3 . 
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.
| 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. |
| 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 |
| 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 |
4 . The worst time to look for a job is when you feel desperate and must have a new one immediately.
Identify at least two different roles. You do not have to be qualified for these positions today, nor do they have to exist in your company. However, these roles should be related to your current skill set. They are career options that look interesting.
Do exceptional work. In any role, there is a way to perform at your best. Look for ways to deliver a top performance. Show up early, be flexible to new assignments, have a positive attitude, cooperate with other departments, pay attention to the little details.
Be professionally curious. Talk to people about their careers. Learn more about how success measured in other roles, departments and companies, Ask people their thoughts on different industries.
As in all things in life, getting in front of a difficult task early is always less stressful than reacting to a career surprise. Changing jobs is to be expected. No matter how secure you feel today, the time will come when either you or your employer decide it is time to change.
| A．lf you associate with distinguished people, you are likely to find yourself with better opportunities. |
| B．Challenge yourself to expand your business knowledge through interactions with people at regular time. |
| C．In addition, the chances, if any, are low that you can find a satisfactory job in an economic situation like this. |
| D．Once you have a couple of targets, think about why and what interests you. |
| E．That is to say, the people you keep company with determine your character development. |
| F．Job searching under pressure often results in nervous interviewing and decision-making from relatively few options. |
5 . The jobs of the future for kids have not yet been invented.
The ability to have the curiosity (好奇心)
Your children need to be deeply curious. You can encourage kids to cook with you. Ask kids, “What ingredients (配料) can we add to make these pancakes (厚煎饼) even better next time?” and then try them out. Did those ingredients make the pancakes better?
True creativity is the ability to take something you have and create something new from it. There are a lot of different things you can do with them. Experimenting with materials to create something new can go a long way in helping them develop their creativity.
Better relationship with others
Understanding how others feel can be a challenge for kids. We know what’s going on inside our own head, but what about others? Being able to read helps kids from misreading (误解) a situation and jumping to false result.
Better expressing ourselves
| A．We can do this in real life or ask questions about people in stories |
| B．Being able to express ideas in a meaningful way is a good skill |
| C．We can give kids chances to think about materials in new ways |
| D．The ability to have the better communication |
| E．The ability to have the creativity |
| F．What could we make these pancakes next time |
| G．So how can we help our kids get ready for jobs in the future |
6 . 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.
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.
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.
Stay flexible and agile (机敏的). The job market is changing, and being adaptable is an invaluable ability.
| 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. |
7 . Even before Molly Johnson-Jones graduated from Oxford University in 2015, she felt professional pressure to land a “prestigious (享有声望的)” job in a high-powered industry. She says she and her university friends felt there were professions that carried prestige—particularly the fields of finance, medicine and law. That’s why Johnson-Jones ended up in investment banking for two years once she graduated, even though it didn’t feel like quite the right fit.
These kinds of “very traditional industries” have indeed carried prestige, says Jonah Stillman, co-founder of GenGuru, a firm that focuses on different generations in the workplace. As Gen Z joins the workforce, however, experts and younger workers say what’s considered a “prestigious” job may be expanding. Some younger workers do still report making money is prestigious, especially as cost of living shoots up; and working for certain firms or in specific industries can make a career. But many also place equal stress on other elements, such as values of the company, flexibility, and freedom from long, intense work hours.
And some data indicates that Gen Z are indeed turning to more meaningful work. April 2023 data from LinkedIn of more than 7,000 global workers shows 64% of Gen Zers in the UK, Germany and Ireland now consider it important to work for companies that share their values. The data also shows these young workers highlight work-life balance and career growth as top draws for potential workplaces.
This change in Gen Z’s attitude towards work may be in part because mechanisms (机制) behind finding jobs and seeing other possible career paths are changing, says Josh Graff, managing director of EMEA and LATAM at LinkedIn. With a greater number of jobs being posted online, “people have so much more access to information today than we did when we were applying for a job 20-plus years ago … This allows you to have much better visibility into a wealth of roles,” he says. “That change in the workplace, in the workforce … is leading people to understand there’s a wider range of options out there.”
1. Why did Johnson-Jones end up in investment banking?| A．She had a passion for finance. | B．She wanted to make a lot of money. |
| C．She found herself well suited for the career. | D．She felt pressure to take up a highly-regarded job. |
| A．Making money is still the main concern of younger workers. |
| B．Gen Zers are not interested in traditional “prestigious” jobs. |
| C．The definition of a “prestigious” job is changing for younger workers. |
| D．Short-time work is still considered prestigious for younger workers. |
| A．Whether they can have a good job title. |
| B．Whether they can receive a good salary. |
| C．Whether companies’ values are in line with theirs. |
| D．Whether they have enough opportunities to socialize. |
| A．The changing job search methods. |
| B．A lack of high-paying jobs in traditional industries. |
| C．A growing stress on companies’ social responsibility. |
| D．Increased access to information about potential career paths. |
8 . 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. |
| A．Skills related to desktop publishing. |
| B．Skills that were relevant yesterday. |
| C．Skills in data analysis and adaptability. |
| D．Skills in insurance underwriting. |
| 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. |
| 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 |
9 . 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.
Decide if you want to change industries.
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.
| 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 |
10 . I asked four students what they were going to be when they grew up. Here are the results.
Wang Li: I want to be a movie director (导演). And I want to make movies more beautiful and exciting. Maybe you will see my great movies many years later. And I’m sure you will like them very much.
Eric: I want to be an actor because I love acting. I always perform with the DVD on, and I enjoy doing it. I take acting lessons three times a week and I’m going to continue acting in the university.
Thomas: When I grow up, I want to be a dentist. Because I am very interested in dentistry. I also want to make my mom and dad proud. But I need enough money to get the education.
Ray: I’m going to be a professional programmer. Why? I like to work on computers. I like surfing the Internet, and I know the job can help me realize my dream. I’m going to live in a big house with my pets — a cat and a puppy.
1. Who wants to make movies more beautiful and exciting?| A．Wang Li. | B．Thomas. | C．Ray. | D．Eric. |
| A．A director. | B．An actor. | C．A dentist. | D．A programmer. |
| A．Thomas needs enough money to get an education in dentistry. |
| B．Ray likes to work on computers and surf the Internet. |
| C．Eric takes acting lessons three times a week. |
| D．Wang Li wants to make his mom and dad proud. |
| A．Beautiful Dreams | B．Favorite Animals |
| C．Exciting Movies | D．Great Jobs |
