Whether you’re worried about uncertain economic times that we currently find ourselves in, or you’re not sure that you’re earning enough money in your job to give you the kind of future that you want, now could be the perfect time to invest in your career. As hard as it can be to convince yourself to spend money on yourself, particularly when your emergency savings are low as it is, investing in your career could mean that you end up with more money to spend in the long-term. The good news? Finding new opportunities to grow your future could be more comfortable than it seems. Here are just a few options that you could use to get started.

Get a Degree

Although there are plenty of jobs that you can get without having to think about higher education, it’s fair to say that most of the highest-paying careers go to the people who have degrees and certifications. Even a simple bachelor’s degree could boost your chances of getting the job that you want in the future. However, if you really want to expand your options, then it might be worth looking into PHDs and MBAs too. Although it can be worrying to apply for a private student loan at various points in your life, favorable financing options are available and it’s worth remembering that you’re not just competing with other people in your local area for the best jobs anymore, you’re competing with a global market of freelancers too.

Find a Coach or Mentor

If you already have the right education to thrive in your chosen industry, then maybe what you can really do with is some practical knowledge.  A coach or mentor in your field will be able to give you insights into how you can stand out from the crowd when applying for particular jobs. They can also give you information on what to expect when you start a new career too. There are plenty of ways to track down mentors today, from asking people in your existing workplace to allow you to shadow them, to connecting with people on LinkedIn. Make sure that you research your mentor carefully before you choose them, however. Ideally, you need someone who can not only teach you fantastic skills but also get your foot in the door with career opportunities too.

Work on your Professional Brand

Speaking of LinkedIn and other professional networking forums, it makes sense to invest in your professional brand today, particularly as the digital world becomes more important for HR experts in search of new talent. Consider spending some time on building a portfolio that shows off some of your best work online. Alternatively, you can think about simply getting commendations on LinkedIn that you can show off on your profile. If you have extra time, and you want to establish yourself as a thought leader in your space, you could even design your own website and post videos or blogs where you talk about trending topics. You’d be surprised how much credibility the right content can give.