Despite appreciating my 9 to 5 work, I have been feeling a little stuck in it lately. Counting my blessings, I see how difficult it is for many people who are unemployed right now. But I know I am capable of more—I am a motivated and imaginative person.
I have searched this community extensively for inspiration and have learned a great deal, but I am not sure where to begin, particularly with something digital. I am eager to try something new, venture outside of my comfort zone, and take some chances.
I’m 30, living in Sweden, and eager to hear your advice on getting started.
consider launching your online store on Amazon, Etsy, Shopify, or eBay! Sell local goodies worldwide—think licorice, Dala horses, even caviar. Customize your packaging, set fair prices, and dive right in!
Digital content creation is a good way to make money.
People are willing to spend a lot of money for the sake of getting new information.
Consider starting and monetizing a YouTube Channel, or a TikTok account. I am pretty sure that these platforms would pay you top dollar considering that you are based in Sweden
Sweden has a thriving digital landscape, providing many avenues to explore. Here are some steps to help you get started:
Self-Discovery and Exploration:
Identify Strengths and Interests:
Reflect on your existing skillset and what sparks your curiosity. Do you enjoy writing, design, coding, data analysis, or something else?
Research the Digital Landscape:
Explore online resources to understand the Swedish digital market. Look at popular websites, apps, and digital marketing campaigns in Sweden to see what resonates with you and identify potential areas where your skills or interests could be applied.
Networking:
Connect with people in the Swedish digital community. Attend meetups, conferences, or online forums related to your areas of interest. Talking to professionals can provide valuable insights and potential opportunities.
Initiate Learning and Build Skills:
Online Courses:
Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and Skillshare offer digital skills courses in web development, graphic design, data analysis, and digital marketing. Many of these platforms have free or low-cost options to get you started.
Free Resources:
Websites like W3Schools (for web development tutorials) and Khan Academy (offers courses on various subjects) provide valuable knowledge at no cost.
Books and Articles:
Read books and articles on digital trends, specific digital skills, or entrepreneurship in Sweden. This will broaden your knowledge and inspire you.
Small Projects:
Put your newfound skills into practice by working on small personal projects, such as creating a website, designing a logo, or developing a simple app. Building a portfolio of your work can showcase your abilities to potential employers or clients.
Taking Action and Building Momentum:
Freelancing:
Consider freelance platforms like Fiverr or Upwork to find short-term digital projects that align with your skills. This can be a great way to gain experience, build a portfolio, and earn some extra income while exploring different digital fields.
Volunteering:
Volunteer your digital skills with a local non-profit or organization. This is a rewarding way to give back to the community, practice your skills, and potentially make valuable connections.
Side Hustle:
While keeping your full-time job initially, develop a small digital side hustle. This could be anything from creating and selling digital products (like e-books or design templates) to offering consulting services in your area of expertise.
Sweden-Specific Considerations:
Language Skills:
If you’re not already fluent in Swedish, consider taking some language courses to improve your communication and expand your potential market within Sweden.
Research the Swedish Digital Landscape:
Research current trends and opportunities within the Swedish digital market. Understanding the local context will help you tailor your approach and skills development.