Changing jobs

Jobs for life are history. But while most people accept they may have to change employers several times during their working life, the majority still hold to the old adage that a cobbler should stick to Ms last. Most job moves are either in the same industry or in the same line of work.

That attitude is now being reappraised. Sticking to what you know could mean staying in a not very profitable rut. Taking your courage in both hands and making a fresh start can produce a rapid earnings boost. Equally importantly, starting a second career can help put the lid on an unhappy or unsatisfactory working life.

A small but growing number of employers are now starling to realise that all but the most technical skills are interchangeable — managing staff or dealing with customers is much the same whether you are involved in retailing or railways. And switching from controlling employees to controlling a process or vice versa — is just one step further along the flexi-work road. But your success in get ting out of a rut and into the fast lane will depend on the field you target. Don't expect to succeed with ease if you want to be a brain surgeon or a high-flying stock-broker.

adage — прислів'я. приказка, мудрий вислів

cobbler — швець, що займається лагодженням взуття

Cobbler must (should) stick to his last (a proverb). — Хай швець судить не вище сандали. Біда, як пироги та швець почне пекти (прислів’я).

boost — підвищення, підтримка

to put the lid on — покласти край, довершити справу

vice versa — навпаки, назад

stock-broker — біржовий маклер

DIALOGUES

a) Read and act the dialogues;

b) Make up the dialogues based on the models using as many words as possible dealing with the topic "Choosing a Career."

Dialogue 1

Choosing Is Not So Easy As It Looks

Jane: Hallo Bob!

Bob: Hallo!

Jane: Oh, you've just left college, haven't you?

Bob: Yes.

Jane: What are you going to do?

Bob: Er... well, it looks like a choice between teaching or going into an office and... I think I'd much prefer to go in for teaching, because... we'll get long holidays.

Jane: But, Bob, wouldn't you get bored with the same routine year after year teaching... teaching the same material to the children. And... a sense of responsibility you need — all those children, all those parents.

Bob: Oh, look, it wouldn't be as boring as... working in an office. Teaching is terribly stimulating. It's... new every day — I'm sure I'd enjoy it.

Jane: But I mean, there's so much variety in office work! Look at my job: I'm dealing with people and their problems, there're new situations to cope with all the time.

Bob: Yes, that's quite true, but I think there's a number of differences between teaching and office work and, well, I think I'll go for teaching because... it really attracts me.

(from J. Jones "Functions of English ")

Dialogue 2

Interviewer: Are you working?

Mr. Guzman: Yes, I am.

Interviewer: Exactly what do you do?

Mr. Guzman: I'm a mechanic. I work in a small auto shop with three mechanics and supervise all auto repairs. I diagnose problems, make repairs and also check all the repairs in the shop. I have experience with both American and foreign cars.

Interviewer: How long have you been working there?

Mr. Guzman: For three years.

Interviewer: What other jobs have you had? And what did you do?

Mr. Guzman: I was a maintenance mechanic in a plastics factory. I repaired the production machinery. I also did all the general maintenance work and made all electrical repairs.

Interviewer: How long were you there?

Mr. Guzman: For about three years.

Interviewer: Tell me about your education and any special training you've had.

Mr. Guzman: I graduated from high school in Colombia in 1980. After high school I went to a university for one year and studied engineering. Now I'm studying English at Alcmany Community College.

Interviewer: What other skills do you have?

Mr. Guzmnan: I can do general book-keeping and billing.

Interviewer: Why do you want to change your job?

Mr. Guzman: The auto shop I work in is very small. Three is little room for advancement.

Interviewer: What hours can you work?

Mr. Guzman: I prefer to work days, but I could work any hours.

(from "Lifelines")

Dialogue 3