Latest news with #APPRENTICE
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
How can I turn my passion for painting into a career and retire early?
APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions. Here, Karren gives her expert career advice to a reader who wants to sell their artwork. 1 Karren Brady gives you career advice Q) At the age of 53, I've taken up painting, and I think I'm pretty good. I mainly paint landscapes, and would like to see if I could make some money out of selling art. My dream would be to retire early and live off the proceeds of my paintings before drawing my pension, though I don't know how doable that is. My biggest problem is that I don't know where to start with selling paintings. READ MORE FROM KARREN BRADY I use a computer for my office job, but I'm not very technically minded and I realise I need to create a website if I want to get my artwork seen. But what else do I need to think about? Pamela, via email A) It's fantastic that you've discovered a real passion for painting, and even better that you're dreaming big and thinking about turning it into something profitable. Most read in Fabulous Don't worry about jumping into building a website just yet – there are easier, more approachable ways to get your art seen. Start small – take some good photos of your work (make sure you use natural light) and open an Instagram account. The Apprentice's Karren Brady gives career advice in game of Have You Ever? The platform is free, simple to use and a great way to test the waters and see what reaction your paintings get. I'd also suggest joining local art groups on Facebook, as I've seen so many people connect, sell their work and get advice that way. Platforms like Artfinder and Etsy are also worth looking into, plus don't underestimate the value of a local craft market to get face-to-face feedback and build your confidence. Most importantly, make sure you sign your work and keep a log of each piece. Finally, try to speak to other artists whenever and wherever you can – people are often more helpful than you might expect. Got a careers question for Karren? Email
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
My new manager is destroying my confidence with micro-management & bad communication
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions. Here, Karren gives advice to a reader who wants to negotiate a fair redundancy after 20 years at her job. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Karren Brady gives you career advice Q: For the past three years, I've worked in change communications. It was my perfect job and enabled me to thrive. Unfortunately, my employer got rid of my position and sent me back to a previous role in a different department, which I now find difficult. I'm currently on the waiting list for a neurodiversity assessment. I've told my new manager this, but they don't understand and work in a way that makes things a struggle and affects my focus. They also aren't very clear in their communication and they micro-manage me – even asking me about personal appointments in my calendar. I want to move forward – whether in this company or a different one – but my confidence is being knocked every day. Do you have any advice? Amber, via email A: It doesn't sound like your employer is supporting you or playing to your strengths. The Apprentice's Karren Brady gives career advice in game of Have You Ever? Request a meeting with your manager to calmly explain how the current set-up is affecting your ability to do your best work. Be specific about what's difficult, such as micro-management, unclear instructions and being questioned on personal matters, and how this is affecting your focus and confidence. Then explain what you need instead – more clarity, trust and autonomy. It's also worth sharing how much you thrived in your previous role and why. At the same time, speak to occupational health or HR about your neurodiversity assessment, as you may be eligible for reasonable adjustments. while at work. Keep a written record of concerning interactions, and don't stop advocating for yourself. Whether it's within this company or somewhere new, you deserve to be in a role and environment that supports your needs and allows you to grow.
The Irish Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
My new manager is destroying my confidence with micro-management & bad communication
APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions. Here, Karren gives advice to a reader who wants to negotiate a fair redundancy after 20 years at her job. Advertisement 1 Karren Brady gives you career advice Q: For the past three years, I've worked in change communications. It was my perfect job and enabled me to thrive. Unfortunately, my employer got rid of my position and sent me back to a previous role in a different department, which I now find difficult. I'm currently on the waiting list for a neurodiversity assessment. Advertisement READ MORE FROM KARREN BRADY I've told my new manager this, but they don't understand and work in a way that makes things a struggle and affects my focus. They also aren't very clear in their communication and they micro-manage me – even asking me about personal appointments in my calendar. I want to move forward – whether in this company or a different one – but my confidence is being knocked every day. Do you have any advice? Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive Exclusive Amber, via email A: It doesn't sound like your employer is supporting you or playing to your strengths. The Apprentice's Karren Brady gives career advice in game of Have You Ever? Request a meeting with your manager to calmly explain how the current set-up is affecting your ability to do your best work. Be specific about what's difficult, such as micro-management, unclear instructions and being questioned on personal matters, and how this is affecting your focus and confidence. Advertisement Then explain what you need instead – more clarity, trust and autonomy. It's also worth sharing how much you thrived in your previous role and why. At the same time, speak to occupational health or HR about your neurodiversity assessment, as you may be eligible for reasonable adjustments. while at work. Keep a written record of concerning interactions, and don't stop advocating for yourself. Advertisement Whether it's within this company or somewhere new, you deserve to be in a role and environment that supports your needs and allows you to grow. Got a careers question for Karren? Email
Scottish Sun
14-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
How can I prepare and negotiate to get a fair redundancy package after 20 years at my company?
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions. Here, Karren gives advice to a reader who wants to negotiate a fair redundancy after 20 years at her job. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Karren Brady gives you career advice Q) I have recently realised that redundancy is likely on the horizon for my role, and I am keen not to be caught off guard. I've been at my current company for 20 years, and am fine with the idea of moving on at this point, but I want to ensure the redundancy package I receive is fair and as beneficial as possible. How do I go about negotiating this, and should I team up with others who are made redundant to petition for a better deal? I've never been through this process before and want to avoid being taken for a mug – so is there anything I can do in advance to prepare? Lianne, via email A) If you suspect redundancy is coming, it's wise to prepare early. In the UK, you're entitled to statutory redundancy pay after two years working for a business, but many companies do offer enhanced terms, especially for long-serving staff. Check your contract for any clauses on redundancy and notice periods. If others at your workplace have been made redundant, try to find out what packages they received, as this can give you a benchmark. Don't wait to be told what is happening – instead, take the initiative yourself. The Apprentice's Karren Brady gives career advice in game of Have You Ever? Arrange a chat with HR or your manager and explain that you'd like clarity around your situation. Ask for a full breakdown of any potential packages in writing. If other colleagues are affected, sharing information with each other can help – just be sure you trust who you're talking to. Raising the subject yourself shows professionalism and may put you in a stronger position when it comes to negotiation, especially if management would rather avoid formal consultation or disputes. Good luck – and remember, this is the start of a new and positive chapter for you.
The Irish Sun
14-06-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
How can I prepare and negotiate to get a fair redundancy package after 20 years at my company?
APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions. Here, Karren gives advice to a reader who wants to negotiate a fair redundancy after 20 years at her job. Advertisement 1 Karren Brady gives you career advice Q) I have recently realised that redundancy is likely on the horizon for my role, and I am keen not to be caught off guard. I've been at my current company for 20 years, and am fine with the idea of moving on at this point, but I want to ensure the redundancy package I receive is fair and as beneficial as possible. How do I go about negotiating this, and should I team up with others who are made redundant to petition for a better deal? I've never been through this process before and want to avoid being taken for a mug – so is there anything I can do in advance to prepare? Advertisement READ MORE FROM KARREN BRADY Lianne, via email A) If you suspect redundancy is coming, it's wise to prepare early. In the UK, you're entitled to statutory redundancy pay after two years working for a business, but many companies do offer enhanced terms, especially for long-serving staff. Check your contract for any clauses on redundancy and notice periods. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive Exclusive Exclusive If others at your workplace have been made redundant, try to find out what packages they received, as this can give you a benchmark. Don't wait to be told what is happening – instead, take the initiative yourself. The Apprentice's Karren Brady gives career advice in game of Have You Ever? Arrange a chat with HR or your manager and explain that you'd like clarity around your situation. Ask for a full breakdown of any potential packages in writing. Advertisement If other colleagues are affected, sharing information with each other can help – just be sure you trust who you're talking to. Raising the subject yourself shows professionalism and may put you in a stronger position when it comes to negotiation, especially if management would rather avoid formal consultation or disputes. Good luck – and remember, this is the start of a new and positive chapter for you. Got a careers question for Karren? Email
