You don’t have to be Cupid to work in the dating industry — take advantage of the jobs boom
MATCH yourself to a job this Valentine’s Day.
The dating industry is a fast-growing employer, with its apps contributing more than £11billion a year to the economy.
There are opportunities for professional dating profile writers, and computer whizzes to design the software to pair singles.
Tech specialist roles range from £25k entry-level jobs to six-figure salaries for expert coders and designers.
And these skills are so in demand that there is chance to move to the US and Asia, where online dating is booming.
There is also a huge range of specialist support roles including customer services, marketing and legal and community managers for online forums.
After meeting his wife through a dating agency, tech expert Nick Hancock became fascinated by the dating industry.
He is now head of marketing at which helps singles get back into the dating game after separation or bereavement.
Nick, 61, from Kingston-Upon-Thames, South West London, said: “There will always be a market and singles are always looking for the next big thing.
“There are new dating apps and services popping up every year, which means lots of opportunities for both jobs and entrepreneurs.
“The dating industry is an especially easy transition for those working in recruitment or estate agents, who are used to looking for someone’s best points.
“You have to be empathetic to the challenges singles come across when trying to seek a long-term partner.
“It’s very rewarding helping people find love.”
- To find a job, apply directly to dating sites for their latest vacancies or go to .
Healing broken hearts
TODAY is all about celebrating relationships. But what if you have split up with your love?
Some Japanese firms now offer employees “heartache leave”, giving a few days off to cope with a break-up. This has yet to catch on in the UK.
Here, Gerard Barnes, CEO of mental health treatment specialists Smart TMS, advises how to deal with your break-up when at work.
- Prioritise your mental health. Consider whether you need a few days off to process what has happened and discuss openly with your boss. Few firms will specifically have a heartbreak policy, but your HR department will be able give guidance.
- For some people, work can represent a lifeline. It can be something else to focus on while you allow your brain to process your emotions and come to terms with the situation over weeks or months.
- For others, the pressure felt in the workplace, the demands of your company and a fear that your co-workers will not understand could further harm your mental state and overwhelm you.
- When you do go back to work, your colleagues can often provide valuable support as confidants or supporters.
- Enduring the time following a break-up is particularly challenging. In the short-term it can feel devastating but longer term it can help you learn more about yourself and make you stronger.
Jobspot
KINGSWOOD activity centres are taking on 170 apprentices nationwide as leaders.
- Visit .
Business partners
WORKING with your partner can boost a small business, according to a married couple who help build garden summerhouses and offices.
Ivana Cavallo and Lukas Brzozowski, who run , claim sharing an aim has benefitted their company and family life.
Ivana said: “Being a couple and also business partners means we have a common goal and another plus is that we can organise our time in a smarter way, making sure family and work needs are met.
“Working together made us understand each other more and strengthened our relationship.”
- Find out more at .
Jobspot
POWER up your career with the NATIONAL GRID, which needs 36 advanced apprentices and 33 higher apprentices.
- Find out more, and apply by Sunday, at .
Choc and change
ENJOYING your Valentine’s chocolates today?
Next year you could be making them.
MOST READ IN MONEY
Choccy giant Mondelez is recruiting an apprentice to help create the sweet treats of tomorrow in the Bournville Global Centre of Chocolate Excellence.
There are also six roles for apprentices to work at the firm’s research centre in Reading, on developing future product ingredients.
Another four jobs are available in the company’s supply chain and enterprise programme.
- You can find details of all these posts, and apply, at .
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