What To Think About When Considering A Career Change

Thanks to the advent of social media and the internet it has never been easier to get out there and look for a new job. And as we start to emerge from recession the number of job opportunities and openings are bound to increase.

But moving to a new job is a major decision and should never be taken lightly or in haste. Work plays a huge part in all of our lives, not just in terms of the time we spend in the office but also how we feel about ourselves as individuals.

It never ceases to amaze me how people will look to change jobs on a whim when it should be one of the most important decisions you take in your life. At the same time, there are people who are far too happy to coast when it is clear they are not progressing.

Here are four factors worth considering before you apply for that new job.

1) Is the grass always greener?

Sometimes people decide to apply for a new job because they are feeling sorry for themselves or a little bit frustrated. But acting on a whim is always going to be a mistake. Before you do anything you should take a step back and ask yourself how you currently feel about your job, and what the alternatives are. Perhaps you enjoy it much more than you realise and maybe the alternatives on offer aren’t as great as they seem. It makes no sense in going through the hassle of a move if it is eventually going to make you feel unhappy.

2) Is there a long-term plan?

Not all of us want to take over the world and we all don’t have to be incredibly ambitious and driven. However, I would expect anyone who works for me to have a long-term career plan. They often say that if you’re standing still you’re also going backwards. Staying in a comfort zone and not challenging yourself leads to inertia and eventually boredom. You need to make sure that the company you work for offers the right kind of opportunities to develop and grow as an employee. Are there courses you will be able to take, is there scope to take on more responsibilities? If the company is not giving you the chance to grow then I would consider looking elsewhere.

3) Are you appreciated?

The worst bosses are the ones who do not value their staff and have no regard for what they bring to the business. Of course, money is an important part of the equation, but you also need to ask if your efforts are being appreciated and your ideas are being properly recognised. If the answer is no then maybe the time has come to look for a new challenge.

4) What does my boss think about me?

I would expect any manager to be speaking to their staff at least once every six months to a year. These chats give both sides a chance to talk about your input into the firm and what things can be done to improve performance. These one-on-ones should also be a chance to find out how your manager feels about you as an individual and where your future lies within the company. If you are being earmarked for a promotion it might change your mind about looking for new opportunities. On the other hand, if your prospects aren’t looking good, it might be the spur you need to move on to pastures new.

I always advise people to treat a job move in the same way I would treat an investment - with careful analysis and diligence. After you have looked at these four factors, you will have a much better idea of whether staying or leaving is the right decision to take.

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