The Questions to Ask Yourself Before Changing a Job

Do you dread going to the office every morning and find yourself wishing if there was an escape? Then you certainly seem to hate your job. The hardest part is what to do about it. Switch to a new job you might love? And what if after a few months you start hating it too. This is going to be an endless cycle.

You want a new job and you want it now. You have a lot in mind: altering your resume, polishing your approach pitch, applying for online jobs, looking to land a job offer as soon as possible. Breathe. Before you feel, “Well, you again found a wrong company to work for”, let’s dwell on what you need to know before you choose to make a change. Prepare yourself for a transition by asking yourself these questions to make sure you do not regret later.

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#Will I get the “job title” I deserve?

Many times, job title isn’t everything - but it does matter. When you are planning to jump into a new job, how do you think about the title you deserve? If not a high raise than at least a title you deserve? And what about if you are getting no raise but the title you deserve and vice versa?

These little things should be clear in your mind when you get out to move. Set your priorities right about what you want. Think about it. Keep in mind that the meaning of responsibilities and job titles vary from a company to company. Do your homework and then hit the door.  

#Is the change just because I want to change my life?

Your new office, new colleagues, new environment might just sound perfect for a while because a change is always good: it gives you a fresh start. But this just doesn't sound perfect for your ‘career’ all the time.

Yes, a job change can change your life for better or even worse. Take stock of how a particular job change will be a life-changer. Maybe it spoils your work-life balance, your past experiences turns to be a waste, you skills counted as zero and life turns upside down. Take a note of it.

#Is this what I want to get into?

Oh, are you changing your job because it is just not doing the way you want for you? Are you just burned out?  Look into yourself, are you bored of your job or it’s the career you don’t like.

Be clear of the list of responsibilities that will come your way, do you want to own them? Is it worth it? Hunt for as much insight as you can find about the new job role and company, what it’s like to work for the company. Every major decision deserves a gut check.

#Will the company offer me more room to grow?

It is true that you are the one who has to create new opportunities to grow. Only one person is responsible for your career growth: YOU. But, on the other hand, your company should support your career development plan.

Ideally, if your new job doesn't promise you a future opportunity, probably you want to work for a company that will help you grow your skills when you are willing to learn. Does it offer a defined career path? Be strategic and think long-term.

#Will this solve the issues I had with my former job?

If you are completely dissatisfied with your current position, then make a list of all your issues on a note. Look if your new position addresses to all your issues. Ask yourself if it is it upto the level of your strongest skills. And see if the step you are planning to take is worth it.

Be bold. Take risk but remember while the grass may indeed be greener on the other side, it still pays to do your homework. Well, self-awareness and self-assessment are of paramount importance. Changing jobs can be super exciting and super terrifying time in a person’s life. But do not lock yourself into something you do not want to.  

Now I would like to hear from all you. Tell us about your experience when you changed your job: be it good, bad or ugly.

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Vartika Kashyap runs the marketing team at ProofHub — a project management software for teams of all sizes. She is a seasoned marketing professional who is an expert in digital marketing and entrepreneurship.

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