Should We Always be Looking for a New Job? Even if Happily Employed?

In today's fast-paced job market, the idea of constantly seeking new employment opportunities has gained traction. Many argue that by frequently changing jobs, individuals can maximize their compensation. However, this notion may not apply universally, especially in fields like healthcare, which typically values and rewards clinical expertise and longevity in a role. In this week’s newsletter, we will delve into the pros and cons of constantly searching for a new job and explore recommendations for striking the right balance.

Pros:

1. Seizing Dream Job Opportunities: By actively looking for new job openings, you increase your chances of stumbling upon a potential dream job. This proactive approach ensures that you remain aware of what opportunities are available and where your skill set places you in terms of candidacy.
2. Understanding Market Value: Regularly exploring job options allows you to assess your current compensation and determine if it aligns with the market standards. This knowledge empowers you to negotiate better terms and advocate for fair compensation.
3. Low-Effort, Low-Commitment: Passive job hunting, such as setting up alerts on job hunt sites, can be a relatively effortless way to keep tabs on the job market. It requires minimal commitment while providing valuable insights into industry trends and potential career advancements.

Cons:

1. Exhaustion and Time Consumption: Actively job hunting, with constant resume updates, interviews, and networking events, can be mentally and physically draining. The process of searching for new opportunities demands a significant investment of time and effort, potentially affecting your work-life balance.
2. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Constantly looking for greener pastures may lead to dissatisfaction with your current job. This "grass is always greener" mentality can diminish your engagement and commitment to your current role, hampering your professional growth and job satisfaction.
3. Diversion of Energy and Skill Development: Like test driving numerous cars at a dealership, spending too much time exploring job options may divert your energy away from honing your skills and excelling in your current position. Focusing on self-improvement and increasing your expertise can potentially lead to better compensation within your existing role.

Recommendations: Networking is a powerful tool for passive job hunting, allowing you to stay connected and aware of opportunities without actively seeking them. For healthcare professionals, remaining siloed and unaware of potential openings can hinder both compensation and career progression. Passive job hunting, through occasional exploration and networking, can be a net positive in such cases.

To make the most of passive job hunting:

1. Set up alerts on job hunt sites for roles you believe you are qualified for, as well as those you aspire to in the future. This ensures you stay informed about relevant opportunities.
2. Avoid guilt or feelings of disloyalty when exploring job prospects. Job opportunities are voluntary agreements between two parties who believe they mutually benefit. If you feel that better opportunities for your career may exist elsewhere, you have every right to explore them.
3. Networking is a form of passive job hunting. Intentional networking through Linkedin, professional associations, alumni groups, and conferences can lead to job opportunities that are never publicly listed (70-80% of all jobs are found through networking). To learn more about networking, check out our recent podcast episode here.

In summary, a balanced approach to job hunting, with a focus on passive methods and networking, can provide valuable insights into the market, compensation trends, and potential career growth. However, it's important to avoid excessive distraction and maintain a commitment to skill development in your current role. By striking the right balance, you can make informed decisions about your professional path while ensuring ongoing personal and financial growth.

This week’s podcast episode titled Applying to Jobs while Happily Employed.

This newsletter is made possible through the support of ThriveAP, a leading resource in transition-to-practice solutions for PAs, NPs, and the facilities that employ them.