The Trade-Offs of Job Change: A Case Study from Zimbabwe government employee

Amara, a longtime government employee from Zimbabwe, stood at a career crossroads; her decision was anything but simple. With 18 years of service under her belt, she is contemplating a career change that aligns more closely with her academic qualifications. With just two years remaining to qualify for pensionable service, she finds herself with a very tough choice. The unfavourable economic climate in Zimbabwe has partly exacerbated her career-change decision. The situation presents a trade-off to Amara: Is it prudent for her transition now, considering the opportunity cost of two years? Should she complete the remaining two years and then embark on a new journey with the security of a pension income? What factors should she consider in this critical decision-making process?

Let's face it, deciding to leave a safe job isn't a walk in the park. The source of the dilemma is leaving a secure government job, complete with a looming pension, and the allure of a job that better aligns with her academic credentials. The decision to leave her current position comes with the opportunity cost of a pension she stands to receive after two more years of service. Opting to resign now would mean relinquishing these benefits. Conversely, remaining in her current role could entail persisting in a job that she finds less fulfilling and potentially less rewarding, both in terms of salary and job satisfaction. Weighing all these factors, a job transition becomes a significant decision. Its implications extend beyond the confines of the workplace and the appeal of a higher salary, permeating various aspects of her life.

The reality is, leaving for a new job offers both advantages and long-term security concerns. The economic conditions in Zimbabwe and the desire for a role that better aligns with her academic qualifications are the primary catalysts for this contemplation. Zimbabwe's economy has been grappling with a myriad of challenges. These include an extremely high unemployment rate, a significant brain drain, and mass migration of highly skilled individuals due to the country's economic challenges. Furthermore, the remuneration of government employees has sparked heated debates over the years, leading to a series of strikes triggered by disputes over pay scales and working conditions. Despite reports indicating that the government has undertaken measures to rectify these issues, a significant number of workers continue to express dissatisfaction with their service conditions. Under these circumstances, leaving would seem more attractive.

A career transition is never an easy decision. The quandary becomes worse after providing 18 years of committed service; it is crucial to engage in thorough and strategic evaluation. Drawing from Susan Doering, we can learn valuable insights and guidance on making the right decisions about career paths and ways to strategically prepare for a career transition. It further provides the tools to identify what they want, prepare for change, and cultivate the necessary skills and self-confidence key to a successful career transition. ?There are many internet articles too that provide valuable lessons on career transition, by outlining signs that you’re ready for new opportunities.

In my opinion, Amara has a number of options that she must consider before signing off.

First, consider taking a break from work. Sometimes, a change of scenery or a well-deserved holiday can help regain perspective and might be what is needed instead of a job change. As a government employee, she has the option to take an extended leave of up to six months. Utilizing this time to introspect and identify the root causes of her dissatisfaction may clear smoke and realign her career goals. A relaxed and refreshed mind can aid in making a more informed and balanced decision.

Secondly, invest some time in assessing the security and benefits of the current job. Government jobs typically offer stability and security. In Zimbabwe, the civil service is known for its superior service conditions and compensation packages, which include medical aid, retirement benefits, bonuses, and additional perks such as accommodation and transport. With just two years remaining to qualify for pensionable service, it’s crucial to make a decision after considering the present value of the pension and other benefits to be foregone by an immediate resignation.

The government of Zimbabwe has deliberately impoverished the pensioners’ class. Since 2015, there has been a loss of value due to hyperinflation and delayed processing of lump-sum pension benefits. Pensioners are currently receiving paltry payouts resulting from alleged value erosion post-hyperinflation. On the side of medical aid benefits, the Premier Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS) which provides medical aid to government employees, has not been effective. Its hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies have closed down across the country after being looted of much-needed resources by senior government officials. Just a glance at these factors can aid in evaluating the future benefit of whatever decision Amara takes.

Thirdly, before quitting the current job, actively evaluate the long-term prospects, career goals, growth potential, and the overall economic climate. Zimbabwe’s economic conditions can significantly influence job opportunities and salary scales across various sectors. The labor market there is among the most challenging in the world. Prior to resigning, it’s crucial to assess the job market and economic conditions to identify suitable jobs that match your qualifications and experience. Consider factors such as salary prospects, future growth potential, and the stability of the industry or sector you’re planning to transition into. In the current scenario, without a concrete offer, the saying, “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,” becomes pertinent.

Fourthly, before making the leap, Amara should actively assess her financial readiness. Departing from a secure position prior to reaching pension eligibility can lead to financial consequences. A key strategy when exiting a job is to ensure she have at least three months’ worth of living expenses covered to bridge any potential income gaps during the transition. In this context, it’s advisable to establish an emergency fund that surpasses this three-month threshold, as the job search may entail unforeseen expenses, the new role might not meet your expectations, or there could be a risk of retrenchment shortly after securing it.

Lastly, she also needs to evaluate her passions, interests, and long-term career objectives. When contemplating a career transition, actively aligning personal and professional long-term goals with the prospective job is critical. If Amara feels that her current position does not fully leverage her academic credentials, it could be beneficial to proactively seek other job opportunities that better match her qualifications and ambitions. If personal and professional goals are not in sync, it can lead to a sense of discontent. Left unaddressed, these feelings can become the cause of mental and physical health issues. Thus, if feeling misaligned, it might be worth exploring new opportunities.

To sum up Amara’s case, it is indeed a very delicate decision to make. Before making the decision to resign, it is crucial to thoroughly research and evaluate various factors, such as the benefits offered by the potential new employer, the expected workload, and opportunities for skill development. While a higher salary may be enticing, it’s important to remember that this could result in less leisure time to spend with family and friends. In some instances, particularly in Zimbabwe, there have been instances of fake promises. Therefore, it’s essential to consider a multitude of factors before submitting the resignation letter.

It is my conviction that, by meticulously examining these aspects, she is likely to make a decision that is not only well-informed but also in sync with her long-term financial aspirations and overall health. This should ideally enhance her quality of life while minimizing potential disadvantages.

"So, are you ready to weigh your options and jump towards a career that truly fulfills you?"