When is the best time to switch jobs?
Are you considering leaving your job or making a career change? Try asking yourself the following questions: Are you really unhappy at your current job? Do you only dream about a more fulfilling career or do you want to follow your true passion? I Is it the right moment to leave? Changing jobs can feel risky, but it can also open up new opportunities. A few tips to consider when contemplating a career change:
1. Symptoms of not having a fulfilling career
You always make it to work on time, but outside of that, you really just don’t care. You feel indifferent when it comes to your results and the overall success of the company. This is mindset is likely to influence your performance, so when you notice that you are putting in the bare minimum at work, ask yourself if you are meant to be in your current position. Another thing to consider are opportunities for career development and/or progression in your current company. Ask you manager what career path they see for you in the organisation and if their answer is not satisfying, start weighing your options. Finally, don’t forget to listen to your inner voice and trust your instincts. It helps you avoid unhealthy relationships and situations, even in your career!
2. Imagine about your ideal environment
Take a look at your current job situation and ask yourself why you would like to switch jobs. Has your job becoming boring and are you feeling like you are stuck? Sometimes voicing your concerns to friends or relatives, can help you get more insight in why you are feeling like this. Discuss fundamental questions about what kind of work you enjoy. Are you comfortable with the resources and structure of a big organisation or do you prefer the energy and dynamism of a start-up? What do you prefer: collaborating with people or concentrating on your own projects with your headphones on? Do you need to be inspired by a product or does an engaging service motivate you more? Our advice is to take time to write down the elements that make up your ideal professional environment, social setting and business culture; this will help you preparing for your job search.
3. When is a good time to leave?
You need to look at your employer’s situation before deciding to move to another role. Are you currently working on a big project for the company? Then it might be not to wise to move right now, as you want to show future employers that you are a loyal and responsible employee. Additionally, you will feel better after completing a project and you will be able to refer to the project on your CV and in interviews; all beneficial to your job search!
4. Timing in your personal life
The next factor you need to consider before deciding to switch jobs are your personal circumstances. Assess where you are in life right now and decide whether you have the resources to make the move. Going through a major life change at the moment, like a pregnancy or a death in the family? It probably isn’t the best time to switch jobs, as your mind will probably be elsewhere.
It also isn’t a good idea to take on a new job just before a vacation. It is better to get your wanderlust out of the way before you switch jobs, as it might help you start things off with your new employer on the right foot. Also, you will feel refreshed and energised once commencing your new job after a holiday.
Finally, your financial situation will also dictate the right time to switch jobs. It generally is desirable to have a new job lined up before you leave, but what if there is no new job in sight? Can your finances handle weeks, or even months, of being unemployed?
5. Use your network
When searching for jobs in Asia, networking is key! Of course you can find vacancies on platforms such as Linkedin and JobsDB, but these online job ads are just the tip of the iceberg. Use your personal (family, friends, neighbours, sports mates, etc.) and professional (former colleagues, business networking groups, recruiters, etc.) to learn about current market conditions and opportunities. Search Linkedin for people who work in a company or position that you would aspire and send them a connection request and an invite for a cup of coffee. It is a fact that people generally are happy to help others and enjoy talking about themselves and their career. Remember to always come prepared, bringing a list of specific questions about the industry, company, or role to ensure you get all the information you are looking for.
6. Know the job market and industry conditions
It is important to understand the current job market situation of the industry you would like to work in. This will help you navigate job interviews and convince interviewers that you are the one they should be hiring. As mentioned earlier in this article, your own personal and professional networks are probably great sources of information but also consider your local Labour Department, industry websites (keep an eye on our blogs!), and company websites for the latest market and industry updates. Generally speaking, the start of a company’s fiscal year is a good time to send in your application: most companies will use that time to launch new projects, create new positions and define head count budgets. However, depending on your knowledge, skills and experience, there might be opportunities at different times in the year, or all year round.
7. Connect to a recruiter
Most of the people think that the best time to connect with a recruiter is when you are in the process of searching for job, but that is not true. Develop relationships before you are even thinking of making a change. It is good to spend time exploring different recruitment agencies and consultants, to understand who to turn to when you are ready to start exploring the job market. In return, good consultants will always approach you when they come across a suitable opportunity for you. To be able to do so though, they will need to know you!
Good luck!
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