We all have good and bad days in our jobs and thinking of a change or a move to a new role or company can be a daunting, however also an alluring option. The grass often seems greener and depending on just how regularly you have bad days will likely be the telling factor on whether you press “return” on that apply button.
Here are 6 things to consider when thinking about changing jobs:
Your Health
Stress isn’t healthy. If you are struggling to keep it together at work and your health is suffering, a job switch may seem like the only remedy. However, think about what is causing your stress and ensure that you don’t replicate what you are leaving for an identical set of issues at a new organisation or job.
Finances
Finances and personal cash flow is a major consideration when thinking about changing jobs in recruitment. Such a significant part of our incomes are based on commissions or bonuses you need to consider planning your exit based on due commissions as well as your regular salary.
But before we even get to seeing what’s out there in terms of a new opportunity if it’s just about money and your desire or need to earn more, then talk to your boss before dipping your toe in to the job searching market. You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain, by being upfront and honest about your salary requirements. They can only say yes, no or maybe :o)
When thinking about new opportunities or whether to take an offer, you must have a clear understanding of what a new bonus plan looks like and what the goals are in order to achieve a healthy increase in your overall package.
Carefully evaluate your finances and whether you can afford to take some time to ramp up in a new role, consider average time to fill stats that a new employer will be able to share along with notice periods and bonuses pay out dates after candidate start dates.
Be warned you should also ask about their credit policy and how any bonus may be clawed back from your pay cheque before you pull the plug on your bankroll and a scheme that you understand although may not be to your ultimate liking.
Company vs. Role
Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater! If you like your colleagues and believe in the company mission, it’s worth it to consider carving out a new opportunity for yourself at your current company. If you have been working for the company steadily for some time, you should know the business and therefore you are valuable. Come to the table with a role that solves a problem, generates revenue and any good boss will at least hear you out. This might take more effort than typing out your letter of resignation but could ultimately lead to your dream job.
Is It Burnout?
Are you experiencing physical and emotional exhaustion, detachment, apathy or feelings of ineffectiveness? These are symptoms of burnout and could be remedied by hiring a professional coach, taking up a professionally unrelated hobby or actually taking regular breaks and holidays. By having a more balanced approach to your work, you may be able to reclaim your love for the work that you are doing.
Future Prospects
It is paramount to evaluate your future prospects before making any moves. Make a list of those in your network who would be willing to help you or introduce you to new opportunities and get the ball rolling well in advance. Be honest with yourself about your value in the marketplace, get some advice from professionals and make sure you have your personal billings ready to hand as it’s one of the first questions a new recruitment organisation will want to know. Clarity here and a yardstick on what is considered good, bad or great in the market place will help you negotiate your salary and other elements of a new role that might be important to you.
Can I Live with the Worst Case Scenario?
Paint the picture of the worst case scenario for both staying at your current position and leaving. Whatever it is for you, think it through and decide which side of the coin seems less daunting.
Without a crystal ball it can be quite difficult to know what to do when feeling stunted at work. It’s a good practice to consider these key factors before a major move and it is our hope that it leads you to the best possible path.
