When and why to switch jobs
Knowing when and why to switch jobs is as important as the new job you pick, here’s why
Do you wake up in the morning feeling energised about work? Or more importantly, is work a part of your life by which you would like to be fulfilled, satisfied, energised, challenged, and rewarded both financially and otherwise?
No, I’m not pitching a pyramid scheme to you.
I am, however, reflecting on the process I’ve used in the past to determine when and why to switch jobs and how this has helped me make the right decisions for both my professional progress and my sanity. Keep reading for the thought process and framework I swear by and recommend to my coachees.
1. What is it about your current role that you’d like to change?
This might be your working hours, your commute, the subject matter, the day to day tasks, or even your boss.
2. If these things were to change would you stay in your current role?
If your troublesome boss were to leave, would that address all of the concerns you have about your current role?
3. Is it likely these things will change in the next 6 (or insert relevant time frame here) months or so?
Is it likely your boss will leave? Could you move closer to reduce the commute? What about if you could work on different subject matter?
4. Will these requirements be met at the next job you are considering?
Compare your next job to against these requirements, does it tick each one or are there a few ambiguities?
5. How could you find out for sure?
Speak to people that already work there. Take them out for coffee (in person or virtual) and pick their brains. If you’re not sure how to network, build relationships and learn through others, check out my networking strategy in the linked article below.
6. If yes, go ahead and leap. If not, pause for a minute, reconsider your options and chart a different way forward.
Now is the time to submit that formal job application and accept the offer. If you’re finding that your requirements are still not quite met, consider your options. Maybe there’s another role waiting for you that’s a better fit.
This process will help you gain a clear understanding of what it is about a job that is important for you, the ‘make or break factors’ if you will. Using these factors/characteristics as indicators allows you to make a judgement call about potential job fit before you’ve submitted your resignation and signed your new contract.
With the above said, it’s important to keep in mind that this is a continual process of learning and that as you grow, develop and change, so will your preferences and priorities. One of the most important characteristics I’ve found to job satisfaction is being aware of what those preferences and priorities are as I progress through my career.
The other thing to remember is that your experience in a new role three months in may be significantly different to what you imagined it would be like before starting. Give things a go, raise your concerns, have a safety net/emergency fund to tide you over if you find yourself out of work, and move onto the next opportunity if this one isn’t the right fit.
Best of luck on your search!
Eresha is a health and wellbeing consultant who is passionate about professional development and improvement. She recognises the inter-relatedness of self-improvement and wellbeing and is constantly looking for new ways to save time, learn, develop, and improve her overall health, wellbeing, and quality of life. Eresha also offers 1-on-1 virtual professional development coaching for early career professionals, enquire by emailing Eresha.Abenayake@chiefexecutivegirls.com.au
The views expressed in this article are my own and do not reflect any organisation for which I work or volunteer.
You can find more professional development inspiration from Eresha on Instagram (@chief_executive_girls).
