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Changing Jobs: Should I Stay Or Should I Go?

By Simon on

I’m afraid we’re not going to write an article about The Clash, but this may be worth a read if you’re considering changing jobs. At this time of year we see a significant increase in the number of applications because many people take time over the Yuletide break to re-consider their career options. In reality, it may seem like a good idea and moving jobs can be extremely rewarding. But it is a question that deserves a lot of thought and serious consideration. Moving jobs takes time and energy.

New Year, New Job

You may see New Year as the time to leave your current employer. The challenge of your role may have dwindled. Opportunities for progression may be fewer. Your once-lovable boss is not so warm anymore. Or you may have committed the cardinal sin and made a move on a colleague after a few too many at the Christmas party! Either way, we suggest that you don’t act impulsively. The grass isn’t always greener and you must be committed to finding a prospective new challenge.

Looking for that new opportunity really does take a lot of contemplation. Consider that, during the first quarter of 2014, one out of two candidates decided to stay put with their current employer after receiving a generous offer of new employment. It makes sense, therefore, to do a lot of thinking before you decide to move into job hunting mode.

Some Tips For Changing Jobs

  • Don’t assume it will be easy. In fact, it most probably won’t be.
  • The process can take anything from one to three months, and even longer sometimes.
  • You will face rejection. It’s unpleasant but it will strengthen your resolve and make you more committed.
  • You may sometimes blow interviews and feel like a bit of a spanner for a few days. Don’t worry – every interview, good or bad, builds your experience.
  • If you are already in a role, it will mean taking a fair bit of time off to attend interviews. Some employers are empathetic and will see you outside work hours. But most will expect you to attend an interview during work hours.
  • You will face competition. There is a vast increase in the number of job hunters between January and March.
  • Sometimes an interview process can include two or three stages. Some may even include a full day of assessment.
  • You may need to register with more than one recruiter as well as apply online and directly to employers.
  • Copywriters and Creatives – you will need to update your portfolio. Those that don’t may not be taken seriously.
  • Be prepared – one out of two candidates fail at the first stage from a lack of research.

These tips should illustrate to you that the job hunting process isn’t straightforward. It takes serious effort and commitment to secure a new role, and committed applicants are memorable. Those who are just seeing what’s out there, simply aren’t. Realistically speaking, your motive in finding a new role needs to be strong, before you decide to start looking for new horizons.

When Should You Move?

Bear in mind that changing jobs to attain a higher salary may not be the best move, unless you are woefully underpaid. Yes, money pays the bills and the nice weekends out, but if your new company culture doesn’t suit, the salary can soon pale into insignificance.

The time to move is when you genuinely feel that you can get nothing more from your role and the company you’re with. You may also start to resent your processes and protocol, or simply feel your opportunity for development is blocked by more senior people. In truth, it’s a really instinctive feeling that will push you to move on with your career. The most common reason we hear from candidates is that they feel that they have accomplished and achieved all that they can and now need to be challenged by a new environment and new people. Yes, some do move for a higher salary – we’re only human and who can blame someone if they are offered a substantial amount more to do the same role?!

Moving on with your career and changing jobs can be extremely rewarding. But please do take time to think it through before your decide to brush off your interview wardrobe and jazz up your CV!