Partner Article

Moving jobs and making the right decision

How do you make the decision to jump? 10 things to know that you are making the right decision. Moving Jobs is one of life’s biggest decisions. They say that moving house, moving jobs and divorce are the most challenging life changes. Morgan Hunt provides 10 things to know you’re making the right decision.

Is fear stopping you from moving jobs?

Yes, moving jobs is way up there on the ‘stress scale’. Yes, it’s tough walking away from what you know and yes, the thought of being the ‘new kid’ makes your palms sweat.

Why then, do so many people put themselves through it? It’s simple. They’re ready to make that career move to something great.

But how do you know when you’re making the right decision? You may have spent years as part of a business, becoming an integrated part of its office culture. Your routines, habits and personal connections don’t carry with you to a new job, and leaving that type of familiar environment behind can be frightening for even the most experienced employee. But some situations make it almost compulsory for a career-minded person to change jobs. You may find your career at a dead end, or you might only be able to realise your full potential in another position. As difficult as it is to leave a job, staying can sometimes mean standing still. If a career move is front of mind, take a look at our top 10 check points to give you piece of mind that you’re making the right choice.

1. Are you capable of more? Research suggests that the typical employee masters his or her job over the course of three years. After that point, the pace of learning slows. So it stands to reason that there comes a time when you need to ask yourself “Could I be doing more somewhere else?” [source: National Executive Resources Inc.].
2. Are you worth more? The same job in different industries can pay considerably different amounts. Being aware of these disparities - and finding opportunities because of them - can provide a valid reason to change jobs.
3. Are you being challenged? A job with little or no challenging work puts you at risk for a number of job and career-killing factors. The perfect job involves truly challenging, outside-your-comfort-zone work about 20 percent of the time. Is that the case where you currently are? [source: Shigley].
4. Are you better than your boss? Perhaps you feel that your boss doesn’t do his or her job as well as you could. Maybe you don’t like the direction he or she insists on leading your team, maybe you could do it better, somewhere else?
5. Are you in a stable environment? Maybe you’ve noticed the poor quarterly figures, or a large number of layoffs; potentially early signs of a major problem. If you can see that your company’s on its way down—or worse—it’s probably a good time to find a new job.
6. Have your circumstances changed? You want to spend more time with your family, or move to a new city for a spouse and your current job may not allow for that kind of shift in your priorities.
7. Are you missing something? If you’re in a work environment where the culture isn’t contributing to your efficiency, happiness or comfort, consider what’s at the root of the discomfort. Research has found that strong social connections at the office can boost productivity, and could make employees more passionate about their work and less likely to quit their jobs. [source. Harvard Business Review blog]
8. Has your current job changed to something you don’t recognise? You might have started with the impression your job would capitalise on your strengths, but in reality the position requires skills that aren’t in line with your capabilities. If you’re in a position that plays more to your weaknesses than your strengths, is there a way to shift that balance?
9. You’re ready for a change? Maybe you want to work in an industry that makes the most of your experience, or you might be at a point in life where you simply want to live in a different city. Changes in your career objectives may make it necessary for you to get a new job.
10. Will you regret it if you don’t? The saying goes that you only regret what you didn’t do. In two years time, five years time or 10 years time, will you regret not having made a change?

If you feel ready for a new challenge, or you want to take the plunge and try your hand at a new career, Morgan Hunt can help. Talk to our people who love their job and let them help you to find the very best opportunities for career progression, and provide the professional support that you need as you search for a new job. Call us on 020 7419 8900.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Morgan Hunt .