Sometimes, deciding to move jobs is a simple process which involves an easy and trouble-free transition. On other occasions, it can be one of the toughest things you will ever decide to do. Leaving everything you know, your team, your routine and your current projects can be very daunting. How do you decide when it’s the right time to take that decision to get yourself out on the job market?
The first question to ask yourself is about your motivation: why should you think about moving? It could be to develop your skills, to escape a rut, or to increase your levels of remuneration. As a golden rule, put your CV first. Things such as salary are incredibly important, but there is always more time to make money. The number one thing is your professional development which, in the long run, will earn you more money. Write your CV and take a step back. If in a years’ time you are not going to be adding another set of achievements or new skills to it, then now probably is the time to start looking.
The second question to ask is: what am I moving to? Consider what your skills allow you to do, and then make sure that every opportunity you consider is something that challenges and enhances those skills. Perhaps you might decide to look to move only if something amazing comes along, which is a solid approach to take, so long as that door is genuinely open. Hesitation and anxiety can quickly ruin your dream opportunity and countless others will no doubt be after the same thing.
Once you’ve decided to make a move, be ready for the simple truth that change is difficult. Staying in your current role because it’s easier or more convenient is a bad excuse. It can be tough to move jobs no matter where you are in your career. At the beginning of your career, you may feel indebted to your manager or team for developing you. If you are a manager or a head of a team, it can be difficult to leave behind the people you’re mentoring and the work you’ve done. You shouldn’t stay where you are because you might simply be disappointing someone by leaving. It’s your career and you have to put yourself first.
And finally, accept that finding the right opportunity may take an unspecified amount of time. It may take a day, a month or six months for the perfect role to come along, but if you know why and where you want to move, you have the difficult questions answered. It can be tough to move jobs but in most cases it can be incredibly rewarding.
Joshua Clements
Public Affairs & Communications Specialist - Electus