A new era of you: Is now the time for change?

Published date: December 7, 2021

According to data from Monster, 86% of workers say their careers have stalled due to the pandemic. And a survey of 500 Millennial and Gen Z workers by Elements Global Services found 78% of respondents said the pandemic made them question what they want to do for their job and career.

Now is a great time to regroup and re-assess your career goals, your organisation, your culture and even your co-workers. You’ll be in good company as you consider what you love to do, what work provides the greatest fulfillment and the people with whom you want to work.

When is it time to change jobs?

Sometimes we have a niggling feeling that the time is ready to look for a new role, however, sometimes it’s also an opportunity that comes our way before we’ve really even considered it. By paying closer attention to signs – both internal and external – that it might be time to change jobs, means taking greater control over your career.

Here are some key signs that it might be the right time:

  • Feeling a lack of fulfillment in your current role

Are you finding yourself less motivated and invested in your daily duties? Do you have a slight feeling of dread or boredom on Sunday evenings at the prospect of another week at work? If so, it’s probable that you are stagnating in your current role and would benefit from a new opportunity. Consider the reasons you’re feeling less motivated at work currently, and use this to clarify what your career motivations are more generally.

  • Lack of progression opportunities.

Have you reached a natural ceiling in your current organisation, without any discussion of or signs you might progress within it? If you aren’t having conversations with your line manager about your next steps within the organisation, unless someone were to leave, it’s likely you’ll sooner find promotion prospects elsewhere.

  • Lack of training and development

In a skills-driven market, it’s important to keep your skills up-to-date, and if your employer isn’t offering you this you may find you’re better off looking for an employer who will. Development and training increase job satisfaction and motivation and is also an indicator of an employer’s willingness to invest in you.

  • A healthy job market

Although not the main reason for leaving a role (and nor should a relatively quiet job market put you off looking for a new opportunity if you are unhappy in your current position) a healthy job market for candidates, such as we are seeing now in many industries and job functions, means a greater opportunity to move further in your career and also potentially increase your earnings. When there are skill shortages, employers are likelier to pay competitively to secure talent.

Assess your progress to date

While a structured set of goals for your short-, medium- and long-term career goals is an important exercise, it risks missing substance if it doesn’t take into account your progress to date.

Chart your progress in conjunction with your job roles – where did you take the next steps, why and how? This will help you understand the factors that have helped your progress so far.

Develop a career progression plan

Once you have a clearer overview of your career progression use that information to help develop not only your short-term career goals but also your medium and long term career goals.

Map out where you want to be at x, y and z intervals, and what those stages consist of.

Next, consider what is needed to get you to each of those stages. Doing so will transform two-dimensional objectives into actionable steps.

Release your potential and achieve your future ambitions

Don’t be tempted to limit your ambitions based on your current situation or, for example, what your current organisation, peers etc think of you and your likely trajectory and abilities. With determination supported with structured plans and the assistance of those in a position to help, you will be able to reach your career aspirations.

The sky is the limit – find your dream job with Cooper Lomaz

Our consultants can help you on this journey – discuss your plans with them and any strategy you have devised that will help you get there. With their extensive knowledge of employers and the job market they will help you take the necessary steps needed to meet your career objectives.

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