How long have you been in your current job? Have you thought about changing?
It’s easy to become complacent and comfortable when you face the familiar each day, but where is the opportunity for growth? Where’s the excitement?
Some good reasons to consider a job change.
- You’ll gain new skills and experience.
- You’ll meet new people.
- You are less likely to become stale and bored
- You won’t be left behind by changes to software, processes or to your teams.
- Your awareness of the world and your industry increases and becomes fresh again.
- The longer you stay put, the more confined you will become.
- Unless your employers can see you’re willing to grow, they’ll overlook you for challenges and interesting opportunities.
- It’s a big world out there!
How often should you change jobs?
I believe this depends on the industry you’re in but in general, most experts recommend a job change every 3 to 5 years. Having said that, it’s important not to change jobs just for the sake of it. You need to feel ready to make the move. You also need to be sure you’re making the right move for your planned career.
You don’t need to find a new employer.
According to my clients, one of the biggest things holding them back from changing jobs is the stress involved with settling into a new workplace with a new employer.
I want to remind you that changing jobs does not have to mean changing employers. Your career path could lie within your current organisation but perhaps within a different role. The important thing to look for is a role that will let you use your skillset while building on it. It must challenge and excite you and form the next step on your career path.
Not ready to make the move yet?
Start preparing the groundwork for change.
- Ask for new and interesting assignments
- Share your ideas and ask to put them into proactive
- Volunteer to be part of a project team
- Ask for learning opportunities
- Negotiate a job swap with a colleague on a trial basis
- Ask to join specific company learning events
- Consider outside learning programs
- Talk with your manager about sponsored learning experiences
- Discuss the possibility of mentoring within your company
When you start looking for new ways to expand your skills and present yourself to your employer as a person of talent and motivation, the opportunities will reveal themselves.
Seek support for the change.
Talk with your manager and HR person about your hopes and plans and ask for their support. They are well-placed to hear about opportunities that might benefit you.
Need the comfort of external support? Give me a call and we can discuss your options. I’m certain I can help.
