Is it time for your next job?
When people set out to start a career, they are filled with enthusiasm and energy. It's an exciting time etching the first marks of your future and it's easy to be positive. But after a while of carving your career, sometimes you can feel that it has lost its course.
While there are numerous reasons people leave their jobs, too often we become complacent and miss out on incredible life-changing opportunities. So we've come up with three questions to ask that will help you realise whether you need a change to reignite your career spark.
Does your work satisfy you?
Lynn Taylor, workplace expert and author of "Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant", spoke to Business Insider about the red flags that suggest it's time to move on. While it sounds a little fluffy, the old adage, "if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life", rings ever so true when thinking about any form of career move.
As social values change, particularly in younger generations, one of the easiest tests to see whether your current job is worth staying in is if your goals and values align with those of your employers. According to Ms Taylor, if they don't line up, then jumping ship could be the answer.
"It will just continue to be 'a job,' and eventually each day will seem more of a grind," said Ms Taylor.
Take recent graduate Jennifer Goff who spoke with Fast Company about her experience. Even though she landed what she thought was her dream job, after a few years, her aspirations had changed and she wasn't satisfied anymore.
"I had adapted to the continuous deadlines, and had established smooth, efficient routines – yet, I was less absorbed by the work," said Ms Goff.
An easy test to see whether your current job is worth staying in is if your goals and values align with those of your employer.
"I no longer had moments when I felt 'in over my head.' And, oddly, I missed that."
Your employer may prioritise quantity over quality, which may not gel, or your commute is compromising your work-life balance. If what matters to you is not being satisfied by your job, then you're probably going to be better off elsewhere.
Do you feel trapped?
Have you convinced yourself that you won't be able to do anything other than your current job? If so, it could be time to move on. This may sound counterintuitive, but according to Jeff Haden from Inc.com, it's probably the best reason of all to throw in the towel.
If you feel that the longer you stay in your current role, the more you may limit your development to only what your employer needs. This can dampen your self-esteem and make you feel that you are incompetent at anything else.
Remember that all jobs will teach you transferable skills that you can apply to other roles. Whether it is admin, leadership, conflict management or communication, if you believe that you can do it and channel that confidence, then anything is possible.
Just have a look at any job board these days: Employers are open to bringing fresh perspectives into new roles, with "looking for a career change" frequently appearing in job advertisements.
So don't fall into the trap of thinking that you are stuck in a corner and can't get out. If you look up a little bit, there is sure to be a window with greener grass on the other side.
Do you need help?
Sometimes taking a stand and making a change for the sake of your well-being and your future can feel impossible without a helping hand.
At Flexi Personnel, we will go out of our way to understand your story and find a role and employer that matches up with what you want. Even if you've been out of the game for a while, we will coach you through the employment process to give you the best chance of success.
So if it's time to reshape your career path, get in touch with Flexi Personnel today.
