Are you looking for a high-flying career with a lucrative job and a towering position in an esteemed organization? Such a state of mind might force you to think ‘when is my next move going to be’? Or ‘how long do I have to stay in my current entry-level position’? As it is rightly said, ‘haste makes waste’, so before you switch to your next job, make sure that you have learned the basics of the industry or business that you are in so that as you advance in your career, you are in a better position to understand the various issues.
Confusion regarding whether to change a job or continue with the existing one is quite common with us. However, if you are determined to go with the first option, it becomes essential to compare every aspect of the new opportunity with the old one. So before you take the plunge, here are a few important factors to consider.
Do I need some time with myself?
Yes, give yourself some considerable time to work it all out. Invest some time, thought, investment and consideration in order to make this change happen smoothly. It should be the right career movement.
What is my reason to switch jobs?
It is important to determine whether the motivating factor to accept the change is out of frustration or ambition. Ask yourself a few questions to evaluate the current situation:
Does the current job provide limited opportunities?
Does the corporate culture represent my values?
What are the avenues to grow in this industry?
Will the new company help me to achieve my long-term goals?
Job transitions are a stepping stone to a bigger and better career. Choosing a new job in an emerging industry is an effective way to get your foot at the doorstep of the industry at an initial level. It is important that you analyse whether the new company will help you to grow technically and financially. Research the trends within the industry.
Does the new company have a conducive work environment?
Once you go for the interview, assess the workplace culture. Contemplate whether you can fit in. Check how the hierarchy works and calculate how your experience and qualifications fit in with the job profile. It is important to do some research about the company before you sit for the interview. If possible, inquire with your friends about the work pressure, employee behavior, terms of employment or whether the organization has recently merged with another company.
What are the additional benefits if I join a new organization?
Compare what the current organization lacks and what the new company is offering. If your new job does not offer benefits like a bonus, training, medical plans, maternity leave, flexible working hours, insurance, travel plan, retirement plan, etc., then you should think twice before you join the company.
How do I grow in the new business?
Consider what skills you will gain and how the total work experience will help you to get a good progression in your career. Compare the future prospects that you have in your current organization with the career progression opportunities within the new company.
How much will I get paid?
First of all, get a clear idea about how much money you are getting in hand after tax deductions. Most importantly, if your current salary is higher than what the new employers are offering, give a serious thought before making a shift.
Am I the only one to get affected with the change?
Sometimes, changing a job might affect your daily life and routine, including your spouse and children. The new job role might demand more study, training, experience and dedication. Decide whether your family can cope with these changes. If you are the sole earner of your house, your happiness and sanity should be a large deciding factor.
What do I gain as experience?
If you are a person who is in continuous search of acquiring new knowledge and shouldering more responsibilities, job change is a great way to attain success. Different organizations have varied styles of working and distributing responsibilities.
Search your soul before you search for another job
Do you know your purpose? Conduct a soul searching exercise to get an idea about your ideal career. Assess yourself according to the following seven essential dimensions:
My top interests
My best strength and qualities
My ideal work environment
Activities I enjoy the most
Benefits and salary I desire
The best skills I want to employ
My key motivators
Reflect on the above elements and accordingly prioritize what’s important to you. This is because at times searching for a new job can be overwhelming and extremely tiresome. However, to keep you going, here are a few inspirational career quotes to boost your confidence and keep you ambitious.
