Recent reports suggest that almost half (42%) of workers in the UK are "staying in roles they are unhappy in because self-doubt stops them from applying for their dream job" (London Evening Standard).
If you're thinking about changing jobs, then keep reading - we at Hyper Recruitment Solutions have put together this helpful guide to help you decide whether it's the right time to move. We'll highlight some of the things you'll want to think about before changing jobs, and offer some tips to help you with your search for a new role.
If any of the following apply to you, it might be time to think about changing jobs:
- You are bored at work. If you find yourself constantly watching the clock while at work, it might be time to ask your supervisor for more responsibility or a more varied set of tasks to take on. If your current role is unable to challenge you, it might be time to go elsewhere. Boredom is a sign that you're not working to your full potential.
- The company's culture has changed. Sometimes, a change in your working environment can make you feel uncomfortable. Perhaps you have a new supervisor who takes a different approach to management, or perhaps there are ethical issues within the company that have only recently surfaced. Whatever the problem is, if the culture of your workplace doesn't suit you, it can be very difficult to feel motivated or happy at work and this can be reason enough to leave.
- Your career path looks limited. Can you see yourself progressing in the company? If the answer is no, it might be time to seek out a new challenge. Staying in a dead-end job can, of course, be a comfortable option, but it's not especially rewarding. Most people can expect to progress in both position and pay the longer they with a particular employer. If that doesn't appear to be the case in your current occupation, it's probably time to look elsewhere.
- You are constantly tired and/or stressed. Stress and fatigue can eventually cause you serious damage both physically and mentally. It's important to feel like you can achieve what is expected of you during the working day without undue stress or physical exertion. If you are struggling to cope with the demands of your current role, it might be worth reducing your hours or looking for a less demanding position.
- You're good at your job, but you don't like it. You might be successful, but are you happy? Job satisfaction is just as important as job success - maybe you've spent a long time working to achieve your current position, but is it really worth staying if you despise coming in for work each day? Work takes up a huge portion of our adult lives, so if you feel unhappy with what you are currently doing, it might be worth taking a risk and trying something else that you really enjoy. It's never too late to make a change!
Before giving your notice, consider the following:
- Lots of short-term roles look bad on a CV. Employers might not take you seriously if your CV has a string of short-term employments on it, especially if you're now applying for a more senior role with lots of responsibilities. Consider looking for ways to improve your current situation rather than jumping ship within a few months of arriving.
- It's important to consider how other jobs compare to your current role. If you're thinking about changing jobs, you may well be struggling to see the positives of your present situation. However, there is always a possibility that your new job will be worse than your current job - spend some time writing a list of pros and cons before handing in your notice, and this will help you to evaluate whether you really dislike your job as much as you think you do.
- Don't leave because of one bad day. If you're having a hard time at work right now, quitting ASAP may seem like the only way out. But if you leave because of one bad day or an unusually stressful week, you may find yourself regretting it in the future. Things can change rapidly, so try to view leaving as a last resort if possible.
Tips for finding a great new job:
- Look for roles that spark your interest and offer a challenge. You'll want to avoid moving into a position that is every bit as boring and unchallenging as your current role. During job interviews, ask about opportunities for training and progression within the company - not only will this help you to choose a job with real possibilities, it will also show the interviewer that you are ambitious, highly motivated, and prepared to really push yourself.
- Don't be scared to take a risk - it might pay off! As we mentioned at the top of this article, many people stay in jobs they hate because of simple self-doubt. Making such a drastic change to your life can be extremely daunting, but it can also be endlessly rewarding. Don't let yourself be paralysed by fear!
- Stay positive! If you start looking for a new job with a negative attitude, you are far less likely to succeed in your search. Deciding to start a new chapter of your life should be an exciting experience, and starting with a positive outlook should make the whole process much easier.
If you're ready to look for a new job, take a look at Hyper Recruitment Solutions'
science job listings - we have hundreds of vacancies in the science and technology sectors, and we can help to ensure that your transition into your new job is enjoyable and stress-free.
