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How To Know When It’s Time To Change Jobs

Updated: Mar 2, 2022

Often, it can be difficult to know when the best time is to make a change in your career plan, whether it is a sought-after promotion or a new job altogether. During the pandemic especially, many people held back from switching or quitting their jobs as an unstable economic situation prevented them from doing so. As we approach a post-pandemic world, many people have begun to contemplate whether or not it’s time for them to move on to bigger and better things. However, how do you know if it’s time to move on from your current job? Not sure where to start? Keep reading to learn more.

Why Consider Changing Jobs?


Your Career Is On Pause


One of the larger signs that this may be the right time and opportunity to change jobs is if you feel stagnant in your current position. A lot of people have experienced a lack of career progression over the last year due to the pandemic, but the question to ask now is whether you think this will last. Lots of employers had to restructure their businesses, which led to job loss or role reassignment. This could also be a great time to chat with your manager about career progression, as an alternative option. Now may be a prime opportunity to expand your horizons and look for some job prospects!


You Deserve Better


Perhaps there is another role or opportunity of interest that offers better benefits and/or compensation. According to Forbes, employees value employee benefits more than ever especially during these difficult and grueling times. According to a Prudential survey, approximately 40% of employees stated that they were more inclined to switch jobs to one that offers better benefits than their current employer (Castrillon, 2021). This is a significant number, because it shows the need for improved employee benefits that suit employees’ needs accordingly. Some of these crucial benefits include:

  • Retirement Plans

  • Paid Medical Leave

  • Health Insurance

  • Life Insurance

  • Emergency Savings Program

For many employees, as a result of the pandemic, some of the benefits have become more important than ever. That is why it never hurts to seek out other opportunities to keep your options open, since there may be openings for positions that offer employee packages and compensation that aligns with your current or redefined needs.


Work-Life Balance Disconnect


The pandemic has definitely had its hand in drastically altering the work and personal lives of people all over the world, but perhaps the disconnect has become a bit too much to handle. Coming out of a period ridden with so much stress and anxiety, many people desire a more balanced way of life. Perhaps there are other opportunities that will allow you to work more flexible hours, work remotely, etc. Every company is approaching their return to work plans differently, so it may be worth researching other positions if you are dissatisfied with your current work situation.


Take Action


Don’t Wait: Be Proactive


According to career expert Christian Eilers it’s suggested that it is best not to wait until a dire moment to look for a job, but rather to be proactive and look beforehand (Taylor, 2021). It never hurts to keep your options open, and that is exactly what Eilers suggests. You want to reach your full potential, so if you are in a rush to find a job you may be more complacent and take a job that does not necessarily maximize your potential (Taylor, 2021). That is why it is best to get ahead of the crowd and start looking, even if you may feel uncertain about switching jobs right now. There are always better opportunities out there, so don’t wait for the opportunity to find you!


Choose Happiness


Ultimately, the dream with any job is to find one that makes you happy. But if you are especially unhappy or unsatisfied with your job for any reason, this could be a sign that it is time for a change. Of course, no job is perfect, but perhaps there is a new opportunity out there that will allow you to feel more fulfilled at work. Career coach Gracie Miller suggests that employees do some research into what a more desirable role may look like, the skills and tasks involved, and the general purpose of the position. She also states that setting a goal to attain a more fulfilling job could be beneficial to your happiness in the long run (Taylor, 2021).


What Now?


Essentially, through this experience, you should become more in-tune with your strengths and weaknesses. Not only will they help you identify the right opportunities, but it will also help you to really “sell yourself” on a resume or at an interview.


How can Retainify help? Visit our website and learn how our 360 development tool can help you build on your strengths and improve on gaps to help you advance in your career.


Questions or Feedback?



 

Citations:

  1. Abrahams, R. & Groysberg, B. (2010, January-February). Managing yourself: 5 ways to bungle a job change. Retrieved August 10, 2021, from https://hbr.org/2010/01/managing-yourself-five-ways-to-bungle-a-job-change

  2. Castrillon, C. (2021, May 16). Why millions of employees plan to switch jobs post-pandemic. Retrieved August 10, 2021, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinecastrillon/2021/05/16/why-millions-of-employees-plan-to-switch-jobs-post-covid/?sh=608c1d6a11e7

  3. Joubert, S. (2020, August 24). 6 signs it’s time to change jobs. Retrieved August 10, 2021, from https://www.northeastern.edu/graduate/blog/6-signs-time-change-careers/

  4. Taylor, H. (2019, May 16). 7 reasons to change jobs, even if you don’t want to. Retrieved August 10, 2021, from https://www.businessinsider.com/why-change-jobs-2019-5


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