Most New Zealanders love to hang on to their jobs. According to the Productivity Commission, about six in ten workers hold on to their jobs until retirement. Only 21 per cent change jobs.
It is okay to feel content or to be comfortable in your placement. However, being content could easily lead to complacency and excuses. Eventually, you will fear shifting jobs and end up not progressing in your career.
If you want to advance in your career, avoid complacency. Set for yourself goals, be accountable and don’t put off the possibility of shifting jobs.
How do you know it is time to consider switching your employer? Here are four tell-tell signs you shouldn’t ignore.
It Feels Like It Is Time
No one knows you better than your gut. And no one knows what it feels like to work your job better than you. When you have a nagging feeling that you should leave your current job, listen to it.
But avoid making hasty moves. Before you heed that inner voice, consider talking with a friend or a counsellor. A lot could be at stake, and you don’t want to jeopardize your career. Also, reach out to HR consultants and professional CV writers. Learn about the job market as much as possible before making your move.
There is Regular Restructuring
When organizations restructure, it is often a shake-off exercise. It is supposed to remove inefficiencies and open up new opportunities for the company and workforce to thrive. But there is another side of a re-org, especially if it happens regularly. It is a sign of instability, shaky leadership and poor strategy. The turbulence surrounding re-org can create a challenging environment for you to focus on your career development.
Focus on your priorities, and consider exiting while you are still ahead. Chances are, you will find a more stable employer soon, and you will be back to scaling the career ladder.
The Turnover is High
Do you find yourself attending your colleague’s farewell cocktails too frequently? Are most people in the office constantly talking with professional CV writers and updating their LinkedIn profiles?
If there is a pattern of unhappy employees (especially the good ones) looking for “greener pastures” and regular exits, perhaps your employer is not the best in the market.
We don’t want to encourage anyone to join a wave of exits. But if the frequency is high, it is an unmistakable sign that all is not well. Consider your options, talk with your departing colleagues, and don’t be afraid to explore your options.
You are Not Growing or Learning
As you become an authority and grow in your field, your career boosts your self-esteem. However, if you are not learning or growing, your job could be a source of shame.
If you are not learning, and you feel like there is no new challenge or opportunities to learn and grow, it is a signal that you should move on.
If your requests for involvement in new projects or to attend webinars and relevant conferences constantly fall on deaf ears, consider switching employers. It is a sign that the employer does not care about your career development.
Finally, You Often Daydream About Your New Career
If you experience one or a combination of these signs, you probably daydream about a new career. You think about how it would be when you have that “perfect” job. Stop daydreaming and take steps to switch your employer. Start by reaching out to professional CV writers to update your resume and LinkedIn profile and make the change.
