Is a job change really right for you?
There are four basic reasons a person changes jobs:
1. Situation
Situation has nothing to do with the job itself. Some people change jobs because they’re being laid off or have a spouse who’s being transferred to another city. Maybe a loss of key benefits might initiate the search for a new job; or some other external factor, such as the job’s location, transition from remote to in-person, commute time or a change in personal or family needs will compel a person to seek out a different employer.
For contractors, maybe it’s the end of an assignment or when the project enters maintenance mode. They have the opportunity to move to a new and exciting project if one isn’t available at their current company.
2. Money
Salaries across most industries have seen a significant increase this year and companies have tried to keep up. A recent study showed projected wage growth is faster than actual raises paid in the prior two years. Therefore, employers that are bringing in new hires at a higher rate could face wage compression for current employees. To avoid high turnover, employers faced with the departure of experienced workers need to raise wages of current employees to maintain an effective workforce.
If salaries aren’t at a competitive level, people will start to wonder if they are truly being valued or if they need to pursue another opportunity that would maximize their earnings potential. One question to consider: does the pursuit of more money involve more risk than you or your family is willing to incur? Although salary expectations have increased, it’s not ALL about pay. Benefits and career opportunities for long-term growth and stability are also key factors in deciding to take a new role.
2. Hate
As in, there’s something you really hate or something that drives you crazy at your current job. Certain individual, work environment, corporate culture, attitude, technology, a tool, or whatever, the bottom line is that the person feels trapped where they are. Seek resolution or make a serious attempt to correct the problem before looking elsewhere. It’s important to find out if you can resolve the issue before you start interviewing elsewhere, rather than when you have another offer in hand.
Companies know how expensive it will be to replace a candidate leaving and often will counter instead of replacing. Best case scenario: voice your concerns to your leadership and they listen! It’s better to get it all out on the table to get full confirmation if a compromise can be made.
4. Love
To be more specific, unrequited LOVE. When a person has a passion for doing something or working with like-minded people who share their values—but that role or relationship will never be available in the present company—the frustration can become overwhelming. Or maybe you’ve hit the ceiling and the opportunity for career advancement doesn’t exist. To continue focusing on your passion and growth plan it would require a change.
If your recruiter can find an opportunity for you that will fill the void, nothing will stand in your way of making the move.
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