What NQ Solicitors value most in a new role
28 Oct, 2024
Signs it is Time to Move on in Your Career
16 Aug, 20225 Minutes
There’s no doubt that the most successful of employees continually strive to push their career forwards as proactively as possible; by creating a continuous cycle of skill utilisation and further development, savvy candidates have developed a strategic approach to work life by recognising when it’s time to move on to pastures new. So, with that in mind, how do you know when it’s appropriate to search for a new job elsewhere?
While the specifics can obviously be different for everyone, it’s massively beneficial for you to be able to recognise if you have outgrown your role, or if it isn’t fulfilling you as it once did. We can often become comfortable in our current jobs, and while this isn’t necessarily a bad thing by any means, it’s likely that you aren’t pushing yourself to your true potential.
As such, there are a few vital signs to look out for if you’re debating a career change - here’s a few key ideas to bear in mind.
The Industry is changing, and you’re being left behind
If your industry has started to change in dynamics, be mindful about your role. In our current digital age, it’s becoming more common for technological systems to take the place of physical staff, thus requiring less workers. As staff levels shrink and decrease, there’s a chance that your job could become obsolete.
It’s therefore wise to consider moving on to another role if this is the case, as you ultimately want to avoid being made redundant. The danger that comes with being left behind when an industry is changing is that you won’t have an opportunity to reinvent yourself before you are out of work; there’s a high chance that you may be forced to embark upon a complete change in career further down the line.
A good way to combat this scenario is to gather as much information about your industry as possible. Practices such as networking, reading industry publications, and interacting with other professionals on social media will help you keep tabs on any developments or news within the field. This will give you the chance to stay on top of the latest changes, keep your skills relevant, and recognise when your niche is in danger. You can find new ways to transfer your skills or gain different kinds of experiences or qualifications to maintain your relevance in your evolving industry.
Candidate review:
''I worked very closely with Tim Brown at Sacco Mann to find a new job, and can honestly say that he went above and beyond to find me the perfect role in a great firm that suited my needs. He took into account what I was looking for in my new role and kept me posted regularly on any updates and provided an absolutely stellar service all throughout. He was very professional, gave great advice and was very knowledgeable. I've been at my new role for a couple of weeks now and can honestly say it was such a great move, so I cannot thank Tim and the Sacco Mann team enough!''
Moving up in your company is nearly impossible
If you’re in the frustrating position of having nowhere to progress or enhance your career, it’s time to reassess your prospects. Career development is dependent on opportunities for promotions and growth, so you can ultimately become a specialist in your specific field. Without the chance to develop, you’re not being able to maximise your potential.
There are still quite a few businesses that can be rigid in their staff structures; if your company doesn’t offer promotions, or personnel changes are very rare, you’re better off cutting your losses and moving on to a position that has more room for both professional and personal development. It’s also worth bearing this in mind if you are continually overlooked for managerial roles, as the business may not necessarily be the best fit for you.
Other factors that can limit career progression are those dreaded company cutbacks and layoffs. As such, it will be highly unlikely that you’ll be presented with opportunities to move up in your company any time soon. If this is the case, it might be worth taking action sooner rather than later - the last thing you want is to lose your job.
You’re no longer challenged or used to your fullest potential
If you feel like you are no longer being encouraged to push yourself in your current role, it might be time to look for something new. This isn’t a bad thing by any means - it shows that you’re ready to progress! When projects at work no longer feel exciting, or your day to day duties have become mundane, it’s highly likely that you’ll have outgrown your position and need something new to keep you engaged and productive.
This is a common occurrence in the workplace, especially if you are the type of employee who continually looks for ways to be more successful and develop a wider repertoire of professional skillsets. You know better than anyone where your talents lie; as such, you’ll be able to recognise whether your skills are being used effectively, and if you have future opportunities to develop them within your current role. If you find that this isn’t the case, your job may not be the right fit that it once was.
While there are obvious signs to look out for when considering moving on, making the decision to develop your career elsewhere is an incredibly personal one. Both internal and external factors can inhibit your ability to move forward on your current path, or to fully enjoy what you do. It’s vital to your job satisfaction that you feel challenged and dynamic in the office, and that you are doing your best to maximise your potential. Never feel that you have to stagnate in your current position - there are always options out there for you to manoeuvre your career into a more fulfilling and successful direction.
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