In the past, it was common to stay in one job position for decades, if not an entire career. Nowadays, however, the average American changes jobs 3 to 7 times. The reasons behind these shifts are varied. Often, it is in pursuit of a higher pay or to escape workplace issues related to dissimilar values, leadership styles, philosophies and so on. Another reason that has gained a lot of traction post-pandemic is the desire for greater workplace flexibility. Across the country, more and more workers are seeking a healthier work-life balance.
Whichever factor or factors driving the decision, people often experience difficulty navigating the change. If you’re feeling trapped in an unfulfilling job and unsure how to get out, you’re not alone. Below, we’ll go over a few practical tips to help you persevere through a job or career change.
One of the first steps is to take a step back and evaluate. Think through all the aspects of work that are important to you. These could include opportunities for professional development, a greater sense of purpose within the company, higher levels of transparency or workplace initiatives of inclusivity or sustainability. It may also help to reflect on the stressors of your current position and how they might be mitigated with a job or career change. So too might reflecting on your favorite aspects of the workday as well.
Laying all this out helps you define the values and motivators driving your work. Doing so can serve as an outline for your job search. For instance, it can help to come up with questions when researching a company or even during the interview process. Speaking of research, a big part of finding the next opportunity is taking the time to investigate the company. By scrolling through reviews and social media accounts, you can find out a lot about what the company has to offer you as a prospective employee. Messaging them through social media, emailing or calling can also be constructive in determining if it’s a good fit.
While doing all this, it’s highly advised to engage in other interests, activities or hobbies outside of work. Not only does this serve as an outlet for stress, but also it can be useful in determining your true passions. It could even shed light on how your work and personal interests might be intertwined. You may also want to consider acquiring support through career consulting or a job search firm that specializes in your industry or field of interest.
A final piece of advice is to stay positive. You can do so with little affirmations throughout your workday, persevering through any negative encounters and taking an optimistic approach with each new opportunity. Good luck!
Want to learn more about navigating a career change? Check out the accompanying resource for further information.
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