The end of a year provides a great opportunity to reflect on career achievements, goals, and ambitions. If the next 12 months are to be as productive as the last, now is the best time to re-evaluate your career direction. However, planning a job change in the face of a global pandemic may seem risky. When the job market is healthy, there are opportunities for everyone. In the current climate, staying in the current role may not necessarily be the best idea. In this article, you will learn how to know if you need to change jobs in 2021.
There is never a right or wrong time to change jobs. The key is to understand the reasons behind wanting to leave the current job and seek another. On the surface, it might be obvious (e.g., I’m not paid enough, the company doesn’t value me, I can’t stand Sue in Accounts). A simple chat with management may be all that is required to resolve any issues. Alternatively, staying in a job and a company with strong negativity and/or lack of motivation won’t do anyone any favors. As the old saying goes, “it takes 20 years to build a reputation, and 5 minutes to ruin it”.
The key first step is to identify why you are looking to leave your current job. Below is a series of questions that will help you identify the reasons why. Feel free to take time (e.g., days or the next few weeks) to answer these questions before making any big decisions.
Key questions to ask yourself
- What parts of my job do I enjoy?
- What parts of my job do I not enjoy?
- Do I enjoy the company and team culture?
- Do I like and trust my manager and feel they have my best interests at heart?
- Am I happy commuting, or do I need more days working from home?
- Do my job and company feel secure in the current climate?
- Does the company offer opportunities to upskill or for career development?
- Am I happy with my current salary?
How to know it’s time to change jobs
If the answers to these questions are largely positive, then congratulations. Why look to change when everything is working? Keep it up, and the next 12 months will be just as successful, if not more.
Are there aspects of the job that are enjoyable and other parts not so much? A good idea would be to arrange a time with management to let them know the frustrations. Even better is to go in prepared with ideas and solutions to how these frustrations can be remedied. If they truly value you, they will offer support, tools, and resources to continue your success.
If the negatives substantially outweigh the positives, then 2021 provides a great opportunity to explore other opportunities. The next step is to start updating your resume if you have not already done so. You can then apply for jobs through job boards and start reaching out to recruiters who specialize in the job areas you are looking to apply for. Once the next job opportunity is secured, be sure to give enough notice. Additionally, make sure there is a handover in place and speak nothing but good words about your employer and work mates.
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