According to the U.S. Department of Labor, one in every three Americans changes jobs each year. This means by the time you’re 35, you may have held more than ten positions, trying to find the one that suits you best. For military wives, this number may be even higher.
Whether you’re just starting out or switching careers after decades in the same line of work, changing jobs can still be daunting. Give your future the chance it deserves with effective strategies that will help you get on the right track.
Determine what you want. Before you make the leap, ask yourself, “Am I at the wrong company, working for the wrong boss or am I in the wrong line of work entirely?” We all seek a challenging career that also leaves time to enjoy life, so take time to decide what you want out of your career. Think about the projects at work you truly enjoyed. Did you like being in charge or did a leadership role make you uncomfortable? Do you like working in a group or are you more productive flying solo? If you have a hard time answering these questions, check out the book, Now Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton, which helps develop your unique talents. It also includes a “strengths test” to help you determine what those strengths are.
Take your time. Whether you want to advance in your current field or find a job in an entirely different line of work, the next step is to determine if you need additional training, education or experience. Talk to someone who works in your desired field to see what the appropriate steps may be. Call at least one person every day to help get the word out that you are looking for a new opportunity and look for creative ways to get the experience you need to make the switch-consider, for example, an unpaid internship.
Run the numbers before you act. No matter how miserable you may be in your current job, don’t quit before another company makes you an offer. You’re more attractive to potential employers when you’re already working. It could also take you a while to find the right position, and you don’t want to feel any financial pressure to take the first job that comes along.
Be sure to weigh the financial consequences of a career switch very carefully. If you’ve been in your current field for a few years and are making a good salary and benefits, are you prepared to earn less? Are you ready to make lifestyle adjustments? While you may be ready to make a few financial sacrifices, it’s best to consider them now than to be surprised later.
Research to find the best employer. You’ve landed a new job and a few weeks in, you discover you’re working for the worst company in history. Online job posts and newspaper classifieds will only tell you about the position itself-not the details of the company, its employees or the work environment, all of which are super important when accepting another job. Browse the company’s website and read its mission statement. Google the company’s name to see how it’s been covered in the press. Ask industry recruiters about the type of people who tend to excel at the company. If possible, talk to current or former employees or clients, if you have that information. Ask them about benefits and the company’s management style. Ask why former employees left and find out if the company has a high turnover rate. Did they move on because they were passed up for promotion or were there personality conflicts? Thorough research can help you determine which employers are worth pursuing and which you should steer clear of.
Photo by friendly_1_
