Want a new job? If you’re in a secure job but unhappy and need a new job challenge, carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a move to a new job.
An improving economy offers increased job opportunity. When employers begin bringing back employment that were eliminated during the crisis, long-term unemployed individuals will profit. The brighter employment picture will also increase turnover as workers gain confidence to leave unrewarding jobs.
Making the choice to seek a new job
If you have a secure but unhappy job situation, You must first decide whether to improve your resume and conduct a discreet job search. Since you do not want to jeopardize the stability of your existing job position, discretion is essential. If you have been out of the job market for a while, here’s how to get back in:
- Search the most popular career websites, such as Monster, Career Builder or Simply Hired.
- Create or update your LinkedIn profile and regularly search LinkedIn’s jobs section.
- Carefully tap your network of trusted friends and business associates.
- Attend networking events. These include chamber of commerce meetings, business professional groups and conferences.
Interviewing and considering job offers
Arranging job interviews when you’re currently working can be a challenge. Most recruiters understand this and appreciate applicants who are considerate of their current employers.
Initial interviews are frequently conducted by telephone. Phone interviews can be arranged during lunch or outside of your work hours. If you’re asked to interview in person, request a vacation day or a few hours off for personal business. Work with the recruiter for the new job to find a time that works best for the prospective employer and minimizes the impact on your current job.
Once you’ve successfully completed the interview process, you’ll need to weigh whether or not you should accept the position. There are specific considerations if you are already employed in a secure situation.
Deciding to leave a secure job for a new position
You’ve learned about the new position through the interview process and you’ve done your homework on the company. Now is the moment to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the new employment vs your existing one. Three lists will help you with this decision.
- Describe your perfect job situation. Write down all the things that come to mind when you ask yourself, “If I could make my perfect job, what would it be like?” Include salary, hours, working conditions, coworkers, boss, and how far you have to travel to get to work. Include everything that is relevant, regardless of how trivial it may seem.
- List what you appreciate about your profession. This may be a challenging exercise if you are unhappy on the job, but every job offers something. Your list might include simple things such as a steady paycheck, a short commute or one happy coworker who always smiles.
- Write down what isn’t perfect about the new job. Uncertainty, since it is a new situation, may be on the list. A less than ideal workspace and lack of a convenient lunch location are examples of other items that could be on this list.
Compare the three lists. Looking at the first list, what does your current job offer that’s important to you? Are these things also available in the new job? Are there any drawbacks to the new job, as indicated by your third list – that will have an impact on what’s important to you?
Once you’ve completed this exercise, you’ll have a reasonably accurate picture of what you’ll give up and what you’ll get if you make the decision to change jobs.
We tend to think that something new may be better than what we have. The proverb “the grass is always greener” relates to employment conditions and other life issues. Remember this as you look at the new job and decide if it’s time to leave the security of your current position for a new job challenge.
