Consider these statements:
• I enjoy what I’m doing at the moment, but I often wonder if I would be better suited to something else
• Although I have a good idea of what I want to achieve, I have idea how to get there
• I’ve worked at this company for a long time but I’m not sure what else there is for me to do here.
If you recognise any of these statements then it is highly likely you have reached a ‘Career Crossroads’ and need some help in deciding on the right direction for you.
To change Career, or to change Company?
As we all know, moving jobs these days is an arduous process, filled with hours of application forms, covering letters, interviews, assessments, psychometric tests and lots of unpaid, time-consuming effort without any guarantee of success at the end of it! When you look at the process involved in moving from one company to another can you blame people for wanting to make the most out of the position they are in at the moment?
Well, yes you can really, because what people don’t realise is, once you start to think along the lines of the statements listed at the top of this article, you will actually be doing your career and your company more harm than good by staying put.
If you feel that your career is going nowhere, and you are stuck in the proverbial ‘Career Rut’, you need to act now. You first need to consider whether it is the role itself that you are unhappy with, or the company you are working for.
Have a read through the following paragraphs to help yourself evaluate the position you are in at the moment.
Unhappy with your role but like your company?
If you decide that you are unhappy with the role itself, but like where you are working then look within your own company for a different role that you could do. If the role that interests you requires more experience or training, then talk to your HR department about how you can gain these skills.
Ask to be put on a structured programme that will lead to this position, most companies offer such programmes – make sure you’re on one! Be prepared to study/work in your free time if required, and make sure you can face your manager when you make it clear that you don’t want to do your current role any more, as you may receive a hostile response.
Most importantly, have patience, as traditionally internal promotions can be hard to come by and you may be passed over several times before you are offered a new position. If you have been trying for more than 12-18 months without being successful it might be time to start looking for a different company.
Unhappy with both your role and the company?
If you find that you are not enjoying your current role, and you also are not happy with the company you are working for, it could be that a complete career change is required. Before you take this step though, I would always recommend moving to a different role and/or a different company within the same industry, as it could just be that you need a fresh approach.
This is the time when people make both their biggest mistakes and their greatest successes. When you are feeling disillusioned with both your job and your company it is easy to move into a completely different but ultimately in-appropriate role in a different sector if you have not planned your move very carefully. If your new move doesn’t work out it can be hard to get back into the industry in which you have the most experience. Careful planning is key to a successful career move.
Unhappy with your company but love your role?
This is always unfortunate, if you love your role but are unhappy with the culture of your company, it will only be a matter of time before it starts to affect your position. If you find yourself really enjoying your work, but having serious issues with the company you are working for (whatever they may be), I would strongly suggest that you start looking for a similar position within a different company, whilst you are feeling positive about the work you are doing.
If you leave it too long, you may become very unhappy with both your role and your company and you may begin to loathe the very role you once loved – a big problem when you try and move to a new role at a different company.
What now?
So, what’s the moral of the career change story? Think before you act, and always make sure you understand the reason for your current discontent before changing anything about your career – it’s all to easy to leave one unsuitable position for another and end up in a real mess if you are not clear about what it is you are trying to achieve.
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About SharpCV
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Specialising in CV Writing, Covering Letter Preparation, Interview Coaching, Psychometric Testing and Career Advice. We have a Level 4 Qualified career advisor and member of the Institute of Careers Guidance on our team as well as experienced and qualified career consultants to help you improve your career.
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Article Written By: Lydia Holder, Managing Consultant, SharpCV
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