Work gets stale. No matter what the profession, how hard you work, or how well your paid, a job can feel like a mundane cycle of meetings, emails, and other tasks that fill a day. You have options - ranging from reinvigorating to nuclear! Last week, I wrote about the more easily-performed options: trying to improve your current role and finding a new job within your company. While perhaps the best initial choices, these may not work. What if the problem is the entire company is stale? You need a fresh start - and are left without a choice but to seek greener pastures. Here are some considerations if you think it's time to jump ship.
I thought it was time to finally post a picture of myself. Sorry, my shirt must have fallen off.
Free Agency
Declaring yourself as a free agent can be refreshing and exciting on its own, but make no mistake - it's hard work to find the next job. Let's start with some basics. First, looking for a job is best done when you have a job, so stay put (and don't gab about the job hunt openly) at your current position. If work is at least bearable in the short term, remaining employed will make you more appealing to other companies and ensure steady income through the transition. Second, keep that resume and cover letter updated and get it out there! The glorious world wide web provides many avenues to search for a job. Post that resume, search for interesting companies and positions, and apply as much as your desire. There is nothing wrong with firing off a lot of job applications. Honestly, I've applied for over 100 jobs in my professional career. Especially as an outside hire, you're probability of getting a job is fairly low, especially if it doesn't require specific skills, credentials, or experience. If you're in a specialized field, or are just struggling to find the right opportunity, consider working with a recruiter. Most recruiters in a given field are incredibly helpful and, even if they don't have a position that fits you, may be able to refer you to a fellow recruiter with the right job.
I've already covered interviews with my longest blog ever, so please check it out when it comes to the actual job hunt process. Interviewing is definitely a skill - something you can learn to become proficient at with enough time and effort invested. Finally, my biggest piece of advice is don't get discouraged! The process can be grueling; wasted energy, long waits, and rejection. Don't get down if the "dream job" doesn't work out - you will find something else, maybe even better, if you keep plugging away. If you interview for that dream job, and end up not getting it, I would encourage you to learn from that experience. Ask the recruiter or hiring leader what you could do to improve your chances in the future? As long as you do so respectfully and from a place of self-improvement, he or she should provide you constructive feedback. As you should do in your career, continue to grow and develop with this feedback to make yourself more marketable.
Greener Grass?
Before getting out in the job market, answer one key question: why are you leaving your job? One could come up dozens of valid reasons: underpaid, no growth opportunities, toxic culture, or any number of drivers to leave. But be wary of that greener grass on the other side. The next company can come off great in the interview process, but you'll be surprised to see problems at your old company emerge. Phil from Marketing (who drove you crazy with his page-long emails) is gone, but now you have Sarah in Accounting nit-picking your reports. The bureaucratic process to order a new desk chair at your former employer may seem reasonable compared to the new company's approval request procedure needed to get lunch for a team meeting.
Having worked for a few companies in my day, I would say there's no such thing as the perfect employer. Understanding your values and priorities is key. If you value freedom and flexibility, find a company that emphasizes these traits. One question I like to ask in an interview with a new company is, "How would you describe the organizational culture?" You would be amazed what this question brings out of an interview panel. If that feels too strong, perhaps ask them what they enjoy most about working for the company. If you get an offer, and have some reservations from the interview about a consideration that's important to you, it may be appropriate to ask the hiring leader to get clarification. For example, if you left a job because your manager was not understanding of your family commitments, consider asking your potential new manager how he or she would approach the situation. Each organization has its quirks, and having the proper perspective on what you're willing to tolerate will help you navigate the nuances.
As a perfect segue to one final option, something we all dream of someday... retirement! This is a topic I've been itching to discuss, and will need to dedicate some serious Dough-Nut time to it in subsequent weeks. Until that time, keep working!
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