How to Know When You Need a New Job

BridgewaterUKSep 6, 2016Career Advice, Career Progression, Job Market, Job Search and Interviews0

When was the last time you took a step back and really reflected on your current job?

It’s all too easy for us to get wrapped up in a daily routine and more often than not we don’t even consider changing jobs until we either get to the point where we really can’t stand working our current job, or an approaching recruiter makes us realise that actually, it may be time for something new.

Well, the time for assessing whether you’re ready to make a move is now and you should be making a more conscious effort to reflect on where your career is heading at least a couple of times a year.

Here are some questions you should be asking yourself.

1. What have I achieved in the last 6 months?
2. Is my career plan on track?
3. What are my career goals for next 1-5 years?
4. Can I achieve them with my current employer?

It’s quite simple, if your current job isn’t ticking the boxes for you, it’s time to start looking for one that will. Before you jump ship, however, there are a few different areas that you should be thinking about.

1. Company culture and values

Company culture is becoming increasingly important for employees. If your company values are not in line with your own, you will struggle to fulfil your full potential there. Does your current company’s culture suit you and offer a positive environment for you to thrive in?

2. Utilising your strengths

You need to be in a role that really plays to your strengths in order to perform at your best and work your way to the top. Does your role match your personality? Find out by taking our personality test.

3. Happiness

Are you happy at work? It’s very straightforward. If you are happy at work then you will be more productive and more successful!

Extensive research conducted by the University of California found that being happy leads to:

• Higher income
• Greater productivity and quality of work
• More satisfying and longer marriages
• More friends, stronger social support and richer social interactions
• More activity, energy and better physical health

Make sure that your career is moving forward and in the direction that you want. If that’s not happening at your current company, you know it’s time to start looking for a new job.