Is the grass really greener? What to consider when you’re

Over the course of your career, the job moves you do or do not choose to make, are up there with the most impactful decisions you will make over the course of your life. It is therefore vitally important that these decisions are properly thought through, researched and where possible, strategically planned.

Choosing a career and setting your course are one thing, but once you’re in a role, how do you know if you should move jobs or if it’s better to cultivate your current role? None of us have a crystal ball, but there are steps you can take to make sure a career move is servicing your goals, whilst mitigating the risk of a bad move.

Understanding Your ‘Why’

Understanding your ‘why’ is crucial when considering a career move. Start by reflecting on the reasons for your dissatisfaction in your current role—what specifically isn’t working for you? Next, clarify what you hope to gain from a new opportunity. What would the ideal role look like, and how would it address the gaps in your current situation?

Finally, evaluate your short, medium, and long-term career and personal goals. Consider how this move aligns with these goals and to what extent it will help you achieve them. Having a clear understanding of your motivations and aspirations will ensure any decision you make is purposeful and aligned with your future vision.

Gearing up for a job search

Preparing for a job search requires thoughtful planning and self-assessment. Before you start looking elsewhere, explore all avenues internally. Try to broach any issues with your employer. If you’re unhappy, have an honest conversation with your employer; sometimes you just need to ask. If your current employer cannot offer what you are looking for then you know it’s time to explore the market.

Firstly, define your non-negotiables, whether it’s the opportunity to take appointments, a specific salary or support for JIEB/CPI etc. Equipped with this information, leverage your network to assess the current state of the job market and gauge the level of demand for your skills and experience. After researching the market, does what you’re looking for exist in the current market?

If not, it might be the case of poor timing, or your search may be too niche. You may need to adjust your expectations to suit the market or reconsider whether making a move is still worthwhile.

Evaluating Potential Employers

When evaluating potential employers and positions, don’t solely rely on their website or a job description. Many firms will claim to offer the best career development, culture, benefits etc, making it hard to cut through the noise. Tap into your network for their insights but remember that the best way to learn about a company is to speak with them directly through an interview process.

Treat interviews as a two-way street. While they’re assessing your suitability, it’s essential for you to be evaluating whether the company/position aligns with your needs and non-negotiables.

In order to do this, you need to ask the right questions. Keeping these questions uniform across all interviews should help with cross-comparison.

Hopefully, you won't have to relocate often throughout your career. When the time does come however, it's worth taking the opportunity to thoroughly explore the market.

This doesn’t mean interviewing at a dozen different firms but don’t limit yourself to just one option, if possible. Speaking with multiple firms allows you to benchmark them against each other.

If you’re fortunate to receive multiple offers, you’ll have the advantage of choice and will be in a stronger position to negotiate the best terms.

Evaluating a job offer/s

A job offer may come weeks, months or even years after you initially decided to look. The longer it’s been, the more important it is to remind yourself of the reasons you were looking to make a move in the first place. Through speaking with different firms, it’s not uncommon for your motivations to shift, so evaluate the offer to match.

Consider the long-term pros and cons of accepting the offer. If the firm cannot hit your salary expectations, does it offer something else that is more valuable in the long term?

For example, a firm that has a clear route to appointment taker should enable higher earnings over the long run compared to a firm with a higher starting salary but a top-heavy team structure.

A firm may tick all your immediate needs, but does it service your longer-term ambitions? How is the firm you are joining perceived by other employers in the market and how will taking this role impact your manoeuvrability in the job market if you decide to move on in the future?

In summary

Deciding whether to stay in your current role or move on to a new opportunity is one of the most significant career choices you will make.

By taking the time to understand your own motivations and drivers, thoroughly researching the market, and carefully evaluating potential employers and job offers, you can ensure your decision aligns with both your immediate needs and long-term goals. Thoughtful planning and honest self-assessment are key to making a move that supports your professional growth and personal fulfilment.

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