Not everyone stays at their first post-college job in the long run, so preparing to switch jobs at some point in your career is something you should be prepared for. There are a number of reasons why someone would want to make a change. Things like pay rate, work environment, or the type of work involved are major players in the decision to switch jobs or careers. Some even discover the career they studied for and prepared for in school isn’t for them. It’s at this point in their lives they pursue switching jobs.
Before you start updating your resume and browsing current employment opportunities, there are a few things you should know. A rushed decision made in the heat of the moment after one bad shift at work can actually end up hurting your career goals. Taking the time to factor the pros and cons, and the long-term benefits of staying or leaving can help you make a more educated decision that will be of more value to you in the years to come. Here are five things you should know before making the switch.
Know Why You Want to Leave
Do you not like your boss? Are you unhappy with your pay rate? Is the job not quite what you expected? You’ll need to pinpoint exactly why you’re tempted to go look for another job and if it’s actually worth starting over somewhere else. If it’s an entry-level job, you should think about whether or not you’re learning a skill that can be applied to your career path. If you’re working as an administrative assistant, for example, it may not be something you plan on doing for the rest of your life, but it can be a learning opportunity that will help you later down the road. If you’re working retail and you’re looking to pursue a career in healthcare, a career switch may be in order.
Know Where the Growth Opportunities Are
If you’re set on leaving your current job, be sure you aren’t leaving any potential growth opportunities behind. You wouldn’t want to leave a job only to find out you were being considered for a promotion and a raise. On the other hand, if the company you work for doesn’t promote often or is skipping you over when these chances do come up, it may not pay to stick around. When looking for new jobs to apply to, keep growth opportunities in mind. You may have to start from the bottom and work your way up at a new company, but if they promote from within, you stand a chance of getting further ahead in a new job. Keep the long-term results in mind and don’t just focus on what you want right now.
Know What You’re Looking For and What to Avoid
This is why it’s important to know why you want to leave. If you aren’t happy with your current job, you don’t want to switch to something that presents the same problems. Are you looking for a different work environment? Are you looking for a new location? Do you want a different set of responsibilities? Switching careers often presents red flags to employers so you’ll want to avoid the need to look for new work every year or two. Don’t make the same mistakes and put yourself in a position where you’ll be essentially starting all over.
Wait Until You Are Hired Before Leaving Your Current Job
There are exceptions to this rule, especially if you’re put in an uncomfortable situation that makes it impossible to work or are being asked to do something against policy or against the law. If you can, stay in your current job until you have a guaranteed replacement. Quitting early can result in spending an indefinite amount of time being unemployed. It may take months to find a different job, so you might as well continue to earn a paycheck while you’re looking. If a business really wants you, they’ll wait while you give your 30-day notice before starting.
You Should Still Be Courteous at Your Current Job
While looking for work, and in between giving your notice and your last day, continue to do your work and remain professional to your co-workers and employer. Letters of recommendation can help you down the road and you don’t want to burn any bridges by becoming difficult or lazy about your work. Leave your current job on good terms.
Deciding to switch jobs is a big decision, especially early on in your carer. Plan it out and make sure this decision will help, not hinder, your career goals.
