There comes a time in every person’s life where change is necessary. This can mean a change in their personal life or professional life. Professional changes often involve looking for another job as a person may have outgrown their current one. Sometimes jobs become repetitive, or all possible opportunities for growth have been exhausted. Regardless of the reason, changing jobs is something most, if not everyone has to deal with at some point in their working life. If you’re looking to change jobs, this must be done carefully. Depending on the circumstances or reasons surrounding your company departure, there are some important considerations to observe.
What is my reason for leaving?
As a working individual, you should have full rights and control over your career direction. When moving on from your current employer, have a crystal-clear view as to why you need to make this necessary change. Too often, an individual would move on from a job because he or she may be dissatisfied.
This could be salary, job security, a toxic work environment or even a serious legal issue. It is critical that you understand whether your reasons are valid to pursue other opportunities. Ask yourself, “Am I running away from something, or running towards something?” It won’t be a detriment if you’re running towards a more lucrative opportunity or leaving your job for serious personal reasons.
However, ff you’re running away from something such as an overbearing boss or company malpractices, you need to be very cautious about what direction you take your career. The reality is, there are no perfect companies and the last thing you want to do is leave your current job and find yourself in a similar or even worse situation than you’re currently facing. Always ensure that your reasons for moving on are valid and genuine.
How should I communicate with my employer
It can be an uncomfortable conversation to have with your employer when leaving. You can risk coming across as ungrateful, a non-team-player, an opportunist or someone who is unreliable. Nevertheless, your employer morally and lawfully must be notified. So, this is a conversation that cannot be avoided. However, doing so doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. When notifying your employer about your departure, bear in mind that you should:
Request an in-person meeting
This type of conversation is both a sensitive and confidential one. Request a meeting with your employer, preferably at a time when the workplace is quiet and you both have the time and clarity to discuss in detail without interruption.
Be honest, yet diplomatic
If you’re certain about your departure, don’t use this meeting as an opportunity to complain or criticize the company. Instead, lay all your cards on the table, informing your employer why you’ve taken the decision to leave.
Be tactful. Don’t portray this decision as something that was their fault. Remember, you are ultimately in charge of the direction of career. You could simply explain that you’re exploring other opportunities that would complement that direction.
Show gratitude
Regardless of the relationship status between you and your employer, it is important to display gratitude for them hiring you and giving you the opportunities, you had. This job may have funded the entirety or majority of your livelihood. Therefore, you should express gratitude for the opportunity.
Conclude graciously
A gracious end to this conversation will prevent the relationship from falling apart and avoid burning any bridges. Caribbean islands are quite small from a hiring point of view. There’s a good chance you may run into this employer again or request their assistance for a recommendation. As such, gracefully wish your employer well to save that relationship for future use.
How do I plan to handle the financial change?
Moving on from a job still requires you to cover your expenses. As such, you should have a solid plan or at least a practical idea as to how will your expenses be handled. For example, you should consider how your finances will be impacted if you haven’t quite secured another job. Do you have promising prospects? Will your work commute change? Will you be working different hours? What sort of skills will you need? Moving from one job to another unleashes a multitude of questions. You do not have to have an answer for every question at this point. However, you must have a practical plan as far as your career direction and ability to cover expenses are concerned.
What are the pros and cons?
Like most things in life, changing jobs brings a set of pros and cons. For example, if you’re running away from a boss, the pros might be finding a calmer work environment, less stress and a more collaborative company culture. However, a con might be a reduced salary, longer work commute or less flexible hours.
Since there are no perfect companies, always weigh the benefits and the consequences of changing jobs. As you progress professionally, this becomes a decision with greater consequences if you do not weigh your options carefully and make a well-informed decision.
Who do I want to become?
A final consideration when moving from one job is, “Who do I want to be”?
What sort of person do you want to become?
Anytime you’re changing jobs, it works in your favour to find a position that suits your personality, character, skills and interests. You don’t want to change jobs frequently, or work a job you dislike or have multiple jobs on your resume lasting only a few months.
For a rewarding career, develop a vision for the type of person you want to become. This will guide you as to what future opportunities to accept and what direction to take your career. Some important questions to help you realise this vision includes:
- What am I good at?
- What do I want to be known for?
- What is my personal definition of success?
- What do I care most about?
- Am I good with managing time, people and money?
- If money wasn’t an issue for me, what would I spend my time doing?
- What sort of work gives me a sense of accomplishment?
- What is one thing I hope to never regret once I’m retired?
