Work matters

Is now a good time for a new job?

Given the grim employment headlines at the moment, is now a bad time to consider a new job? Not necessarily…

Dissatisfaction at work is disheartening enough in a buoyant climate. But heap on top of this the threat of redundancy, rising living costs and the state of the employment market and it’s easy to see why so many feel trapped in their job.

“Changing job is a big step and needs to be thought about very seriously, with due consideration of all consequences,” says Caroline Righton, author of The Life Audit and The Handbook for Life.

Although giving up a job can leave you more vulnerable, there is a good case for not staying in a job that makes you miserable

And while doing a job you’re no longer happy in may be a necessity, there are sensible ways to approach this professional crossroads.

Follow these simple guidelines to help you better manage the risk of the next step you take in your career – be it a step up or a whole new career:

1. Update your CV. This way you can chase new opportunities as soon as they arise. Get it up to date but also reconsider your wording so it’s fresh and dynamic.
2. Work out how the skills you currently have are transferable to a more senior role or a new career.
3. Make your presence felt! Register for job alerts and upload your new CV on to job sites.
4. Make the most of professional bodies, who often list members on their websites, directories and in their trade press.
5. Consider job sharing or cutting down your hours so you can re-train.
6. Network! Make sure that family and friends know that you’re job-hunting – then milk them for as many contacts as possible. Ask for introductions where appropriate.
7. Embrace the digital age: use social networking sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook to extend your network.
8. Consider a career coach – it’s less hippy-dippy than you may think! A coach can offer practical ways in which to approach a new job or career change. Plus, they can help develop your skills for the job you’re already in. (See below.)
9. Finally, think positive. How will you convince employers that you’re the best person for the job if you don’t believe it yourself?

What is career coaching?

Put simply, a coach can help you work out what you want to do with your life, then develop objectives to achieve it.

This can be in the form of developing your skills and knowledge for your current role, or helping you define what you want to do next.

The process often takes the form of regular phone conversations, with clear goals and exercises set out.

It aims to offer support, guidance and the confidence to help you make a career change, as well as the correct tools with which to approach a job search.

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