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A recent article I read proposed five signs that it’s time for a new job. That’s great but in the current job market, is looking for a new job a good idea?

We are “change-avoiders”
The article proposes that as humans we are “naturally pre-wired to fear and avoid change, even when we are decidedly unhappy with our current situation” (Chamorro-Premuzic, 2015). It suggests that people often stay on in jobs long after the signs that indicate a change would be a good idea.

Whether the reasons for negative job attitudes are related to the individual or a product of organisational issues like low engagement or the incompatibility of workplace culture, it suggests that we change-averse humans are comforted by predictability. So, we stay.

Signs that it’s time for change
The author offers five signs it is time for a change. They are:

1. You are not learning
2. You are under-performing
3. You feel undervalued
4. You are just doing it for the money
5. You hate your boss
   (Chamorro-Premuzic, 2015)

One of the employment truisms, is that it is much easier to get a [new] job, when you’ve got a job. So, while you may recognise the signs that it is time to resign, it is better to stay until you have somewhere to go.

Forced change is hard
People I know who have found themselves looking for employment unexpectedly through imposed job changes, find themselves fully occupied in applying for something new without much avail. Even those going through outplacement acknowledge the challenges of getting an interview let alone a new position. Many applications go unacknowledged, or worse still after an interview – there is radio silence. No feedback and no “sorry, but no thank you”.

Proactive change
So, what if you can tick off the 5 signs listed above, as applying to you? Is there an alternative? I think yes. Those 5 signs all indicate a particular mindset towards work. The secret is to change that and it presupposes it is your choice. My suggestion: Re-calibrate your view on your job, your workplace, your colleagues and most of all, yourself!

If you want to change to find something better, it is important to leave on a high, knowing you have performed at your best. In the second post on this topic I will look at practical tips for how you might change yourself to do that.

In the meantime, reflect on your position. Do you want a new job or a new lease on the job you already have?

Source:

Chamorro-Premuzic, Tomas. 5 Signs It’s Time for a New Job. Harvard Business Review. April 7, 2015.