Should I Make A Career Move?

Over the last six to eight months, I have had multiple coaching and mentoring conversations with many folks, where the topic of the discussion was about a career move.

“I am not happy with the work I am doing. And, because of the pandemic, there is some restructuring happening. There is no risk to my role/job. But, the question is, should I start looking for a career move ?”

My feedback would differ based on the specific circumstance of the individual.

“If you are at risk of redundancy, you should look out aggressively for options.

But, if your job is not at risk, ask yourself what the reason is for you to feel the way you are feeling right now.”

The answers I would get would be on these lines.

” I have been doing the same kind of role for two/three years now and I am not learning anything new/I am bored. I want to explore something more interesting/exciting.”

My feedback tends to be conservative for those who are not facing any risk in their current role.

The Workplace is like a marriage.

Just as no marriage is perfect, no job is also perfect. There will always be some niggling issues and challenges.

A marriage becomes meaningful and fun only when you focus on your spouse’s/partner’s personal qualities that you find endearing and learn to gloss over those quirks you may struggle with.

A relationship will always feel strained if you focus on the flaws of the other person.

Think of your job in a similar way.

Most times, when you feel stuck in a job, it is because you are unconsciously paying more attention to aspects of the job that bother you. Instead, make a small shift in your perspective. Focus on those facets of your job that play to your strengths and excite you. When you do that, the 40-50 work hours every week will not feel like a drag.

Don’t look at a career move with a mindset of desperation. You are likely to make the mistake of accepting the first alternative job that comes your way. Instead, take your time exploring at least two or three alternative options. Only when you get a job that ticks all the boxes for what you want to do, take the plunge.

But, till you get the new role in hand, make peace with your current job that you are in and give it your best.