Getting a job and knowing when to move on

One thing I’ve noticed is that when it comes to landing a new job, the organisation will welcome you on-board the ship (so to speak). However, it’s up to you when to realise when to get off and unfortunately, you won’t receive help in that part. You’ve got to get onto another ship on your own.

It’s been a bit tricky for me. I’ve always received contrasting advice. Recruiters tell me that I don’t have enough time in my current job built up to move on. Mentors tell me to move onto something bigger and not settle at a non-ideal place for too long.

In the end, one is in the best position to assess what to do. If you are no longer learning, if there are no more challenges, if there is no space to explore your leadership qualities, if you cannot go on training courses that you need…then perhaps you’ve given your part and done all you can in that position.

My view is that if it’s no longer fun, no longer exciting, then it would make sense to start looking elsewhere to see if challenges exist outside of your current employment.

For me the realisation came when I decided I am ready to go out there and risk it. Risk failing, risk not getting the job, risk making mistakes. If you no longer feel uncomfortable to put your reputation on the line then it’s time to pursue the career you really want.

Finished University? Get accredited!

Finished university? Congratulations! You are now almost employable (if your grades can speak for themselves). Enjoy months of job searching while you keep your part-time retail job. On the bright side, you’ve been at that retail job for so long you may even qualify to become an underpaid supervisor.

Now on the serious side. Ok you’ve finished uni and have gained employment in an office job in your career path or at least something interesting. What to do next?

Whether you are in your desired role or not, the process of developing yourself has not finished, in fact you are probably less than half-way there despite your recent three years at university. Continue reading