Over the past couple of years, many people have switched jobs during what has been dubbed, “The Great Resignation”. However, a recent survey of 15,000 job seekers found that “More than a quarter — or 26% — of workers who quit regret their decision.” Sometimes, when thinking of a new job, we adopt the mindset of “The Grass Is Greener on the Other Side” when in actuality, there are pros and cons to every job. Part of the reason so many people sought out new jobs during the great resignation was due to wanting higher pay, more flexibility, and reeling from work burnout. Unfortunately, some people are finding that their new reality isn’t what they expected, and their new roles aren’t what they had hoped. In today’s blog, we’ll explore some ways to ensure you don’t find yourself in the same situation and end up regretting your decision to switch jobs.
Take Your Time
If you currently have a steady job and can make ends meet, take your time finding a new role. You don’t want to take the first job offered to you if it’s not the right fit. It can be tempting at times, especially when you’re not happy with your current role, to move on as quickly as possible but that’s probably not going to end very well for you. In an article on Dice, they give the sound advice to instead take a step back and re-evaluate things before acting in haste. “Sometimes a temporary move can help reinvigorate your interest in your current job. Take a vacation or family leave… or even start a job search. Going on interviews can help you compare and fairly evaluate your current situation and make the right stay-or-go decision. Avoiding a hasty resignation will give you more flexibility, and you’ll feel less pressure to accept the first offer.” So take your time, explore your options, and weigh out the pros and cons of your current job and any roles you’re considering. You’ll feel so much better about your decision in the end if you’ve given it a lot of thought and consideration.
Do Your Homework
Before accepting a new position, it’s good to know as much as possible about the job and company culture. While a higher salary or other company perks may be enticing, it’s important to look for any red flags and drawbacks about the position. For instance, is the role they are hiring for one that others have not been successful in thus far? Is the reason they are offering a high salary because they expect you to work nights and weekends to make sure you hit your numbers? Instead of looking at the job through rose-colored glasses, take an honest look at the company and position. Read Glassdoor reviews and see if anyone in your network has worked at the company before or knows someone who has. Having a firsthand account of what the company is actually like, can help paint an honest picture for you.
Get Clear on What You Ultimately Want
It’s also a good idea, before embarking on any job search, to get clear on what you want your career to look like. If you want a new job because you don’t like your boss, don’t get along well with your co-workers, or are seeking a higher salary, that might not be a good enough reason to leave. In the same Dice article, they instead recommend thinking about what it is you want vs. what it is you’re running away from. “Your chances of making a better decision increase when you run towards something instead of away from something.” Think about what’s important to you and establish your top requirements for a job. Be selective and only consider the roles that have your sought after requirements.