Marketing yourself for jobs
In the good old days, most professionals in Sri Lanka were quite
happy to join an organisation and work till retirement. Changing work
places was perceived to be a bad thing. The environment is completely
different today and the frequency and percentage of employees changing
jobs has dramatically changed and the factors are many.
Expansion of the job market, the variety of work disciplines
available, easy accessibility to professional education, rate of
increase in job value for skilled and competent employees and a sense of
competition in the minds of new employees top the long list of reasons.
New employees who are still gaining work experience, often have to
work in a job they don't like. Even if the job is exactly what you are
looking for, the company may not be or vice versa.
There may be negative developments in a job you had for a long time
causing you to contemplate quitting.
These situations are hard to get away from, but you must take bold
steps if you are unhappy in your present job. After all, in this
competitive job market environment, your demand is not indefinite. So
the move to make the best when you have demand is fully justified.
There are positive and negative effects of changing jobs. The key is
making sure a career change is the best option at the time and that it
offers clear incremental benefits. The best way to determine this is by
doing an audit on the present job and exploring new opportunities and
creating a list of all positives and negatives associated with taking up
the new job.
Reason
The first question to ask is, am I happy with the job I have?
If the company pays you well, you have to do satisfying work, have
the opportunity to learn, leaders are fair and career development
opportunities are bright and the future of the company business is good,
then, there is no rational reason to change the job.
If the primary aspects are not in place, begin the process of looking
for another job.
Even if all the aspects are good, examine the long-term viability of
the company you are working for. If you feel the company hasn't got the
right strategy and leadership vision to grow or sustain performance then
look for a new job.
One advantage of changing jobs is finding one you like. Many people
have to settle for jobs that are not exactly what they want. Young
graduates and school-leavers often have to take the first job available
and not be a burden to their parents.
They may find then find new jobs in their preferred fields as the
opportunities emerge.
You are more likely to enjoy your job if it's something that
interests you. You may also perform that particular job more
effectively.
Another positive effect of a job change is advancement. You may be
stuck in a job with few advancement opportunities. Your boss may have
been in his position for 20 years.
There may be no other opportunities in your company but lateral
moves. Whatever the case, you may take the next step up in your career
by taking a job with another company. These advancements should
essentially be promotions.
People who change jobs too often may be viewed as job-hoppers and may
be viewed as a major negative by potential employers.
No company would like to recruit and train people and see them
leaving after a couple of years. Such people are perceived to be
employees with lower level of loyalty and accountability.
Lost benefits
While there are many advantages in changing jobs, you may lose
certain benefits too by switching jobs.
Companies prefer to promote within whenever they find suitable
internal candidates considering the relevant experience, minimum
interruption to business operation, cost benefits and motivation to the
larger team.
For a budding leader to make an impression and convince the leaders,
it takes years.
Leaving the organisation after doing all that when you are on the
threshold of a promotion can be too costly. Making the right choice is
hard, yet it can be beneficial.
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