Pros and cons of changing 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 unhealthy.

The environment is completely different today and the frequency and percentage of employees changing jobs has changed dramatically; the reasons for this are many. Expansion of the job market, 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 are among many other factors.

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 with the situation.

After all, in this competitive job market environment, your demand is not indefinite. So the move to make the best when you have the demand is fully justified.

There are both positive and negative effects of changing jobs.

The key is making sure a career change is the best option at the time and it offers incremental benefits. The best way to determine this is by doing an audit on the current job and establishing the need to explore a new opportunity and then creating a list of all positives and negatives associated with taking up the new job. You can then decide if changing jobs is the best move from a long term perspective.

The first question to ask is: Am I happy with the job I have? If the company pays you well, you have a satisfying job to do, organisation culture is good, you 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 these primary aspects are not in place, begin the process of looking for another job. Even if all those aspects are currently good, examine the long term viability of the company you are working for. If you suspect the company hasn't got the right strategy and leadership vision and capability to sustain performance then look for a new job.

Finding the job you like

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 schoo-leavers often have to take the first job available, so as not to be a burden on 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 be able to 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 at negatively 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 a lower level of loyalty and accountability.

Lost benefits

While there are many advantages of changing jobs, you may lose certain benefits by switching jobs too. 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.

It takes years for leaders to make a good judgement on someone at the next level.

It takes years for a budding leader to make an impression and convince leaders. Leaving the organisation after doing all that and leaving an organisation when you are on the threshold of a promotion can be too costly. So making the right choice is hard yet can be beneficial.