It’s a brave move to quit your job, but there are times when this is a decision you have to make. As well as the potential financial pressure of quitting a job there can be a fear of the unknown. If you find work is casting a shadow over the rest of your life the only option may be to move on. But for many people the decision isn’t that obvious. At SCR our recruiters talk to hundreds of candidates each week. We sometimes hear from a candidate who is interested in “hearing” about opportunities, but hasn’t yet truly decided if they are ready to start interviewing, much less ready to make a move.
Most areas of the energy sector are growing, and in addition to opportunity due to growth we have a large number of skilled professionals retiring over the next 5-10 years. The combination of these two factors means there is a huge demand for skilled professionals in the energy sector. The day of working for a single employer for your entire career is no longer a reality. This is not just true for the notorious Millennials, the trend is also being seen with other age groups – there’s just not as much employer loyalty as there use to be. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2014 that of employees aged 55-64 the median years of tenure with their current employer is just 10.4 years. While this is still twice as long as those aged 35-44 years, at just 5.2 years, it’s apparent that change is the new normal on the career front.
So how do you know when it’s time to move from window shopping to seriously pursing a new opportunity? The following are signs that it might be time to consider updating your resume and moving on.
Seven signs it’s time to start looking for a new employer:
1) You dread Monday mornings.
Most people aren’t keen on the thought of going back to work after the weekend, but if it causes you serious anxiety, it’s a sign you’re in the wrong job. After a couple of hours, you should be back into the routine and looking forward to the rest of the working week. If thoughts of Monday morning are regularly spoiling your weekend, you need to face up to the problem.
2) You have a horrible boss.
It’s not uncommon for people to be promoted into senior positions without the necessary management skills. If your boss is constantly changing priorities and delegating urgent work, it can make every day a nightmare. Try talking to your boss and agreeing a more effective way to work together. If things don’t improve, you may need to find a new job with a boss who understands how to delegate and manage.
3) Every day is routine.
As you become experienced at a job it becomes easier to carry out your duties. This can be good in some ways, but there’s also a danger you aren’t challenged or kept interested. There may be other aspects of the work that mean it’s still enjoyable, such as strong team morale, but if not the job won’t be sustainable.
4) There are no promotion opportunities.
Even if you don’t have ambitions to run the company, everyone needs some potential for career progression and promotion. As well as the financial benefits, increased responsibility makes a job more interesting and fulfilling.
5) The job isn’t what you joined the company to do.
You should be given a clear description of your role and responsibilities when you start a new job. Of course it’s reasonable for your employer to expect some flexibility, but if the job changes into something you don’t enjoy you have to consider your future with the company. Common examples include the introduction of sales targets and having to spend hours each week dealing with customer complaints.
6) You’re regularly taking work home.
Being able to work from home sometimes can be great, but if you find yourself logging on regularly to keep on top of things, it’s a sign your employer expects too much. Your performance at work will suffer if you spend your weekends trying to catch up, and this becomes a downward spiral.
7) You’re heart isn’t in it anymore.
Most people spend a large part of their life at work, and there has to be some enjoyment and satisfaction. If you find you have no interest in the company or your job, you owe it to yourself to prepare to make a move. It may even be a sign you need to look to utilize your skills differently.
The idea of working for a single employer for life isn’t relevant in the modern workplace. While searching for a new job can be a stressful life event there is good news. At SCR our goal is to find our clients the best talent in the energy sector. This, in turn, helps you find the right employer to make the best use of your skills and foster your happiness. If the list above sounds all to familiar then we encourage you to submit your resume to one of our current openings, or contact a member of our recruiting team to discuss opportunities and learn if we have a position available that might be the right fit for you!
