It’s that time of year again.
New year.
New you.
New job.
You have spent the past few weeks catching up with family, friends and old work colleagues. And you have been asked ‘How is work?’ more times than you have had turkey leftovers.
Whether you leapt at the chance to express your frustrations and ranted freely with others who felt the same about their own jobs… Whether you avoided the question like the plague and instead diverted the conversation to Aunt Margaret’s hip replacement… Whether the question in fact caused you to stop and reflect for the first time in 12 months... You are not the only one thinking about it.
Over the past decade as a headhunter, I have witnessed the same pattern of conversations every January. It is completely natural and very healthy for us to reflect in the new year, to want to set goals and envisage what you want to achieve in the year ahead.
However, before you storm into your boss’ office on January 4th with your resignation and a mulled-wine-fuelled career epiphany, I encourage you to take some time to think beyond your immediate emotions.
Are you looking ‘just because’ it’s a new year? 'Just because’ everyone else is and so you feel you should too? Are you in fact quite happy where you are?
It is very easy to scroll through job ads and even start having conversations with recruiters and companies (we're only human - it's flattering to be approached and exciting to hear what is going on in the market) before you truly understand why you are wanting to leave in the first place.
What is your WHY?
When I speak to a senior executive, who is considering a career move, I ask them what their why is – and I do not accept any feeble answers! If you can’t quantify your reasons for wanting to leave, then you are not truly ready and it may turn out to be a decision you regret.
And if you can tell me, I encourage you to not hold back! Write a long mental list of every single factor you are and are not happy with, being truly honest with yourself. Making the wrong move at your level of seniority can be a huge waste of time and effort - not something you want to risk doing as a senior executive!
Consider:
Do you genuinely want to move or are you looking just because everyone else is and you feel that you should too?
If you are seriously considering a move, what are your frustrations and what you are looking for in your next job to resolve this? For example: company culture/values, new challenge/career progression, boss/management, peers, industry/product offering or money.
So now you know your WHY. But HOW are you going to do this?
How are you going to address these frustrations through your decision-making process? Your next role should not simply be a glossy new company on your CV or an extra £20K a year to paper over the cracks, but be a solution to your problems.
For example:
You are no longer challenged -> e.g. go back to an early stage start-up and build something else; join a faster growing business and experience taking start-up to scale-up; join a bigger business and play a more strategic role, become a Board member; join a business that is going through internationalisation and gain global expansion experience under your belt.
You do not align to the culture/values -> e.g. your current employer has grown so fast and lost its original culture along the way, so you join a smaller business that is staying true to its values.
Finally, consider the bigger picture. What is your long-term goal and plan?
It is incredibly easy to be whisked up in the excitement of changing company and enjoy the immediate adrenalin hit of a new job, but does this move enable you to get to where you want to be in 3, 5 or 10 years’ time? Or will you be no further progressed in your career and wasted multiple years in your career?
For example:
You want to be CEO in 5 years -> will this new role enable you to get there or is it taking you in the opposite direction/a sideways move?
You want to stop full time employment in 3 years’ time and take on multiple NED appointments -> will this role provide you with the experience, exposure and connections you need to get there (and money to be able to afford to retire!).
Your children will be going to university in the next 2 years -> does the salary/package compensate for that or should you actually be asking for X-amount more?
As a senior executive (in fact, at any stage in your career), changing jobs is a life-changing decision. There are many factors that contribute to why you should or should not accept a position and it involves not only you, but your partner and family.
As excited as you are with the prospect of a new job in a new year (especially after the past couple of years we have had!), do not underestimate the value of taking your time to find the right role now. Believe me, it will cost a lot more of your time if you make the wrong move.
As always, you know I am here if you would ever like a confidential chat, advice or support.
Jess