The pandemic has changed the job market — perhaps for good.

As many companies begin to offer better employment packages, with 38% of employers now advertising more flexible jobs and 44% raising their pay, more employees are considering changing roles — over a third (37%) of UK employees, to be precise.

Whether hybrid and remote working policies are better for your health and well-being or the tumultuous economy has increased your salary expectations, you might have found yourself browsing for a new role. But with so many people entering the job market and the risk of oversaturation looming, it is crucial to assess your motivations before diving into the candidate pool again.

So, is the grass really greener on the other side, or do you just need to nurture the path you are already on? Before you think about handing in your notice, it is essential to determine what you are looking for — and whether you could find it in your current role.

Assessing your current position

Despite the change in employment perspectives caused by the ‘Great Resignation’ — the phenomenon that describes the massive numbers of workers voluntarily quitting in 2021 — leaving your job is not a decision to be taken lightly.

Of course, some people must change jobs out of necessity — for example, if they relocate or can no longer work the same hours. However, many employees pursue a different path because they are unhappy in their current roles.

The recruitment process can be time-consuming and emotionally demanding — stresses you can avoid by finding out whether your current employer could better accommodate your needs.

Most employers will take reasonable measures — from organising performance reviews to escalating employee concerns — to ensure their staff’s satisfaction, especially in the current recruitment landscape.

So, if you are dissatisfied, voicing your concerns could trigger the change you need. For instance, you might dislike the communication style at your workplace. Too much feedback, or feedback that is more critical than constructive, can knock your confidence. Equally, too little feedback could hinder your progress or leave you feeling undervalued.

Furthermore, you might feel you are lacking sufficient opportunities for career progression. Your employer could resolve this issue by ensuring they routinely discuss your long-term goals with you so they can support your development and set realistic targets.

By taking a step back to assess the different elements of your experience, you can make productive, informed changes to your working habits to give yourself the best chance of finding fulfilment without needing a more significant career move. However, if you remain unhappy after taking these steps, it could be time to start looking elsewhere.

Deciding to move on

There are several reasons why you might choose to resign or decide that joining a different company is your best option.

Some signs that indicate you may be ready for a new venture include:

• Dreading the start of the working week.
• Taking unnecessary sick days.
• Experiencing unhealthy career envy.
• Not feeling challenged or struggling too much.
• Feeling isolated.

If any of the above sounds familiar, you should consider searching for a new role. It was recently announced that the number of job vacancies outweighs the number of unemployed UK citizens — a strong indication of the growth of the job market and the vast range of opportunities available.

But before you start looking, ensure you have set clear and realistic goals to streamline your job hunt. Decide how much responsibility you need to feel fulfilled, whether company culture is your priority or if you need to refine your skillset to get where you want to be.

Keeping your CV and LinkedIn up to date can ensure you are prepared for when your dream job pops up, but working with a recruiter can expedite the hiring process. A helping hand from an employment specialist can help you find the best roles that fit all your requirements whilst saving you valuable time and energy.

Recruiters can offer recommendations based on your experience and preferences and spot roles you could miss or overlook. Plus, a recruiter can help you professionally manage the process of changing jobs — from resignation to onboarding — and leverage their professional connections to ensure you end up in the perfect role.

Howett Thorpe offers specialist recruitment support for candidates in the accountancy, finance and business support sectors. Contact us at 01252 718 777 or email farnham@howett-thorpe.co.uk to discuss your goals with a member of our team.

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