Looking for work to most people is a mix of excitement, anxiety, nervousness and relief. We spend so long with our colleagues that the decision to move on from them can feel akin to a divorce. Unless the workplace is truly toxic, our feelings of loyalty can be hard to shake. However, we all have different motivators and ambitions for growth, and when these are no longer aligned in the workplace, the relationship will have come to an end.
Looking across the employment landscape, it is vital to remember these key drivers – motivators and ambition. Finding like-minded people or organisations will make the transition much smoother, regardless of the role we are taking.
“Don’t confuse having a career with having a life”
In the modern world most job seekers report they look for culture fit, work life balance and mature management style for their new employer. However, in larger organisations one employee could describe an unhelpful culture, micro-management and bureaucracy as a reason for leaving, whilst another might give glowing endorsements.
Do your research to help make up your own mind. Does this organisation recruit often for similar roles? It might be worth reaching out to your network to see if there is any market information. In the NFP sector, annual reports and financial statements are readily available and these are great places to start. There could be significant growth in the pipeline which is driving the increased recruitment activity, or a new partnership that is creating opportunity. Ultimately, by looking into the organisation more deeply, you will be able to make a reasoned decision on whether the fit is aligned with you.
“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity”
It is human nature to be anxious about change. Whilst certainly there are those who seek it out, most of us see it as confronting, challenging, tiring and it is generally met with apprehension. Looking for a new workplace is no different. Is it better the devil you know than you don’t? A current employer might offer familiarity and comfort; and coupled with strong relationships with co-workers makes any decision about leaving difficult. However, change is invariably a good thing. For one, it shows future employers you’re adaptable and flexible, resilient and able to learn new things. The human brain isn’t well designed for uncertainty and so a new workplace can trigger emotions and impulses we can’t control. But like a good workout at the gym, once we start spending time learning new processes and developing new relationships, our brain is all the better for the it.
In recruitment we work to achieve outcomes based on individuals’ capabilities and an organisations capacity shortage. In my own search what became apparent to me was I needed to work for a purpose. I had been working with a not for profit in recruitment and continuing working with purpose was hugely important to me. These all sound great in theory, but there are also underlying supports we need from family and friends. A new and impactful role would feel less fulfilling without the knowledge loved ones support our decisions – so it’s important to seek out others’ opinions as it will also hugely impact them.
“People are not your most important asset. The right people are.”
When I began looking for new opportunities earlier this year the prime driver for me was to find good people to work with, where I could share a vision and make an impact on the lives of others. I was lucky to have come across Gembridge some time ago and could tell it was focussed on the right outputs for the industry – good people, the right fit, the most impact. I figured that if the business was aiming to achieve this for their client base, it would also be a focus for their own hiring pattern.
So seek out opportunities where you are likely to make the impact you are searching for. Find good people to work with. It might seem like a difficult decision at first, but you nothing that is worthwhile comes easy.
Check out our recent poll on whether people are looking for work more actively than prior to Covid
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