The average careerist changes jobs every 5-7 years, but deciding whether or not the time is right for you can be fraught with self-imposed obstacles. When you contemplate looking for a new job or switching careers, do you find yourself focusing on more than 3 of these?
- Consider the cost of switching before you consider the benefits?
- Highlight the work of job searching over the benefits of a fresh start?
- Exaggerate how good things are now in order to reduce your fear of change?
- Grab onto the rare thing that could go wrong instead of all the likely things that could go right?
- Focus on short-term costs instead of long-term benefits?
- Worry about losing status earned only through tenure and longevity?
- Imagine that your competition is going to be better positioned than you and therefore more likely to get the job?
- Compare the best of what you have now with the possible worst of what a change might bring?
If you answered yes then you may be sabotaging your own success. Take a fresh look at those above statements, but this time, turn them around.
- Consider the benefits of switching rather than the short term costs.
- Highlight the excitement of job searching over the work.
- Remind yourself why you are thinking about a change in the first place.
- Think of all the things that could go right with this possible decision.
- Focus on long-term benefits instead of short-term costs?
- Think about the new experiences you will gain that will add to your resume.
- Know that you are highly skilled and experienced and that any employer would be lucky to have you on their team.
- Compare the worst of what you have now with the possible best of what a change might bring?
A change in mindset like this can help you decide whether or not now is the time for a move.
Steve P Brady 