Thinking of changing jobs? And have you already changed jobs several times or only been in your current job for a short period? We’ve put together 5 tips for you who might be thinking that the grass is greener on the other side.
In recent years, more and more Danes have changed jobs. In 2021 alone, one million Danes got new jobs. This corresponds to one third of the labour force. There is therefore a certain probability that future jobseekers will not have been in their current job for very long.
If you have changed jobs recently – or several times over a short period of time – you may wonder whether the job change you are considering is the right one. Here, our consultants offer 5 tips to help you decide whether a job change is the right thing to do.
1. Look inwards
“Ask yourself: why do I want to change? Is there anything I can do to be more motivated in my current job? And if you have changed many times, is there a pattern to why you change? Is there something about yourself that you need to work on? Do you not think things through enough before accepting a new job because it sounds exciting?”, Maria Mathiasen, consultant, asks.
Look inwards and think about what has caused your previous job changes. And then use that to become more aware about your potential future workplace.
“Think carefully about what you want to achieve with the job change and what it is you might be running away from. Make sure you ask the right questions of your potential employer to find out if the position and the company are right for you and can give you what you expect,” Anita Blinkenborg, Partner at Compass Human Resources Group, adds.
2. Finish the analysis
“Make sure you finish the analysis of the situation – is there an element that you could have done something yourself to make sure it didn’t end up where it did – that’s pretty important, but at the end of the day, you have to be able to go to work happy, and if you don’t, you have to draw a lin,” says Senior Consultant Claus Mengel-Niemann.
“If you’re unhappy and are ‘torturing’ yourself, of course you need to change. If it’s because you’re ‘lured’ by something else, you should seriously consider whether you simply believe the grass is greener on the other side. Maybe you should stay and do your job well for a few years, so you get it all,” Partner Søren Krogstrup, adds.
“In general, you should go for the positions that motivate and develop you, and where you find a joy in your working life. If that means a shorter tenure somewhere, that’s fine if you can justify your choices and job changes,” Research Manager Pernille Hemmingsen, assures.
3. Drop the shame – it’s ok to change
When you have decided, after careful consideration, that a change of job is right for you, that’s fine. A change of job opens up the possibility of new challenges and a life with more job satisfaction.
“If you’re not happy where you are, that’s reason enough to change,” says Consultant Magnus Vedel.
As long as it’s the right choice, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. As mentioned in the introduction, one million Danes changed jobs in 2021 alone. You’re not the first to change jobs – and you won’t be the last. Changing jobs is a natural part of being in the job market. You should choose the job that makes you happy.
4. Control the narrative
“It’s always okay to realize that the change you just made wasn’t the right one. It’s a process and a realisation that can be difficult for many to arrive at. You shouldn’t be in an organisation where you don’t feel you can contribute, develop, or experience dissatisfaction. You will be able to tell a recruiter this when you are looking for a new job. It’s very natural – not everything can be a success. But to move on, you have to realise that it doesn’t have to be this job and proactively look further and be transparent about this to the future employer”, says Research Consultant Mai Rishøj.
It is important to play with open cards towards your potential new workplace and the recruiter. So make sure you’re the one who brings it up, so you’re controlling the narrative around your short employement.
“Disclose it – possibly in cover letters, so you control the narrative from the start. Tell them that you’re in a relatively new position, but that this opportunity was too exciting not to try (despite the short tenure),” adds Patrick Lyon Veirum, Senior Research Consultant at Compass Human Resources Group.
5. Seek advice
Talk to the recruiter about the situation and see what he or she thinks.
“Reach out to the consultant and have a chat. Not many qualified candidates call anyway,” Thorsten Andersen, Senior Consultant at Compass Human Resources Group, urges.
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