Post Christmas and the phrase ‘new year, new job’ is one we will hear a lot in the EST10 office. But before taking the plunge, it is worth considering if now is the right time? Does a move align with your career plan and personal goals? Not sure what we mean, then read on! This article is designed to help you make a strategic decision, rather than an impulsive one.

Pause and reflect

The Christmas holiday break brings time for contemplation and a rare opportunity to gain perspective on our current job and future ambitions. It is easy to get caught up in the spirit of change and the belief that changing jobs will deliver all your dreams and aspirations, but the truth is it doesn’t happen like that. So, before updating your resume, take time to think. Impulsive moves can be costly.

Career plan

Look at your current role. What do you enjoy, dislike and what is truly important to you. Remember, we can’t love 100% of the aspects of our jobs. Where do you want to be in 2-3 years? Maybe it’s a Chief of Staff role or moving into an operations or marketing position. Then conduct a SWOT of your current job. This should include the company you work for, your boss as well of course as your abilities. The SWOT will assist you to see the gaps. Then, make a plan to close the gaps. The gaps can often be addressed without changing jobs. instead, it might be through negotiations, upskilling, taking on new projects etc.

As a reference, our MD talks about conducting a SWOT in her latest book, “Earning Power: Breaking Barriers and Building Wealth for Women”. You can download an excerpt for free here.

Alternatives to changing jobs…

If you decide now is not the time, that doesn’t mean you can’t move your career forward! Keep your eyes open for any internal opportunities, whether that be promotion paths, exposure to new projects, events, or experience working in other departments. Also consider upskilling, learn new skills or increase your formal qualifications. Becoming a mentor, or a mentee can also add an extra string to your bow.

Reasons to stay…

1.     Changing roles, doesn’t necessarily mean you will be better off, the grass is not always greener! The final quarter of the year is often fraught, hectic and highly pressurised, but this is true across so many roles and jumping ship doesn’t mean you won’t be stretched again the following year, just at a different desk!

2.     Longevity on resumes has always been important but in these economically uncertain times with an ongoing skills crisis, it now holds more weight than ever. If you don’t have a solid reason for a move, chances are you have been swept up in the January tide of change but without good reason.

3.     If you change jobs, you will lose accumulated goodwill, seniority and your internal networks. These take time, effort and emotional labour to build and as we know, what helps to makes us shine in our roles! Moving too quickly can temporarily diminish the advantages you have worked so hard to gain.

January can feel overwhelming with a tidal wave of opportunities and questions over whether you should or should not move. The smartest way for Executive Assistants to start the year is with reflection, planning and strategy. Skills we use everyday in our roles – just applied to ourselves this time! In many cases the most rewarding decision is not changing jobs but giving your all to your current one and making the most of the opportunity you already have.

As an additional resource, Roxanne’s first book Employable: 7 Attributes to assure your working future is an invaluable resource when considering your employability, you can find it here.