Hop Your Way to the Right Job
TOO MUCH experience in a single field can be counter-productive! Of course, it could be equivalent to no experience at all and can promote a unidimensional view of the job along with inflexible approach.
It leads to the feeling of knowing it all - when in fact there's always something new to learn and innumerable ways to be innovative.
Though job-hopping is not the cure for stagnation, it is not exactly a disease either. Job changing is vital for energising careers, infusing creativity and developing a well-rounded job profile.
A gamut of job experiences is more interesting than a single profession in the same organisation.
There should be some variety in a résumé to indicate that a person is not resistant to change and ready to accept new challenges.
For instance, someone with 3 years of marketing experience and 4 years of technical experience makes a better managerial candidate than someone with 7 years in one field.
Job change gives a broader perspective to individuals and exposes them to the functioning of different departments and varied cultures. Moreover, it's an integral part of climbing to the top.
Job changing is not always about being indecisive or fickle-minded. If you've hopped 7 times in a year, it's probably because you haven't found your career or you've been making bad judgments. In any case, it's better than being stuck in a career that you loathe.
But the truth is you are not ruining your life; you are recognising you've made a few bad decisions, and attempting to improve your situation.
In fact, you are more in control of your life than you think; you are facing your problems and thinking about and not ignoring the impact of your actions. You know you want something more, or you know you can do better, so you are looking for direction. No job or situation has to be permanent. You can change your circumstances and your life. Everything you do, no matter how small, makes a difference.
However, look out for a pattern - especially if you're quitting for the same reasons over and over again, or you have no clue which way you are headed.
Take heart. There's help - career advisors can counsel you using advanced tools and counselling methods to help you focus more clearly. If your job changing has a direction and purpose, then you are on the right course.
Now, what's the decent time interval for an employee itching to move on - at least one year; but preferably 3 years according to experts.
In the first year, executives learn; in the second, they put programmes in place. In the third year, they make the necessary improvements.
The best way to move is to keep monitoring the changing economy. If there are major structural changes underway, move before they axe you. That way, your confidence will not be affected either.
Make smart and rational moves, not emotional ones - because emotions swing and change much faster than economic trends. With job-hopping widely prevalent and employers more tolerant to the practice these days, let's find out the right time to take the leap:
Undervalued and over compromised: If ever you feel your value is being undermined or you are being ethically compromised, don't think twice about moving on.
And, if it's seriously affecting your health in any way, jump the next moment. No job is worth risking your life.
Even mental and psychological strain should make you to consider a refreshing change.
Moving up and better salaries: Increased responsibilities and higher salaries are definitely high on the list of reasons for changing jobs. Employers tend to prefer a quest for greater responsibility.
A lateral move can also be explained as exploring other careers or gaining relevant experience.
Determine the market: If your line of work is obsolete, do you want to go the same way? Move with the trend, queue for the latest hot jobs and careers.
Reinvent your career if necessary. It makes more sense to revamp your wardrobe than to be dressed in outdated clothes.
Working for a reputed company: Who wants to leave an opportunity to work in a great place! A highly reputed company on your résumé is worth many other mediocre ones.
Find your true calling: Job changing is good in order to determine what you really enjoy doing, discovering your latent talents and to find the right career. Trial and error is a good teacher, if you're willing to take the risk and learn from mistakes.
Age factor: Changing four jobs in the three years right after college is not a big deal. Most employers expect a certain amount of career exploration from recent graduates. But the higher you go in your profession, and the more investment the company has to make in you, the less likely they are willing to invest in someone who they think will leave in a year.
Though there are many CEOs on the move, bidding for more attractive packages, at the final stretch of your innings, it's wise to settle down. Experimenting is what leads to innovations and inventions. Sometimes you need to experiment with your life too. But note that all experiments should be done in controlled environments, so proceed with caution and know your limits.
We're all working to further our lives and find direction. And when the North Star is not clearly visible, we may have to keep altering our routes. So, while it's important for a ship to drop anchor - it's also necessary for it to set sail.
SALMA ALIAKBER
faqs@cnkonline.com
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