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    Should you change your job? Here's how to find out

    Synopsis

    Will you always work with bosses who are terrible for your psyche? It may be time to alter your career path.

    jon change 4Getty Images
    Don’t change careers for temporary reasons.
    By Devashish Chakravarty

    Deciding on factors about when to change a job can be a daunting task. Therefore, if you are considering a career change, you must first find out the reasons for doing so.

    1. Long-term growth
    Are you thinking of completely changing your career to a new line? Are you toying with the idea of a startup? If your reasons include not getting the expected salary hike this year or the new job is offering a better designation/brand or a shorter commute, then you are simply addressing a temporary need. Don’t shift careers for such reasons; just change jobs within the same function or industry. However, if you are a schoolteacher or a government employee, where it bothers you that growth is slow, if at all, then it is worth changing tracks.

    Also read: Looking for a job? Don’t make these 12 mistakes

    2. Having no purpose
    If you keep aside the salary, designation and other material aspects of your job, how do you feel about your work? If your role or industry is deeply unsatisfying and you are continuously disengaged and exhausted, then perhaps this career is not worth your while even if others find meaning in your work. So, as a doctor, you may discover that hospitals are not for you and your calling lies in teaching. Change careers to find one where you discover purpose or meaning in what you do or what your organisation does.

    Also read: Social media do's and don'ts for job seekers

    3. Toxic overflow
    Are you a cultural misfit in your current career? Or will you always be working with a set of bosses who are terrible for your psyche? A journalist may find his newsroom culture exhausting or a salesperson may be constantly stressed by a stream of demanding, loud bosses with 24x7 expectations. An environment or boss that you consider toxic affects your peace of mind and your stress levels spill over into every aspect of your life. It’s time to change careers.

    Also read: How job applicants should prepare for phone interviews

    4. Market forces
    Perhaps the government regulations have changed and put the brakes on your industry, or market forces have reduced profitability, resulting in shrinking businesses. This means that there will always be more people chasing lesser leadership opportunities in this stream. Maybe your industry is going digital and that is changing the way you work. Or the word is out that you may be completely replaced by AI/robots in the future. This means that there will be fewer jobs for your current skill set. Change careers to continuously increase and assimilate new skills and have adequate opportunities to exercise them.

    Also read: How job seekers should prepare for video interview

    5. Startup dreams
    You have always dreamt of starting your own company or maybe found the idea of working for a startup exciting. Is it time to switch? Only if you are financially and emotionally ready. Starting up does not fix your financial problems; it will only compound them. If you are not worried about your income for the next 2-3 years and believe that you have the strength, grit and emotional support system to back you, then any time is a good time to become an entrepreneur. As an employee, working at a startup can be a temporary step with the option of turning back if it fails.

    (The author is Founder and CEO at quezx.com and headhonchos. com)
    ( Originally published on Aug 19, 2019 )
    (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com.)

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