Does this sound like you? It’s Sunday, and as the day continues into dinnertime and then the last few hours of the evening, you can’t get one thing off your mind: work. Major projects and tasks on your weekly to-do list distract you from the last free hours of your weekend, giving you a case of the “Sunday scaries.” You can’t stop thinking about what you have to get done for the new week and how you’ll accomplish it all. Or does this sound more like you? You arrive at work on Monday and count down the minutes until 5:00 p.m., until you can shut off your computer and step away from your job.
If any of these scenarios do sound like you, you’re not alone. At some point in their careers, many people encounter moments where they dread what they do and can’t wait until they can get back to their personal lives at home. They feel stuck and will pull up their resume and update it to look for new opportunities to make them feel unstuck and re-engaged in their role and career.
But wait. There are three strategies you should try before switching roles, and I’ll tell you why. In this article, you’ll learn how to switch jobs the right way, so you can continue growing and succeeding in your career and leadership.
Is Job Hopping Bad?
You may or may not have heard this term before, but “job hopping” has become a buzzword in recent years, especially during the pandemic and post-pandemic. Essentially, job hopping is when someone switches jobs frequently.
The BBC interviewed Christopher Lake, an assistant professor of management at the University of Alaska Anchorage, US, in their article, The case for job hopping. He stated that switching roles once per year is considered job hopping, and that people under the age of 34 are more likely to practice this habit. Why? Younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z aspire for the right compensation in relation to the highest return on investment from committing to a job. Really though, this can impact any generation. These generations have just become more salary conscious.
The reasoning is sound, as job hopping can lead to increased salaries. However, there are some pitfalls. When people job hop due to feeling stuck or lackluster in their current role, they often assume they’ll feel better from finding something else, but this isn’t the case. While in some situations you may experience an increase in compensation, switching jobs can limit long-term career progression:
A.) You’re starting over. Your benefits, perks, and status reset. You once again need to figure out where you fit in this new company and how you’ll continue to grow.
B.) You’re not exposed to long-term business challenges, limiting your ability to problem-solve and manage tough situations that make a meaningful difference.
So, if you do have the itch to leave your current job, I encourage you to try the following three strategies first.
3 Strategies to Try Before Switching Jobs
1. Be Present
This can be easier said than done when you’re not enjoying being present in your current work situation, but it’s essential to practice before leaving. Think about your job, and name things you ARE content with vs. what you’re not so happy with. This will give you more hirable energy. When you’re applying for a new job because you desperately want to get away from the one you’re in now, recruiters and hiring managers can sense that. Instead, find what you do like. Find what makes you excited and passionate, and then answer: how can I turn these parts of my job into steppingstones for my next job? Not only will this help you find more contentment in your role, but it will help you approach the job market with excitement and growth in mind, instead of fear and desperation, which is what people are looking for when hiring.
2. Upskill
Look at your current role and how it impacts your leaders, teammates, clients, and overall business. Is there any opportunity or skill you want to double down on before leaving, that you may not be able to enhance anywhere else? Make the most of your job and take advantage of all the ways you can beef up your resume.
3. Become a Problem-Solver
Remember one of the downfalls mentioned about job hopping? Not witnessing long-term business issues. I encourage you to find a problem within your current company, pitch your solution to your leaders, and see the initiative through to completion. I recommend finding a problem you’re passionate about. For example, some people may be passionate about bringing in mental wellness support to the office. This grows your leadership brand both on and off your resume.
3 Job Hopping Reminders
If, after you’ve tried all three strategies, and you still have the urge to find a different job, then go for it. You’re ready. You’ve made the most out of your current role that you could have at this time, and you’re ready to grow in new directions. But remember what you’ve learned here to apply it throughout your career and jobs to come:
- Always go into the hiring process with growth energy over fleeing energy.
- Use up all the upskilling avenues in your company.
- Be courageous and make an Edge Move by solving a business problem you’re passionate about.
For more reminders and tips like this to help you flourish in your leadership and career, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, Find Your Brilliance.
