The Intelligent Job Change: “Right” and “Wrong” Reasons for Jumping Ship

January 5, 2015 in Career and Job Search Tips

 

 

Is “finding a better career opportunity” at the top of your New Year’s resolution list?

Make sure you look before you leap.

Before you start applying to new food & beverage positions, consider WHY you want to make a change, so you can make an intelligent choice that’s smart for your long-term career growth.

At times, you’re bound to feel some discontent in your work; hitting an occasional “rough patch” is to be expected. And better pay, while enticing, shouldn’t blind you to the risks that come with leaving a secure job. So when is it a good idea to move on? While there’s no definitive handbook of “right” and “wrong” reasons for making a change, here are four telltale signs you’ve outgrown your current position – and should consider new opportunities:

  • Your job isn’t what you expected. If you don’t have the responsibilities, growth opportunities or culture that was promised when you took the job, take stock of the position’s positives and negatives. Determine what needs to change in order for you to stay, and approach your boss with your concerns. Review why you’re dissatisfied, propose solutions and ask for his help. If he’s receptive, start working together to transform the position into what you really need. And if he dismisses your request for change, well, the writing is on the wall.
  • The passion is gone. Career passion is an essential component in long-term happiness and success. When’s the last time you woke up excited to get to work? If your job has become unbearably boring, you’ve probably stagnated – and are ready for more responsibility. Talk to your boss about pursuing a promotion, making it clear that you need a fresh challenge.
  • You’re not adequately rewarded. Salary, bonuses, professional development opportunities, training, telecommuting options and paid time off are just a few of the ways your employer can reward you for your work. When’s the last time you checked in with yourself, to determine if you’re sufficiently compensated? Make a list of your needs – the things that are most important to you in your food & beverage career. Take stock of what’s most important, to ensure your employer adequately invests in your career.
  • You can’t find an internal mentor. To grow in your career, you need to surround yourself with professionals who inspire, educate and challenge you. You need a mentor. If you consider your organization’s executive management team and can’t identify potential mentor material, it may be time to re-evaluate your long-term potential with your current employer.

Think it’s time to “jump ship”? Test the waters first.

Find out what food & beverage job opportunities are currently available. Kinsa Group’s Job Board and HOT Jobs make it easy to learn about potential opportunities nationwide.

When it comes to your career, there is an ideal out there – Kinsa can help you find it. With an exclusive focus on the food & beverage industry, our employment experts can help you:

  • Critically analyze your experience, strengths and goals, to map out a strategy for your long-term career success.
  • Confidentially explore career opportunities while you’re working.
  • Access unadvertised positions that may promote your career development.
  • Conduct a more efficient job search, by bringing the right job opportunities directly to you via e-mail and phone.  This way, you don’t have to “troll” the Internet and sift through countless job listings that aren’t the right fit for you.

Ready to make an intelligent job change?  Contact a Kinsa Recruiter today.