Contemplating A Career Move In 2022? 5 Things To Think About This Year
Throughout a tumultuous time of priority reflection many professionals are seriously considering a career move. Whether it's due to the ramifications of the pandemic, a shifting attitude towards the traditional workplace model, or just an itch to try something new, many people are choosing 2022 as the year to make the jump.
If you’ve been considering changing careers in 2022, now is the time to start making moves. Many businesses slow down their hiring processes at the end of the year and then resume them again at the beginning. Waiting until the new year may mean you don’t even get your first interview until February or March. Getting in now increases your chances of starting the new year with a new job.
Here are five things you can ask yourself to make sure a career move in 2022 is the right decision for you:
Why am I eager to leave my current job?
Self-awareness is key in making significant life decisions, and knowing why you want to leave your current job can help you make a confident and informed career decision. Are you looking for better pay? A more positive work environment? Room for advancement? More of a challenge? A more flexible work schedule? These are all reasons someone may be ready to leave their current job. But knowing what you don’t like about your current job will help you filter your search so that you don’t move into the same type of environment in a different industry.
If you’re unhappy at your current job because you don’t enjoy working in a cubicle, then moving to a different job, even with better pay, where you’re working in a cubicle is not going to make things better. Make a detailed list of your wants vs. needs in your dream job to make sure you’re making a move that makes sense.
What am I hoping to accomplish in the next year? Five years?
Your next career move should align with your personal and professional goals. If your goal is to spend more time with your family next year, a job that requires 50+ hour work weeks won’t help you achieve this. If you want to travel more, a company with strict policies about remote work and time off won’t be a good fit. If you want to make more money, you have to find a job that can consistently offer a high enough salary to meet these goals. Think about where you want to be this time next year, and even five years from now. Does a new job make these goals more realistic?
How will this new job improve my life?
The pandemic shifted the way people think about work, and more and more people are deciding not to stick with jobs that make them unhappy. There is a push to love work again, to align your vocation with the things you actually enjoy. People are focusing more on achieving a better work/life balance, and want options that include remote work, flexible schedules, and better benefits. A new job is exciting, but when the newness wears off, will it be something that you look forward to doing?
● Will it benefit your mental health?
● Will it give you both the challenges and the flexibility you’re looking for?
Wanting a job like this is not unrealistic, it is quickly becoming the norm. Take a close look at the new job you are considering and look for ways it will improve your life.
What sacrifices am I willing to make for this new job?
A new job, especially one that you really love, will probably require sacrifices. Will you have to move?
● Will you have to take a pay cut?
● Will the commute to work be longer?
● Will you have to leave friends and coworkers from your previous workplace?
To grow, you have to be willing to let go of some things. What are the things you’re willing to give up to have a new job in 2022? (Hint: Your mental and physical health, time with family/doing things you love, and emotional wellbeing should not be on this list)
What steps will I need to take to make this move into a new job position?
If you’ve asked all of the questions and still think a career move is a right decision for you, the final step is looking into how to make it happen.
● Do you need to go back to school?
● Do you need a certification or special license to work in the field?
● Will you need to move to be closer to your new job?
● Will you need to connect with a recruiter to help you get your foot in the door?
Thousands of people in Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and surrounding areas are looking to re-enter the workforce in 2022 on their terms. They are relying on Orange County staffing agencies to get their resumes in front of motivated employers.
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