Changing Jobs – What to Expect

We spend most of our day at work and so we should try our best to get a job where we will feel comfortable, enjoy the company of our colleagues and obviously one that pays well or at least well enough to pay the monthly bills! Sometimes, you have a job that you enjoy, that ticks all the boxes except for one and thus, you make the big decision to look for another job that suits all your needs or you could have a job that makes you very unhappy for various reasons and a new job seems like the only solution.

Firstly, it is important to pinpoint the reason you feel you would like to find a new job. Below are some of the common reasons for changing jobs:

• You do not like your daily tasks.
• You have been there for a long time but there is no opportunity for growth.
• You are not treated fairly.
• You do not like your boss or your colleagues.
• Your salary does not meet your needs.

If you have answered yes to any of the above suggestions, then it is evident that you would be happier in another role, career path or company.

If you do decide to make the move, you might find that there is a lot of stress involved in a job change and you might go through a range of emotions during this transition It is important that you understand the different emotions involved and the best possible ways to move forward. Let’s take a look at the emotional journey that people take during a job transition.

Firstly, you might experience depression and sadness as you leave one job for another. On the one hand you are excited for the new job ahead but on the other hand you are leaving for a job that is unfamiliar. You will be sad to leave your current colleagues and employer as you might have built a close relationship with them inside and outside of the office. These feelings are absolutely normal. This is a part of the process and it important to remember that you are doing what is right for you and for your career.

Guilt is another feeling that may arise as you feel that you are leaving everything and everyone that you have become close to over a long period of time behind.  You might even start to feel selfish for choosing to move on to a new job, new colleagues, a new employer and a new environment. However, it is important not to let these negative feelings override the excitement for the new opportunity on the horizon.

Fear and anxiety also become an integral part of the work transition process as change is not easy and there will always be fear in the unknown.  Doubting yourself and your decision to move will only cause you undue distress and anxiety. This time of change is about creating new memories and achieving new things in the future and not about looking back.

Sometimes, we become so complacent and stuck in a routine that we do not even realise that we do the same thing every day, which can be easy as each day is predictable. However, when a job change occurs, you might be thrown in the deep end, you will encounter new situations and challenges that you will have to overcome. You might struggle at first but in the long run you are growing.

It is also important to accept help from others, especially during this transition period.  Even though you want to seem like you know how to do everything, that feeling that you are overwhelmed will go away when you take advantage of the resources around you.

There are also a lot of positive emotions that you might experience and these include acceptance. Once you get through the emotional rollercoaster that has been discussed above you will begin to accept your decision to move on and that you are doing what is best for you and your career. You will realise that you are not abandoning your employer and your colleagues, but instead you will begin to realise that your current employer played a vital role in your professional development and your career.  You will also begin to realise that you played a pivotal role at the company.

The next emotion is that of relief.  You will be relieved that you have finally moved past the negative emotions and you will be able to start thinking about your future plans for the new job ahead. These positive feelings help drive you towards future success.

You will eventually start to feel motivated and determined as you realise that you are doing the right thing and that there is nothing stopping you from reaching your full potential.

It does get easier, and soon just like at your previous job, you will get to know the processes and what is expected of you, your confidence will grow, and you will start to thrive in your new position.

If you feel you want to try something new for any of the reasons discussed above, listen to your heart and find something that will make you want to get up in the morning. Find a job that excites you, a job that inspires and motivates you and most of all something that makes you happy.

Do not be scared to try something new because as the saying goes, nothing ventured nothing gained!