How to Change Jobs

Is up the only way? Dr. Beverly Kaye has written an excellent  book called Up is Not the Only Way. She says that there are five ways to move. These are options. Let me tell you about them. If you need more details look at Chapter 6 in my book.

First Way: expand your present job.  Ask yourself:

• How can I enrich my present position?
• How can I further develop my skills?
• What about my weaknesses?
• Look at the section on "12 Steps to Develop my Career" for ideas.

Second Way: move up to the next position.  To do this you need to:

• Decide what position you want. You should have at least two targets.
• Research these positions.
• What skills do you need to develop or improve in order to handle the new position.
• Ask yourself: Can I handle the new responsiblities?

Third Way: move laterally.  This move will help you learn more about your business or organization. It could also be a better fit with your skill-set.

Fourth Way: move down. This move is for you if you have moved into a new position and are unable to handle the stress, so try to move back to your old position or a different one.

Also if you are a bit older you may be asked to take a demotion, this can be quite difficult to do; the best thing is swallow your pride and move enthusiatically. You may find that with fewer responsibilities you can relax and enjoy life more. Also you will have more time and energy to spend at home and develop your hobby or get more involved community activities.

Fifth way: move out.  This move could be with a different company, start your own business or retirement. It could be voluntary or you are laid off. In any case you don't work there anymore.

Here are some signs which tell you it is time to change jobs.

1. You no longer fit in.

2. Your boss does not like you and you don't like him or her.

3. You don't get invited to staff meetings.

4. Others at your level have offices, you are delegated to a cubicle.

5. You hate going to work.

6. You get low level assignments.

Richard Bayer has written about this on his website www.thefiveoclockclub.com

These are some of the indicators that say "it is time to move on." So start the job hunting process from the beginning. Look at Chapters 2, 3 an 4 in my book. These chapters give a detailed plan about getting a new job. 

Don't hope that things will improve; my advice is get moving.

Remember you can also move to a different job in your company.

In my book I write about deciding to stay or move;this is a big question.

If you are starting with a new company look at the section on this website called "How to Keep Your Job."

If you need or want to find a new job look a the section " How to Get a Job."

In the same section I have a few brief comments about self-employment. I personally believe that everyone should some sort of self-employment or part- time business. You never know when your present job will end.

Retirement is a whole new topic and the only thing I have to say is use your skills doing something productive, either at home, your church, or a community or international organiztion.

I just received an e-mail from a retired friend; he and a number of volunteers from different churches have a fix-it activity. So far they have completed 150 projects.

If you have been laid off you need to start the whole procees from scratch. Look at the page called: How to get a job.

Work at getting a new job from 9 to 5 everyday until you are employed again. 

Get your mentor involved; this will help you to make informed and wise decisions.

Resist the tempration to bad mouth your previous employer and do some forgiving if you need to.