When you're considering a change of job, you don't necessarily need to leave your current job. Some of your options are:
Changing your job might involve finding a new employer, or you might decide to become self-employed.
Stay in your current job
It's worth checking every now and then whether the job you're in still feels like the right one for you.
Why would you stay?
After thinking about a job change, you might decide that your current job is fulfilling enough, and that it gives you, or will give you in the future, the chance to develop new skills. You may have a good performance record here; you don't want to have to start all over again in a new workplace.
Right now it might not be a good time to be changing jobs; your personal circumstances might make it difficult to do so, or your industry might be depressed or unstable.
Think about this
You can always change your mind later. For example, if your current job is about to change, it might be worth waiting until you know what tasks and expectations it involves, before you make a final decision.
Find ways to improve your current job
In your current job, can you organise to do more of what you like, and less of what you don't like? Can you take on new challenges or expand your skills in any way?
Why would you improve your current job?
Because you can. Your company or industry might allow you to be flexible within your job role, to make your job more rewarding or challenging. And again, this choice may be easier than moving on to a whole new job, in your current circumstances.
Think about this
Your employer might have plans or ideas about your job role. Talk to your supervisor about maximising your skills and interests, for the benefit of yourself and the company.
You can always change your mind later, if you find that job enrichment still doesn't challenge or reward you enough.
Look for a promotion
Can you move up the promotion ladder, in your company? Do you want to?
Why would you look for a promotion?
There are many reasons to seek promotion. You might be hungry for more responsibility or new skills. You might be after higher pay or status. Or you might want more control over what happens in the workplace, the chance to really make a difference to the way the company operates.
Think about this
Promotion usually brings greater responsibility. Are you happy to take that on? You might end up with more money, but less time to enjoy it. You might have to work longer hours, or be under greater pressure to perform or bring about results.
Look for project work or secondment
They say a change is as good as a holiday. A short time spent doing other work may be all you need to feel refreshed in your current job.
Why would you look for project work?
Project work or secondment is a good way to try out a different job, to see whether you really like that kind of work, before you commit to it. Sometimes it's just a good way to get a break from your current job, without making a dramatic change in your life.
Variety of work also looks good on your resume, showing that you've tried make the most of your abilities and your situation, and taken the initiative in challenging yourself.
You demonstrate your commitment to the company with project work or secondment; everyone loves someone who will take on a job that others are reluctant to do!
Think about this
Temporary assignments are just that: temporary. If you find you're not happy doing project work, you can always go back to the job you were in before.
On the other hand, you might find that the temporary work suits you so well that you feel dissatisfied when you go back to your usual work. If that happens, you might want to look for a more permanent change.
Look for another job on the same level
You might want just a change, not more responsibility. Maybe you can move 'sideways' in your organisation.
Why would you move sideways?
You wouldn't lose income. You're coping in your current job, so you know you could take on a similar one. You just want to be performing different tasks, or in a different business unit, or with different people. You might feel your current job is under threat, and you want to move to a more stable part of the organisation.
Think about this
Do your research into the new job. Are you clear about what work that other department performs, and what your role would involve there? Will the job turn out to be less fulfilling than your present job? Will you miss the people you currently work with?
Look for a less stressful job
You might choose to move down the promotion ladder.
Why would you go for less stress?
You might feel uncomfortable with the responsibilities you have. Or you might not be coping with them all that well. You might want to cut back on the hours you work, or the work stress you're feeling.
You might want more leisure time, or to take on study commitments.
You might want more 'hands-on' work, to do a job yourself rather than organising other people to do it.
Think about this
If you're used to being a manager, or at least being your own boss, how will you feel about having to report to someone above you?
Your employer may wonder what’s going on. After all, most people choose to move up in a company hierarchy, rather than down. Make sure your employer understands why you want to move in this direction.
Propose a new job for yourself
The job you want might not exist yet in your workplace, but you think you'd be the perfect person for it.
Why would you propose a new job?
Because you see the need for it. You can see that there's a place for a new job role that would generate new business for the company, or take advantage of business opportunities to which the company isn't currently responding.
Think about this
To have a new job created, you will have to convince management that it's a good idea. You'll either have to talk your boss into accepting your idea, or prepare a written proposal.
Even when you've done all that, there may be reasons that you don't know about why the role can't be created. Or the company might think your idea of a new role is great, but they may have someone else in mind for the position, rather than you. It's important to accept management's decision gracefully, whichever way it goes.
Get an additional job
You might want to keep your current job (or go part-time) and look for a second job.
Why would you take a second job?
A second job, or some voluntary work, can 'fill the gaps' in your current job. You might be after more money, or you might just want more fulfillment from your work, a opportunity to be more creative or to meet more people. You might just have a lot of extra time outside work that you want to fill usefully.
Think about this
Two part-time jobs often add up to more work than one full-time job. This can be tiring.
If there's a reduction in your free time, because you're either working or travelling more, are you okay with this?
Finding a new employer
Staying with your current employer may not be an option for you. Sometimes the only thing to do is move on.
Why would you change employers?
You might be looking for a better work environment, in terms of management style or organisation, career development, promotion and flexibility
A new employer might offer you increased pay, or better conditions, than where you are. Your new job may involve less traveling, or a shorter commute.
You might just want to see how you can use your skills in a different industry. Or you might be a little bored, and want to revitalise your interest in work with a change of scene.
Think about this
Find out as much as you can about an employer, before you make the change. Make sure that you're likely to find what you want in the new job.
Becoming self-employed
You might be impatient with always reporting to someone else. You want to be your own boss.
Why would you opt for self-employment?
You're confident you have the skills, ideas and contacts to run your own business. You want to take responsibility for all the decisions involved in it, without having to get a manager's permission.
You might want to work more creatively, but the organisation you're in isn't flexible enough to allow that. A smaller company, run by you, allows you to fill the gaps in the market left by larger, more conservative companies.
Think about this
A high percentage of small businesses fail in their first twelve months. To avoid becoming a statistic, you'll need skills in small business management.
There is a financial risk in running your own business, especially if you borrow money to set it up. Make sure you know exactly what you're doing.
Running your own business can be lonely and time-consuming. Are you prepared for that? You'll need to look after your health and social or family life to get the right balance.