- Consider changing jobs when you are experiencing a lack of satisfaction, job burnout or chronic stress.
- Don’t make hasty decisions – plan each step and find a new offer before you leave.
- Relocation requires learning new skills, networking and building competencies.
- Take care of your professional image – update your LinkedIn, CV and maintain good working relationships.
Changing jobs is not only a step towards new professional challenges, it is also an emotional process which, if handled badly, can involve unnecessary stress. The decision on when to change jobs can be for a variety of reasons. Whether it is a necessity, due to a difficult situation in the company, or a desire to grow, this decision needs to be approached with care. How do you do it safely and with minimal stress? Find out the most important steps.
When to change jobs? Worrying symptoms
Before you decide to make a change, consider whether it is really time to leave your current job. Changing employers is a step that should be the result of thoughtful reasons. So pay attention to the signals that may indicate that it is time to look for a new job. The most worrying reasons for changing jobs are:
- lack of passion and monotony at work – if your daily responsibilities no longer fascinate you and you feel burnt out, this is a signal that you may need to think about a change. Doing tedious, boring tasks for long periods of time can effectively discourage you from working,
- workaholism – can lead to job burnout and lack of work-life balance,
- lack of motivation to get out of bed – we all have bad days, but if you struggle to get out of bed every day and the thought of work overwhelms you, it may mean that you need to look for new challenges,
- relationship problems with your manager – if your relationship with your boss has become strained or toxic, plus you feel unappreciated, a job change may be necessary,
- lack of teamwork – if you constantly find it difficult to communicate with your colleagues and don’t feel part of a team, consider new challenges,
- chronic stress – if you feel stressed on a daily basis and are unable to separate your private and professional life, a job change will help you regain your balance,
- lack of promotion prospects and lack of appreciation – these are reasons that may prompt you to change jobs, especially if you can no longer see a promotion path. The minimum wage is not satisfactory for everyone, which is why many employees consider changing jobs, looking for better career opportunities, challenges and a salary that matches their qualifications and ambitions.
If any of the above reasons for changing jobs apply to you, consider taking a step away. If this is the case, it is important to plan each step properly to avoid undue stress. Find out how to do it with peace of mind and without stress.
How do you reorganise yourself?
Re-engineering, as opposed to the classic route of changing jobs, involves changing your entire career path, not just moving to a different role in the same industry.
How do you rebrand yourself? Such a decision first and foremost requires learning new skills and acquiring knowledge in a completely different field. Start by identifying your passions and strengths, and then enrol on courses or training to ease your transition into a new industry.
It’s also important to build your network and find a mentor to help you adapt. A re-branding differs from a job change in that it involves changing your entire career path, not just moving to a different role in the same industry.
If you are looking for a new career opportunity, check out the jobs available at
Foodcom S.A., which could be a stepping stone to new challenges and career development:
How do you get through a job change without stress?
Changing jobs requires proper preparation. It is important to find an alternative option, so don’t quit your job before finding a new one. Although tempting, deciding to leave your job immediately without looking for a new offer is not the best option. Remaining unemployed can add to the pressure and force you to make decisions in a hurry, which may lead you to choose less suitable offers.
Before you decide to leave your current job, do not share your plans with your office colleagues. Gossip can reach your supervisor and this can lead to unpleasant situations and even premature dismissal.
Another aspect is a professional LinkedIn profile. This is one of the main tools used by recruiters, so make sure your profile is up to date. This way, if you decide to change jobs, you will have the chance to reach multiple offers. A well-prepared profile will significantly increase your chances of finding your dream job. Also invest in your CV and cover letter – these application documents should make you stand out from other candidates.
Networking is a fundamental part of the job search process. Network with people in the industry you want to work in. You may find someone who can help you find an interesting offer.
If you receive an invitation for an interview, don’t forget to prepare carefully. This is an important moment to present yourself in the best possible light. Once you have decided to leave, remain professional. Inform your employer of your decision in advance. It may happen that your professional paths cross again in the future. Try to leave the best possible impression, which may be useful in the future.
If you have a good relationship with your employer, ask for references, which can be helpful when looking for a new job. You can find a template for references online, which will make it easier to prepare such a document.
Recommended article to read: Resume summary – practices that will catch a recruiter’s attention
Job change versus candidate age and holiday issues
Changing jobs in your 40s comes with additional challenges. It is important to show your future employer that, despite your age, you are open to new challenges and ready to learn. Having experience is valuable, but how you use it is equally important. Show that you still have fresh ideas and are ready for further development.
Don’t forget about the formalities of your leave either. If you change jobs, you are entitled to prorated leave, which is due for the time you have worked in a given year. Remember that unused leave can be converted into cash equivalent if your employer does not agree to give you leave during the notice period.
What should you bear in mind when changing jobs?
Changing jobs is a step that requires diligence, planning and preparation. The decision should not be taken hastily, and every step of the process must be thought through carefully to avoid stress and unnecessary complications. Remember that a new job – whether better or worse than the previous one – involves tremendous personal growth, new professional challenges and better prospects.
