Are you a rising star who’s reached the glass ceiling? Perhaps you’re stuck in a rut, suffering from burnout, poor management or need to change jobs to reinvigorate your career, motivation or self esteem? Here some careers advice, exploring the signs of when its time to make a career change, and the reasons people leave their jobs. If you’re feeling unsatisfied in your current role, don’t fall in to the trap of thinking that it’s you. Don’t start questioning your own ability, and remember you’re not alone.
A recent survey of 1,200 professionals, by CV Library, looked into the career satisfaction of UK workers. They found over a third, 39.9%, of UK professionals are unhappy in their current roles. It also showed that 97% of those who were unhappy were currently seeking a new job. The figures are perhaps distorted by the fact the survey was conducted by a jobs board. Obviously the people engaging with the site are to some degree interested in seeking a new career. Regardless of that, other reports have shown similarly worrying stats of workplace unhappiness.
The survey also revealed the careers with the lowest job satisfaction. The results are below:
Careers Advice | Reasons people leave their jobs:
Recent figures from LinkedIn claim one in three employees, globally, are actively seeking a career change. The average number of different jobs held during a career has risen to twelve. Whilst not specified, this figure is more than likely millennial’s, who have a reputation of moving jobs more often. These figures reinforce why employers are trying to develop their employer brand – the battle to attract new talent is fierce. The battle to retain existing talent is even harder.
So why do people leave their jobs?
Lack of career progression:
One of the most compelling reasons people leave their jobs is they can’t see a clear path for career progression. Lack of career progression was cited as the most important factor in leaving a company, according to a study by Robert Walters. Increasingly people are looking for meaning in their work, they want to be listened to, feel their job has a purpose and their contribution to company goals is recognised. Employers who ignore this will find their talent leaving, and those who stay demotivated.
Careers advice:
Often it’s the most ambitious, carer motivated people that jump ship if they’re not given the right opportunities to progress. If this sounds familiar, then it might be time for you to consider your career options elsewhere.
Inadequate remuneration & benefits package:
Money generally isn’t people’s key driver. Most site other factors such as job satisfaction as their main motivation. However 70% have left a company due to a lack of a satisfactory package. Put it this way, you wouldn’t do a job you hate for long, regardless of how much you got paid. Just as much as you wouldn’t turn up to work if you weren’t paid to do so. Very few people are lucky enough to a job just for the fun of it.
Careers advice:
Paranoia about being paid less than your colleges, or being aware you could be paid more else where, is a real factor in making people seek a career move. If this is something you’re feeling then it could be sign for you to start your job search. Go get paid what your worth and deserve.
It’s time for a complete career change:
Increasingly work life balance is becoming more important, particularly to millennial’s, as is job satisfaction. Following recent economic uncertainty, the financial crisis and more recently Brexit, people who’ve experienced, or witnessed, several redundancies have become disillusioned with their current industry. Equally companies who haven’t adapted to the modern world, continue with out dated methods and KPI’s, expecting the results of the past from out dated methods, are driving people away. Not just from their jobs, but out of their industry.
Careers advice:
These days it’s becoming more common to change careers, and some leave their jobs to pursue a totally new path. What you may lack in industry experience, you may be able to make up for with transferable skills. If this sounds like your issue, then its time to consider your transferable skills and get looking for industries you could forge a new career within.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a major role in recruitment today. If your CV doesn’t fit the robots template your application will be terminated before human consideration
The quest for a better work-life balance:
The 80’s may have been all about climbing the career ladder as high as you could. Stepping on toes, stabbing colleagues in the back, playing company politics and working around the clock. Never mind who got caught in the crossfire, colleagues above and below you, family who never saw you etc. Today many people are less motivated by the prospect of “reaching the top”. Placing more interest, and basing success, on finding the happy medium of a good work life balance. To these, success at work isn’t necessarily about becoming the “big boss”, but being able to enjoy their career and their life outside of work. This doesn’t mean you lack ambition, just that you’re ambitions are focused on enjoying your life – working to live not living to work.
Careers advice:
Most of us have been here at some point. You may be here right now? Working in a job or at a company that is stressful and puts unreasonable demands on your time. If your relationships, well-being, or family are suffering, or you’re feeling burnout and just can’t do it any more, the chances are a new position, with a better balance will sound tempting.
Poor leadership team:
Whether its your boss, line manager or the whole management team, one of the most common reasons for people moving jobs is due to the people that sit above them. A survey of over 7000 US professionals, conducted by Gallup – a market research organisation, found that over half had quit a job due to a bad boss. More often than not it’s the people within a company that shape your work experiences, more than the job itself. Common complaints about boss’s include: poor communication, unreliable, lack respect, blame culture, micro management, unrealistic expectations, inconsistent and impossible to please.
Careers advice:
If you can relate to this, then it could be a signal that its time to move on, particularly if your boss isn’t going anywhere soon.
Head for the lifeboats – this ships sinking:
There are always tell tale signs of when a company is facing difficulties. Often they can be a blip that’s worked through and the business comes out the other end. However sometimes the problems are are terminal. The look of stress on the boss’s face, increased micro management, particularly concerning cash collections, lack of investment, the whispering in corridors and office gossip. These are all signs that things aren’t good, but when suppliers are chasing payments and the rumors of redundancies, or worse administration are gathering pace, its time to go.
Careers advice:
Whilst loyalty is admirable, during large redundancies or company closures, being one of many people entering into the jobs market all at the same time can pose a challenge. It can also weaken your negotiation stance on salary. Put yourself ahead of the game. If you think your ship is sinking, get your CV updated and start your job search now.
Reasons people leave their jobs | Conclusion
If you can relate to one or more of these reasons people leave their jobs, the reality is you should either address your issues with your current employer or consider a move. If you’d like further career advice, or think its time to go, get in touch and find out how we can support you to reach your career goals.