Too nervous to change jobs? You’re not alone. While playing it safe seems like a smart move right now, opportunities are passing you by.
While 2020 has been a turbulent year, new possibilities currently abound. McKenna & Associates is an established legal recruitment firm that excels at finding the “match” for employer, and employee, in Western Australia’s legal profession.
COVID-19 and your career
A lot of plans fell by the wayside in 2020—including professional goals. The uncertainty of workplace security during an ever-changing pandemic had the power to make even the most adventurous professional pause for thought.
The final quarter of 2020 is the perfect time to pause, re-evaluate, and consider resetting your career’s upward mobility before 2021. Due to Western Australia’s unique position, life, and work, now continues apace.
Bjorn Jarvis, head of Labour Statistics at the Australian Bureau of Statistics, said job vacancies rose sharply in the August quarter. “When compared with February 2020, the largest percentage increases were in the Northern Territory and Western Australia.”
At McKenna & Associates we are regularly briefed to source a variety of candidates for positions in the West Australian legal profession. The question is whether your mindset is ready to grasp potential advancement.
Is remaining in your comfort zone, impacting your career trajectory?
By continuing to avoid change, you may be at risk of stagnating. Feeling secure could cost you in the long run, whereas challenging yourself professionally can lead to unforeseen opportunities.
According to Forbes, Ten Reasons Successful People Change Jobs More Oftenincludes the fact that every time you change jobs you get to (and have to) re-establish your value, redefining yourself on your own terms.
As the article states: “The more often and more fearlessly you step out of your comfort zone, the more your comfort zone will expand. If you don’t actively enlarge your comfort zone all the time, you will become your own worst enemy.”
Staying put may be damaging your income
There’s a sweet spot for when you should change employment, if you want to make more money—or so said The Musein 2016, referencing a study by payroll company ADP that found the largest salary increase occurs after two years at a company.
A 2019 piece in the Financial Review titled, Want a pay rise? Switch jobsstated Research by Federal economists found less job switching by workers is contributing to low wage growth, so policy reforms were needed to encourage employees to move between businesses.
Consider the possibilities
What if you actually dislike your present employment? InThis is what happens to your body when you hate your job, the 2019 Huffington Post feature looks at the proven ways a toxic atmosphere on the job can make you sick.
Insomnia, headaches, muscle aches, and lowered immunity from stress are only some of the symptoms that often manifest under ongoing pressure. (Aside from the negative impact on mental health.)
Yes, forcing yourself to continue in a toxic workplace can be harmful. But a job doesn’t have to be this detrimental to your health before you instigate change. Simply being bored by routine is enough of a sign you may benefit from new and stimulating employment.
Exploring your options
Whether an employer looking for the perfect candidate, or an employee considering a fresh start, McKenna & Associates can help. Don’t let 2020 leave you dissatisfied with your career in the legal profession when excellent positions are ready, and waiting.