For many of us bringing in the New Year is also a time when we make resolutions. Some of the most common resolutions are to lose weight, spend more time with family and friends, return to forgotten studies or we make the decision to find a new job.
Finding a new job is a job in itself. It takes lots of time and effort, then, when we are successful are we truly happy? Often it’s a case of new job, new location same problems! So before jumping ship take the time to read up on five things you can do to take the job you have now and turn it into something you really want!
1. A fresh start
If the return to work fills you with dread or unease think about why? Often it’s not about the actual job itself but about the people we work with or report to. Maybe it’s time for an informal meeting to clear the air and get off on a better footing. Think about casually asking your colleague or boss to join you for a coffee so you can work out how you can better work together. You may be pleasantly surprised with the result.
2. More of what you like
Position descriptions are filled with roles and responsibilities and we tend to like some of these better than others. Dust off your job description and work out what it is you actually enjoy most in your job. It might be worth having a chat with your manager and seeing if there is a way you can do more of what you like. It might not be immediately possible but you can always volunteer to do some of this outside of your role. For example, if you like to organise events, join the social committee, ask to help out the marketing or communications department with events they are organising. You might even like to help with your organisations charity work.
3. The best you can be
If you want that promotion or recognition you have to find a way to stand out from the crowd. One of the best ways of doing this is to be the star performer. There is no easy way to do this, you have to work hard and smart; communicate your own successes in a way that is positive and not boastful. You’ll have to build your own ‘profile’ at work. Put your name down for the mentoring program, the safety committee or help out with the induction program. Being the best you can be may also mean up skilling yourself. Talk to your manager and HR department about professional development programs they have on offer for you to participate in – hey you could end up in a great one with Happening People (boastful?).
4. Transfer or Secondment
Sometimes you can do all the above but you still aren’t happy. Rather than looking for a new job outside the organisation have a look at roles internally. Many organisations have a policy to look at all internal candidates before external ones – you already have a head start! Whilst many roles are advertised some are still in the ‘pipeline’. One of the most successful ways of transferring to a new role internally is to let your manager know you are interested in looking within the organisation to grow and develop your skills and career path. Look at all the roles you are interested in and talk to the head of each of those departments and your HR department. One of the best ways to get a new job when there isn’t an advertised role is to let people know you are looking and interested.
5. Pay rises
Rarely does a pay rise solve motivational issues. You may have already witnessed this yourself or read enough surveys that show that a pay rise is often far down the list when it comes to what motivates and keeps people in their jobs. However, sometimes the need for a pay rise is a real and justified one. If you can show your employer is paying under the market rate for your skills and experience AND you can show that you are delivering more than the expected results then it’s time to present your case to your Manager. Show your value to the business!
When you act on these 5 ideas, you might find that you’re not alone; others in your workplace are in a similar frame of mind, in which case seek out our Happening People People Management Consulting and
Make this one a truly HAPPY NEW YEAR for all!
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