Changing jobs means lots of uncertainty – but no risk, no reward, as the saying goes. Taking the leap can require courage. Career coach and podcaster Bastian Hughes has outlined six ways to muster it up.
Setting a specific goal straight away can put pressure on you.
This is why Hughes, writing on the Germany-based job-search and social networking site XING, advises keeping an open mind at first and not committing yourself to action. "What if I look for a new job?" is a good start. It doesn't compel you to do anything.
Once you've decided on a switch, it's useful to clearly identify your accompanying fears.
Voicing them can make them less fearsome, and when they're out in the open, so to speak, you can better assess how realistic they are.
Typical fears are whether the new job will really be a financial upgrade, you'll pass the probation period and fit in with the team.
Uncomfortable though it may be to consider these questions, doing so can help you make a move with a clearer conscience.
Having identified your fears, you can confront them. If, say, you're worried the new work climate may be unpleasant, you could speak with prospective co-workers before signing a contract.
And discussing expectations and aims with your prospective employer can help head off any disagreeable surprises.
It's reassuring to be mentally prepared for the possibility that your job application is rejected.
You'll know what to do next and be better prepared for another go at it somewhere else, for example by having your CV professionally improved or speaking with your contacts.
Since a job change can be a daunting undertaking, approaching it step by step can make it easier.
Hughes says you could bring your CV up to date or conduct initial talks to get the process going and make the transition less abrupt.
Having considered the possible problems that a job change could bring, you should also consider the implications of remaining at your present workplace.
Once you've reminded yourself of all the reasons you're dissatisfied with the status quo, a change might seem more of a risk worth taking, Hughes says. – dpa
