The end of a long year is finally in sight and it’s time to take stock and reflect on the past 12 months.
Given that you spent most of this time behind your desk at work, re-evaluating your job satisfaction is a critical part of the process. But at this time of year, it can be tempting to blame the office for all your dissatisfaction. You may think that finding a new job is the key to a happier 2009, but is now really the best time to resign?
WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVE?
“Take your time to understand why you’re feeling the need for change,” says performance coach Neil Tuck. You may simply be experiencing symptoms of burn out, in which case taking some time out to rest and re-energise is probably all you need.
But if you know the problem runs deeper than that, you need to think carefully about why you’re unhappy in your current job, and what you’ll need in your next.
“Clarify what core life values are important to you,” advises Tuck. Then answer these questions: Is your current job in line with these Does it allow you to express your true gifts, talents and passione If not, you’re unlikely to find job satisfaction, he says. Make a list of the most important qualities you want to find in your next position and stay true to these during the job-hunting process.
COULD THE PROBLEM BE YOU?
“A difficult but very important question to ask yourself is whether you’re externalising work problems that are actually based on your performance,” says human resources manager, Aziz Adams. Perhaps you feel you’re not receiving due recognition. But be honest with yourself, does your performance warrant it:? Can you honestly say you’ve put in 100 percent effort and earned your salary?
If not, you need to work out strategies to challenge yourself and improve your performance. Discuss your new goals with your manager to let him or her know that you’re committed to career growth within the company. You’re likely to find that once you fully commit and apply yourself, your job satisfaction will improve accordingly.
IS NOW A GOOD TIME?
“Remember that this last part of the year is usually the toughest,” says Adams. Unless you’ve been miserable for months and really can’t bear going to work in the morning, this is probably not the best time to make a career move.
Also keep in mind that due to current economic circumstances, many companies are downsizing. This means there will be retrenchments, and many qualified, talented job-seekers competing for the same positions. Since many companies maintain the ‘last in, first out’ policy, making a move now could be risky.
“It’s essential that you thoroughly research the company you’re considering working for,” warns Adams. “What is their track record? Are you sure they’ll make it through this period? Now is not the time to be tempted by a fantastic salary at a less reputable company because it may only be temporary.”
ARE YOU FINANCIALLY PREPARED?
If you’ve not yet lined up your next job, do you have sufficient savings to see you through? Will these cover things like your bond, credit card, utilities, insurance, medical aid, phone bill as well as general living costs and unexpected expensese?
If you resign now, will you forfeit your end-of-year bonus?
What are the long-term implications of this?
Putting an extra R10 000 into your bond, for example, could earn you a tax-free return of R26 000 over a 10-year period, says financial advisor Suzette Potgieter.
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