Does Your Career Measure Up?

Embracing change, whether in your personal or professional life, can be challenging. However, while some changes may feel like an uphill struggle, they can also serve as catalysts for professional growth and development, fostering a growth mindset.

In your career, do you feel it’s time for a change in direction? Perhaps you've been with the same company for years, but now you’re ready to explore new opportunities. Or maybe you're not receiving the recognition you deserve, prompting the desire to seek a fresh challenge elsewhere. Regardless of the reason, it’s essential to acknowledge when it’s time to rise to a new opportunity or move on.

If you're at a crossroads in your career, remember that you're not alone. According to a 2020 PwC study, over a quarter of millennials globally expect to work for six or more employers in their lifetime, a significant increase from just 10% in 2008. Research from CareerBuilder shows that baby boomers switch jobs every 8 years, while millennials and Gen Z tend to move every 2 years.

In fact, in our recent survey, 37% of APAC Life Sciences professionals indicated they would consider changing roles after 3-4 years, with 34% ready to make the move after just 1-2 years.

Whatever stage you are at in your professional journey, here are five essential questions to ask yourself before taking the next step in your career.

5 Questions You Need to Ask Yourself

1. Why is now the right time to switch careers

Switching careers used to be viewed with scepticism, but it is increasingly common and accepted. Understanding why you’re contemplating a career change is key. Growth—whether through a promotion or a new mindset—is often a motivating factor. If you’re stuck in a professional standstill, unable to access management opportunities, or unable to achieve your career aspirations in your current role, now might be the time to take a leap. If you no longer feel excited by your work or find your passion fading, it’s a clear sign to explore new horizons. You might also be evaluating your life outside of work, seeking a better work-life balance or aligning with a company that shares your values. If you genuinely believe you’d be happier in another environment, it’s time to move forward. The job market is thriving, with over 2,000 companies hiring in 2021, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon.

2. Are you happy with your salary and benefits package?

Your salary and benefits play a significant role in your job satisfaction. While a higher salary is important, it should not be the only deciding factor in your decision. It's crucial to consider both your current compensation and your future financial prospects. If your current position does not meet your financial needs or personal goals—whether that’s saving for a house, starting a family, or investing in your future—it may be time to seek a role that better supports those objectives.

3. Are you challenged enough?

A lack of challenge at work can quickly lead to dissatisfaction and burnout. If your day-to-day tasks have become monotonous, it may indicate that you’re not being challenged enough. Challenging work encourages growth, stimulates creativity, and keeps you engaged. According to Hungarian-American psychologist Csikszentmihalyi, humans naturally seek out new challenges to enhance their skills and achieve greater satisfaction. Finding the balance between comfort and challenge is key to maintaining motivation, reducing stress, and boosting productivity. If you’re not feeling challenged, it may be time to pursue a more fulfilling opportunity.

4. Do you know what you want to do?

Understanding what you truly want from your career can be a daunting yet empowering process. Reflecting on your past experiences and evaluating where you want to go in the future can help you decide whether your current role aligns with your aspirations. Create a career roadmap to visualize where you want to be in the next few years. If your current position doesn’t offer the growth, recognition, or opportunities you seek, it could be the perfect time to explore new paths.

5. Are you ready?

Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Before making any decisions, it’s important to assess your priorities. Once you’ve answered these five key questions, start taking actionable steps—whether it’s advancing your qualifications or opening a conversation with a specialist recruitment partner like Selby Jennings.

At Selby Jennings, we’ve helped over 5,000 candidates find their next great opportunity in the past year alone. With access to a vast network of industry-leading roles, both locally and globally, we can help you unlock your full potential. Submit your CV today and take the first step towards advancing your career.