In the last year, we have witnessed a record number of people leaving their jobs voluntarily, as a part of the movement called the Great Resignation. Some employees left for more flexible opportunities, while others were seeking an improved work-life balance or a job that gives them purpose.
As a communications and marketing professional, your passions will change over time, and while trying to find ways to invigorate them is important, the transition periods are particularly challenging to navigate. So, if you are considering becoming a part of the Great Resignation or are looking for a career transition, here are some of the signs to assess whether it is time to move on.
1. The role is no longer challenging or encouraging growth
Although it may often feel comfortable, a job that is underusing your skills and not encouraging you to develop is one you may consider leaving. Staying in this situation may limit your potential and lead to feelings of complacency or frustration.
Sometimes, reinvigorating your work can be as simple as making small modifications, referred to as “job crafting.” However, occasionally you may lack growth because there is nothing left to aspire to. Development opportunities can include promotions as well as new projects or mentoring. Before putting your notice in, engage with your manager and request these opportunities. But if you have already exhausted this path, it may be time to move on.
2. The role is associated with burnout, exhaustion, and stress
Work becomes stressful from time to time, but if the feelings of exhaustion and dread are a regular occurrence every time a setback happens, you may be heading towards burnout. Sometimes it is not a simple case of “Sunday Blues” – if work tasks that used to bring you joy now make you feel anxious, it is time to take stock and consider changing your job. Life is precious and work should enrich it.
3. The curse of a toxic workplace
The implications of an unhealthy workplace can affect both your professional and personal life. The indicators of a toxic work environment include punitive and controlling management practices, general distrust, dishonest and ineffective communications as well as harassment. These places usually see a high employee turnover and employees not speaking out for a fear of retaliation. If you find yourself in this unenviable position, update your CV and look for a new job as soon as possible.
4. The company’s values do not align with your own
In 2021, nearly two-thirds of employees confirmed that Covid-19 made them reflect on their purpose in life. If your personal values do not align with the organisation, it is a sign that you should consider looking for new opportunities. Even if the misalignment has not yet caused you to compromise your ethics, it will inevitably do so in the future. Beyond ethics, it can also result in varying approaches to work with a difference of opinion about key policies and strategies.
Do you often feel like you can’t be yourself? Hesitate before speaking or laughing? If you are new, give the dust time to settle, but if it doesn’t improve further down the line, it is a good reason to consider new opportunities. Perhaps, the organisation is not the right fit for you –are you stuck in the corporate world when you want to work for a boutique brand? Or are you tired of the constant grind in a start-up when you need to spread your wings in an established enterprise?
6. The case of false advertising
Have you been promised training opportunities that never materialised? Exposure to different parts of the company that never took place? Is your role not quite the one discussed during the job interview? Maybe your employer has not realized this, so it is important to air your feelings in a professional manner, but in a meantime try researching companies with a high level of employee satisfaction and consider your options.
7. The work-life balance becomes a priority
Having a strong work ethic is a positive trait, and occasional out-of-hours duties happen. But, in a long run, working an excessive number of hours can harm your health, well-being as well as productivity. Recently, work-life balance has become a priority for job seekers, and as a result, employers have to offer flexible arrangements.
So, if you are unable to set boundaries with your current employer, there are many job opportunities with an offer of flexibility and better work-life balance available.
What to consider before quitting your job?
Take time to reflect on the experience and how it can help you find a good fit moving forward, with consideration for the role, company, and career progression path.
If you have decided that moving on is the best decision for you, consider your timeline to try to have another opportunity lined up with your resignation, to help mitigate the risk of losing income or benefits.
If you are looking to make a change in your career, we can help. To discuss your options with an experienced consultant, contact our permanent or interim team, based on your requirements. Alternatively, browse the latest vacancies within the communications, marketing, and digital sector.
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VMA GROUP is a leading international interim, contract, temporary and permanent recruitment and executive search specialist. We are specifically focused on providing support to the communications, digital and marketing communities.
Our specialist practice areas cover: communications, corporate communications, internal communications, change communications, PR, media relations, financial communications, CSR, public affairs, investor relations, marketing, digital marketing and agency services.
We have a reputation for providing expert consultancy services and advice, supported by in-depth knowledge of the professions we recruit for. Our thought leadership and benchmarking studies have become go-to resources for the communications and marketing industry, supporting planning and decision-making for organisations of all shapes and sizes.
In the UK, VMA GROUP has offices in London and Manchester and in Europe, VMA GROUP has offices in Amsterdam and Brussels, but we work with organisations and individuals on a global basis.VMA GROUP is committed to equal opportunities and is a Diversity Pledged Recruiter.
