Taking a break from work allows our bodies and brains to recharge. We return to work with a pep in our step and we’re more productive, passionate and engaged.
But for many of us, returning to work brings feeling of depression and moans of despair.
Google trend data over the last 5 years shows that job searches increase in January and mid year, which is when many of us take time out.
During November 2017, 2.2% of the US total employed population (3.174M people) voluntarily left their job. Mercer’s 2015 Inside Employee’s Minds™ Survey found that 37% of all employees are seriously considering leaving their employer.
Glassdoor’s Why Do Workers Quit? The Factors that Predict Employee Turnover report found three clear reasons on why we choose to leave.
- Company Culture
- Pay
- Role Stagnation
For those of you contemplating leaving your job, I will caution you that the grass is not always greener.
BambooHR‘s 2014 survey found that 31% of new hires had quit within the first six months.
The top 5 reasons for leaving were:
- changed mind on work type
- different work than expected
- boss was a jerk
- not enough training
- not fun
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Here’s our list of things to consider when thinking about a new job!
Workplace
It’s imperative that you do your due diligence on the new company. Find out what current and previous employees say about your prospective employer. Will your commute change? Check out the companies’ website and read up on their values and culture – does it match your own?
Training / Development
You might be enticed by the opportunity to increase your education. Discuss what training and development programs are on offer. Ask if they have a competency/ development matrix as this shows if the prospective employer is serious about developing and progressing talent.
Benefits
It’s not just the base pay or commission plans we need to look at. Review and compare all the other benefits that are on offer which may include: health cover, travel, retirement contributions, education support, flexible working, product and service discounts, child care, job sharing and leave entitlements.
You
During mentoring sessions, I regularly request the individual to identify what motivates them at work. I also ask them to outline what they don’t like about their current role/employer and what words would best describe their ideal role/employer. Having this information up front makes the decision process easier.
If after all this, you’ve secured your dream job, resign gratefully and consider these great Resignation Do’s and Don’ts.
This article is written by Kristin of Professional Women’s Lunches.
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