Going for promotions vs a new job: Things to consider

With customer frustration on the rise, and terrible behaviour making viral headlines, it's time to admit that the customer isn't always right. Some may even argue about the impact on children witnessing their parents work from home.

Yet, what does that mean for hardworking employees? Is it better to follow the trend of workplace walkouts to greener pastures or buckle down and create an opportunity for a promotion when the going gets tough? Consider these tips before making a major career change.

Before exploring when it's right to move on or move up, it's important to focus on what any career change will demand: a sales pitch. Whether you're becoming a department head or moving to a new department, every employee will need to convince their employer why they’re right for the position.

It's important to present yourself well, no matter who you’re doing it for. New jobs may require an updated CV (Curriculum Vitae) or resume and a personal letter of intent to convince them you’re right for a position. However, getting a promotion inside your current company may be less formal, as they already know your track record and contributions to the business.

Before the meeting, consider making flashcards on why you feel you’re right for the position or promotion. These sample questions can help build confidence and clarity in what you want and help you express yourself in better detail when asked. Keep outfits and documents professional but personalised. This will help employers match a name to a face when reviewing documents.

Not so long ago, job-hopping was considered career suicide; it gave the image of an unstable or disloyal person. According to the Office for National Statistics, from October to December 2021, the total number of job-to-job moves in the UK increased by 988,000, with an imposing majority of resignations rather than dismissals.

Yet, a highly competitive market changed the way employers conduct their recruiting, and many offers will focus on assigning a short term project.

What does it mean for the employee? If you stay with your current employer and seek a promotion, you’ll likely get less money than if you move to a new position, but you trade the perks and stability acquired with your current position. So before moving to a new company, it's important to consider your gains and losses with this change.

However, depending on your current position, moving to a new company can be the smartest move if the new job is a step up from the previous one. Many employees leave their company using the skills acquired there to get a more important position elsewhere. If you were already promoted and you know it won't get much better down the road, a new job may also offer more opportunities in the future.

Another key element to consider is the work-life balance. Even if you move to occupy the same position, each employer has its policy, which may affect your schedule. This has to be accounted for, especially if you have children to take care of or other obligations that you place in your schedule according to your current job.

One of the main reasons for job-hopping is money. A hefty paycheck is really attractive, especially when money is tight. However, although it should be a consideration because your skills need to be valued, it mustn't be your only goal. A person who solely moves for the money and isn't committed to the position is easy to spot, and people will catch on to this.

It may seem mundane, but finding a job in a place you feel good is crucial for your happiness, and it’ll naturally result in the job feeling more engaging. Many people end up in a place that depresses them because they chose the position solely for monetary benefits. Finding a city that’ll complement your lifestyle isn’t something to take lightly.

Loving what you do is important; nobody wants to wake up in the morning to go to a place they don't like with people they hate and tasks they loathe.

The job itself must engage with you and make you want to push harder, but it's also important to do it for a company that creates something you can actually get behind. Moreover, you won't last long in an environment where you can't connect with the people surrounding you every day.

This should be the most important aspect, and in some cases, it can be worth accepting being paid a little less if that means you’ll meet talented people who’ll teach you new ways of approaching your job.

Moreover, suppose you can bring some of your experience and make an exchange of knowledge. In that case, you can build healthy relationships with people that’ll remember your professionalism and may think of you for future opportunities.

When you’re valued for your skills and announce that you feel the need to move on, your current employer will make you an offer to keep you, and it's perfectly normal. However, you shouldn't use the fact that you're moving on to put pressure on the employer because if you accept the offer, this won't be forgotten, and it’ll affect your relationship with your employer.

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