How to recognize the right time for a job change

Whether and when to look for a new job is an important decision that needs to be considered wisely. When is the best time to change jobs and what can you actually expect from it? Various factors can play a role in the decision for or against a job change. Are you unsure whether the time is right to change jobs? We have put together a short guide for you. Answer the following questions and find out how you would like to proceed.

Guide: Has the time come for a job change?

Question 1: How long have you been in your current role?

Have you been in your current role for three years or more? If so, the time may be right to look for a new job. In many guides, a period of employment of three to five years is given as a guideline for a job change. This assumption is based on a number of valid reasons: Often, after three years, the time has come when you as an employee have become so familiar with the role that you no longer learn anything new. The processes and work steps have become routine. You work efficiently, but always in the same patterns. To broaden your horizons and learn new processes, you are therefore advised to change jobs.

If you want to climb the next rung on the career ladder, this is also a good time to change jobs, as senior or team leader positions often require the same three to five years of professional experience in the relevant role. Anyone who has spent more than five years in the same role could also be perceived as inflexible by recruiters.

Important: Don't feel forced to change your job just because you've been with the company for five years. If you feel comfortable, are motivated to go to work every day, are appreciated and receive a good salary, there is no reason to leave your job. After all, changing jobs also involves risks.

Question 2: Do you still feel sufficiently motivated for your current job?

Is your daily work routine characterized by listlessness? Then it could be time for a career change. First and foremost, the feeling of inertia and lack of motivation should be a reason for you to have a conversation with your employer. This may result in opportunities to take on other tasks or a new role in your current company. In this way, you can revive your motivation and possibly move to a new career level with your current employer. Does such a clarifying discussion not help and your employer is unable to show you new prospects? Then you should start looking for a new job.

Question 3: What is your employer's financial situation?

How is your current employer doing financially? If the situation is rather tense, this could be a trigger for you to look for a new job in a better-positioned sector. At this point, it might be advisable to go on a proactive job search in order to prevent a possible job loss for economic reasons. The following applies here: Take the opportunity to look for a job as early as possible without any time pressure, before you are forced to do so.

Question 4: Do you think your salary and work-life balance are appropriate?

In today's working world, the focus is much more on employees than in previous decades. Companies have recognized that employees should feel good in their job and experience recognition. This increases motivation and therefore also the efficiency and profit of the company. Do you think your pay is fair? Do you feel valued in your day-to-day work? Does your employer provide you with a good work-life balance? If this is not the case, you should look for other job opportunities. Other employers may offer a higher salary, more vacation days or more flexible working hours. Make sure you regularly check current market trends, average salaries and benefits. Put your employer to the test. Can the conditions of your current position keep pace with the market?

Question 5: Do you have the perfect headhunter job offer?

The digitalization of the job market offers employees new opportunities to change jobs. So-called headhunters use the usual career networks to search specifically for specialists for certain positions. The headhunters browse through the CVs of registered users and match them with the job profiles of the positions they are looking to fill.

Have you been contacted by a headhunter? Don't be afraid to listen to the offer, even if you feel comfortable in your current job. You are in the perfect negotiating position: as you are not dependent on the job offer, you can go into an interview all the more confidently. Perhaps the job offer will turn out to be your absolute dream job. 

But be careful! Changing jobs is always associated with risks: the probationary period and the uncertainty that the new job is really your dream job remain. A job change should therefore always be well thought out.

Fun fact: The best time to change jobs is in November or December!

According to statistics, job searches are most successful in November or December. During this time, there are generally more vacancies but fewer applicants. So keep your eyes open during this time.
 

Conclusion

The decision to change jobs can be a strategic or an emotional one. If you want to climb the career ladder and there are no opportunities for advancement at your current company, the time is right after three to five years with the company. You should also think about a career change if you feel underchallenged, unmotivated or listless. A poor economic situation at your employer, low pay or a poor work-life balance are all reasons to change jobs. If, on the other hand, you feel comfortable in your team, enjoy your tasks and feel well-positioned in your professional position, then you should not feel compelled to change jobs.