Few situations have shocked the working world so much as The Great Resignation. In the wake of 2020 more and more people simply aren’t going back to work, at least not in the traditional sense. Instead, they’re taking time to rethink their strategy and to reflect on the actions they can take now to improve their quality of life down the road.
Whether this is a good or bad thing depends upon which side of the desk you occupy. But for many employees finding the time and courage to do the things they’ve always wanted to do like start their own business or return to college.
If you’re one of the millions who want to change jobs, but you just don’t know whether the timing is right, the University of Phoenix stands ready to help. Consider this comprehensive checklist to help you explore the best time to transition based on your unique needs.
1. Do You Have a Clear Understanding of What You Want From Your Job?
This is the number one, most important question to ask yourself. And you should not begin looking for something new until you’re certain you have a clear answer. What do you want from your career? Is salary the top concern? Or would you rather have more time off with the family? Do you want to work in a creative, relaxed environment? Or is fast-paced and hectic critical to your dream job? If you give these ample consideration, you’ll be less likely to move from one ill-fitting position to another.
You might be surprised that not everyone wants a top spot in a company. It’s true that those roles can come with clout and a decent salary, but they typically also come with high levels of stress and concessions you may not enjoy making. Don’t feel guilty for not striving to reach that final rung. If you’re perfectly happy playing a supportive role that affords you more personal time, own it. Take the Career Interest Assessment at the University of Phoenix to help you find your niche.
2. Have You Hit the Glass Ceiling at Your Current Company?
What’s going on where you work? Has there been downsizing? Are some departments becoming obsolete in the burgeoning world of remote work? How have recent changes in your company affected your chances for promotion? If you’re beginning to see a downward trend in advancements and promotions, this may be a sign that it’s time to move on.
Feel free to put out feelers within your areas of expertise, but don’t make any sudden moves until you have an attractive offer in hand. This is not the time to settle. Take your time and give your network and resume an update. If it’s been a few years since the last time you polished your resume, the University of Phoenix can help you tweak those necessary job skills to suit the current job market. You can also explore the many degree program choices available through the University of Phoenix as you explore options for your career.
3. Do You Know What’s Happening in Your Career Market?
Knowledge is power. This means you need to stay current with what’s happening in your current career field. Explore resources such as the Occupational Outlook Handbook offered by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a free resource that lists updated information regarding median salaries and job requirements for millions of jobs in America.
If your compensation is trailing far behind the national average in your chosen field, it might be time to make a change. This may mean asking for a pay increase, or it may mean dusting off your resume and looking elsewhere for fair pay. The Occupational Outlook Handbook also notes the skills and educational level typical for certain jobs. This can be a great way to see whether you should sign up for some classes to help make you more competitive or brush up on your talents.
If you’ve thoroughly explored these questions, you’re in a good position to decide whether it’s time to move on. In addition to knowing the difference between what you currently have and what you want, you must also stay prepared. Refresh your resume, print business cards, and have both on hand. You’ll also want to reconnect with your network if you’ve lost touch over the years or consider building a new network that’s ripe with exciting opportunities. Revisit your LinkedIn account, and reach out to friends in the industry. You never know when an opportunity could arise, even if you aren’t actively looking to make a change.
Last, and possibly most important, make sure you’re keeping current in your professional development. Take classes, attend seminars, or earn credits or certificates that keep you abreast of what’s happening in your industry. This is where the University of Phoenix can help you. Visit us online today to see how the coursework and career counseling services we offer can help prepare you for life after resignation.
About University of Phoenix
At the University of Phoenix, it’s our mission to improve student lives through education, and our focus has always been on non-traditional adult learners. For these reasons, the University offers flexible schedules and a diverse range of degrees to help you attend classes while still managing a home life, full-time career, or job resignation and transition.
The University of Phoenix offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs in a convenient online format. Students can choose from more than 100 programs in the areas of business, technology, or healthcare that can help prepare them for entry-level to advanced careers in more than 300 occupations. Programs can also start throughout the year, so they never have a long wait to start working toward their educational goals. Visit www.phoenix.edu to learn more.