Along the road to your career, you will face several crucial decisions. For instance, how should you decide whether to leave your current position for a completely new one, or play it safe and stay put? The two questions usually arise a few years after landing your first "real job": the one you took after you graduated from college or landed through an internship.
Most entry-level employees begin at the bottom and move up. You have to learn new skills, gain valuable on-the-job training, and grow your experience first. As time goes on, however, it can often become difficult to determine if you have learned what you need in order to advance, or if you should stay a little while longer. Unsure about your current position or your future within a specific firm? The below lays out some key elements to ponder in order to assess if it is the right time for you to move on.
How to Know It's Time to Leave Your First Job
While there is no automatic timer that tells you exactly when you should move on from your entry-level job, there are certain indicators you can look for to find you the confidence you need to take the next steps, or perhaps, come to the conclusion that now simply is not the right time. It is not an easy decision, and you stand to risk quite a bit if you make the wrong one, but with careful consideration and logic-based thinking you can drastically increase the chances of moving on at the right moment.
No Opportunity for Professional Growth
You may have acquired a new job that provides you with a higher-ranking position, greater responsibilities and more challenging - yet rewarding - tasks. Perhaps you believe you have mastered your current job and are looking for new challenges that your current employer cannot supply. It is critical to be precise about what this new employment opportunity entails in terms of new challenges and opportunities for advancement.
Changing Your Career Direction
You might have re-evaluated your professional objectives and determined that a shift is required. Goals change as you gain experience and progress in your career, and the organisation where you are currently working for many not be able to match your new requirements. Alternatively, you may be leaving your job to pursue a new industry or a completely different profession. Such a situation is completely normal and you should welcome and embrace change if you feel like you are not passionate about your sector and overall responsibilities.
The Job Description Has Shifted
Jobs change and evolve, and you may find yourself doing something completely unrelated to what you were recruited to accomplish in the first place. This can be aggravating if it means you are not employing the abilities and competencies for which you were hired, or you are doing a job you do not want to do. Concentrate on how your expertise will benefit your employer.
The Company's Values Do Not Match Your Own
Employees are frequently dissatisfied as a result of poor management. Undervaluation, a sense that their labour serves no greater purpose, or a clash of ideals are all prevalent factors. Finding out about a company's principles and culture is a vital aspect of making the right decision. A fresh start in a company you like could be just what you need to get back on track. When assessing proposals, keep in mind that money is not - and should not be - everything. It will be more fulfilling to start a new career with great working conditions, meaningful work, and a better culture. Training and promotion possibilities may very well provide job satisfaction. You might be happier with a lower salary but a better work-life balance and a sense of belonging.
Steps to Take When Resigning From a Entry-Level Role
It's critical to plan out your next actions when you have decided to quit your first job. Many people rush through the resignation process, which can lead to a tumultuous relationship with their present employer. Whatever the reason for your resignation, it is critical that you leave on good terms in order to maintain your professional reputation.
Writing the Perfect Resignation Letter
A good resignation letter will be brief, professional, and show that you are resigning in good faith. You cannot take it back once it has been filed and accepted unless your company agrees. The goal of this letter is to inform your employer in writing that you will be leaving the organisation and when you will leave. It can also help you leave on good terms if you state that you intend to carry on with professionalism for the duration of your notice. It is also an opportunity to recognise and thank people who have supported you at the company.
Giving the Proper Notice Period
Every employment contract has a notice period. This is the amount of time you have to continue in your job after you have informed them you are quitting. It is there to give the company time to plan after you leave. Generally, the more valuable you are, the lengthier your notice period will be: that is because it can take longer to find and train a person in a highly specialised job.
Leaving Your First Job on a Good Note
Whether you enjoyed your employment or not, it is important to leave on a good note in order to have a positive reference for any future role. Creating a handover document to help someone pick up things is professional and considered a good practice. This can also allow for the news of your resignation to run smoother. Keep notes of what you are doing as you work your notice: you might be surprised at the amount of information you have to pass on. Add logins, or log-in request details, for any systems you use. Give links to training or manuals. Put an update together on projects including known issues, deadlines and key stakeholders.
There is no reason why saying goodbye has to be traumatic if you have followed the suggestions above. Good businesses understand that people and conditions change, and we are occasionally faced with enticing chances. Once you have established the reason why it is time to move on, having a thorough resignation process - communicating with your boss, writing a resignation letter, respecting the notice period and leaving on a good note - should allow you to have a positive and smooth end to your employment.
Thinking of Resigning From Your Job?
Then get in touch with Rutherford to see how we can help you find your next opportunity in the financial crime, legal, cyber security and compliance recruitment market.
Contact us for a confidential conversation, send us an email at enquiries@rutherfordsearch.com or see our latest vacancies.
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