December can feel like a frantic race to the finish line. We’re flat-out fitting in the last of the year’s meetings, drawing up final reports, planning for New Year kick-offs, and making sure our clients and customers are getting that little bit more attention.
However busy you might be, there’s a certain exhilarating energy to tying up all the loose ends before a well-earned break (for the lucky ones among us). But come January time, it’s a different story.
Your workload is still there, but the same excited buzz isn’t. The ‘To Do’ list you left on your desk hasn’t depleted, and you’re inundated with project kick-offs, new clients and demanding expectations. Suddenly, work feels overwhelming, and thoughts of leaving for pastures new seem appealing…
If that rings true for you, you’re far from alone. January is consistently one of the most popular times for resignations, heightened in 2022 amidst The Great Resignation. For many, finding a new job hits top of the New Year’s resolutions list with ‘New Year, New Start’ floating around.
So is a fresh start the right decision? And is now really a good time to find a new job?
The case for a new start
There could be any number of reasons a new role might actually be a good course of action for you.
If you’ve been looking for more opportunities or greater challenges for a while, and they simply aren’t available in your current workplace. If you’ve had recurring conversations about your remuneration without much action. Or if you’ve had challenges with leadership that can’t be rectified.
If you’re facing a challenge that can’t be solved or a need that isn’t met, it’s not always feasible (or healthy) to stay in your current job. So ‘New Year, New Start’ could well be the career boost you need.
So, bite the bullet and leave, but risk the last-in-first-out curse? Or is it better the devil you know, even if that means being unhappy?
It all depends on whether this is a January itch, or long-lasting frustration - and what can be done about it.
If you’re an employer and you’re facing a slew of resignations, you might want to read this piece on why it’s happening, and what can be done about it.
Four career bugbears and how to address them
There are a wealth of motivators for jumping out of bed in the morning. Understanding what yours are, how they aren’t being met, and ways to address them could give you the answer you need.
1. You’re not satisfied with your remuneration package
Salaries are a common cause for workplace discontent. If you feel yours doesn’t match your workload or responsibilities and this isn’t a new issue, it could be time to discuss it with your line manager. Remember that any salary negotiation is a business transaction - so come prepared with your case and research, be fair with what you’re asking your employer, and know when it could be time to walk away.
2. You’re looking for career progression, or a role change
A good first step is to create a clear vision of where you see your career going, and achievable steps towards it. Employee progression is also an objective for most businesses, so speak with your manager about what support is available like personal development plans, training budgets, and opportunities to upskill. If it’s a vastly different career you’re after, that may require external resources and self-funded training.
3. You’re bored
Being ‘bored’ is usually a symptom of something larger at play. Ask yourself this: am I bored because I’m not being challenged, because this career/industry isn’t for me, or because of something else? It might be a combination of factors, and an indication to shake things up. Going for a challenging project or working towards a specific goal could be the injection of life into your day-to-day needs. Word to the wise: avoid the temptation to quiet quit.
4. You don’t feel valued
Everyone wants to feel valued at work - but it can mean different things to different people. Identify what it means to you, and how you would like this to be demonstrated. For some, it’s having greater autonomy over their workload or time. For others, it’s strong workplace relationships. Feeling valued isn’t a simple thing to resolve, so if you find yourself having the same conversations over and over without a resolution, that’s your answer.
A final word…
Let’s be honest: January is not the most fun time of the year. We’re all a little bit frazzled, exhausted, and desperate for warmer, sunnier months. It’s also a time for new projects, new clients, and new business objectives that can leave you in a spin.
But knowing the difference between a funk and something which has been brewing for a long time could save you the stress and effort of taking drastic action. It can often feel easier to jump ship and head somewhere new, but I first encourage good communication. It can improve your workplace frustrations, or give you the answer you’re looking for.
Ultimately, whether your bugbear is resolved or not, addressing it in the right way with the right people means you’ve given your role and employer a fair chance to put things right, and will set the bar for your next step.
