The niggling feeling of being unsettled in a role can often carry on long past when a move would have been optimal, and sometimes - a stock take and fresh perspective is all that's needed to see you're in the right place, and perhaps a holiday is overdue.
Below are some thinking points to consider which may help you clarify if you should stay or you should go, now.
1. Evaluate Your Current Position
Take time to consider, and clarify what your motivations, achievements are now and the potential to achieve these in your current role. Re-evaluate your job description, accomplishments, and whether you're meeting or surpassing expectations. Reflect on your salary goals and consider if opportunities exist for financial growth within your current role.
2. Identify What You Love (and Don’t Love) About Your Current Job
Pros and cons lists are useful to clearly define what works and what doesn't in your current position. Envision your ideal job description and how it allows you to utilize untapped skills and abilities.
3. Assess Your Emotional Connection With Your Work
Did you find your last year's work challenging and interesting? Are you excited about new projects? Your responses can indicate if you've outgrown your current role or if it's still exciting and rewarding.
4. Define Your Future Goals
Consider what would make you happier in a new role. Create a wishlist that encompasses work-life balance, travel time, flexible work options, benefits, and opportunities for growth. Determine if this can be achieved with your current employer.
5. Identify and Bridge the Knowledge Gaps
Analyse job roles that interest you to identify required skills, is it possible to see trends on career progression on LinkedIn as to the nature of experience typically required?
6. Consider upskilling and bridging any Knowledge Gaps
Many resources are available online for learning and development. Keep in mind that upskilling benefits you and your current employer. Perhaps your current employer will be happy to pay for these courses, Making a sound business case is often a good idea.
Clarify what you will learn, how long it will take and what the new skills will mean in the business and lead to in bottom line (or in achievement of the overall company strategic objectives).
Some Popular Resources For Learning:
Northern Ireland:
Belfast Academy of Marketing: Offers professional marketing courses from the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
University of Ulster and Queens University Belfast: Both universities offer a range of courses in marketing at different levels.
Digital Marketing Institute: Provides globally recognized courses in various aspects of digital marketing.
Skill-Up Free short courses supported by the Department for the Economy.
Google Digital Garage and Meta Blueprint: Offers free courses covering a broad range of topics from personal professional development to digital marketing.
HubSpot Academy: Specializes in in-depth certifications and courses for professionals.
LinkedIn Academy and Udemy: Both offer a variety of online courses in business, design, and tech.
In Conclusion
Self-reflection is key. Don't be overwhelmed by knowledge gaps, they're common. Your growth mindset can make a significant difference. Remember, online materials and work experience complement each other and show potential employers your initiative and adaptability.