Surviving the heat at work; it's a recurring theme. Ideally, you would simply leave your work for what it is with these temperatures and sit on the beach. But the work has to be done anyway and you don't have many days off. Then get on with it. If you find the heat at your workplace unbearable, can you actually just decide to work from home? Or in another place? First of all, it really matters what kind of work you do. If you have a job in healthcare, construction or if you work with certain equipment, then working elsewhere will of course be a difficult story. But if you have work that you can do from anywhere, it is often up to you and your employer to make mutual agreements about working from home. Your employment contract may contain agreements about work locations and working from home. In principle, what it says there is binding and you have to stick to what you and your employer have agreed upon. But if the work...
Working. When you start working in a new workplace, you always have expectations and ideas about what to expect. But only when you are at work can you fully discover what your position entails and whether it and the organization really suit you. Especially if it's your first 'real' job.
And there are even more things that you only experience when you are actually at work - or that you encounter. For example, how do you keep your work challenging and varied? In what ways can you grow and develop yourself?
How do you deal with a high workload, an unpleasant working atmosphere or difficult colleagues? How do you keep your work-life balance healthy? On Vacancies.nl you can read articles and find useful tips about these kinds of topics.
Starting a new job: your first day at work
You have signed your contract and are counting down the days until your first working day. Once that has arrived, you obviously want to make a crushing impression. How do you do that?
The trick, however, is not to get too worked up about how you come across. But of course there are a number of things you can do to make a good start at your new workplace.
Growing at work
Once you have found your place within the organization, you probably want to take steps in your position and develop yourself. Chances are that you will eventually want more or further.
Move up, grow or have more variety in your work. You always have to immediately look for a new job. There are also often new opportunities within the organization or company where you work. Read more about how you can grow.
Performance and assessment interviews
Once in a while you evaluate your own performance with your supervisor or manager and vice versa. It is customary to do this in the form of performance and appraisal interviews .
These are excellent times to discuss the next steps you can take. How do you best approach these types of conversations and what is the difference between a performance and assessment interview?
When to change jobs
Staying with the same employer all your life is no longer really common these days. But if you like it, there's nothing wrong with it. If you like your employer, but you are tired of your job, you can also look at other possibilities within the same organization.
It is a completely different story if you are no longer happy at work, while you have already looked with your manager at what you can do about it. Or if you no longer see any opportunities to grow within the organization. Then maybe it's time to change jobs . When do you know that moment has come?
career switch
Have you been doing the same kind of work for years and would you like a breath of fresh air? Or have you been dreaming of a (different kind of) career for years, but has it not come about yet? Then the idea may be to change careers completely.
Even if you have questions about whether the work you do is right for you, a career switch might be a good step. Before you take this step, you need to sort things out for yourself.
Your first working day: 10 tips for a good start at your new workplace
Your first day at work is always a little awkward. A new environment, different people around you and a company culture that may be completely foreign to you. The work does not immediately go on autopilot and you still have many questions. How do you ensure that you go home with a satisfied feeling after your first working day (and working week)?
Of course, it differs a bit from company to company how best to approach it. If you work in an office, it's a slightly different story than if you work on a construction site or as a truck driver. And it also makes quite a difference whether you work in an organization with 15 people or with 1,500 people. The larger the organization, the more complex the relationships usually become and the more differences there can be between various departments.
However, there are always some general tips we can give you. So that you can make a flying start with your new employer.
During the application process you have already been able to get an idea of how the organization works. But the exact proportions only really become clear in practice. Try to get a clear picture of the organization during your first day/week. Find out for yourself the questions to the questions below:
* Who makes the decisions and who is involved?
* At what moments do those decisions arise?
* Who is directly involved in your work, with whom do you work directly?
* Which other colleagues do you have to deal with during your work or on whom do you depend?
* Who are important players within the organization and with whom is it useful to build a good relationship?
* Who is friends with whom? And what interests are at play here?
* How is the organisation/company doing financially, what strategy/vision does it have? And how does it stack up against the competition?
* What is the atmosphere in the department and how do you adapt to it?
* To whom can you and cannot say what within the organization?
* What are the names of your colleagues and what is their position?
By talking to different people within the organization, you get an increasingly better picture of the organizational culture and structure. Also ask if there is a face book, so that you have a grasp of who is who and what position belongs to that person as soon as possible.
It is of course impossible to get a picture of the organization in one day. Therefore, do not immediately ask too much of yourself. It usually takes some time to get used to it, to get to know the organization and to feel completely at home somewhere. You cannot master everything within one day and know exactly how the fork is in the stem. So don't set too high standards for yourself and allow yourself the time to get to know the company and the people.
Reflecting on yourself is good, but criticizing yourself only costs you energy. And those first days are already asking enough of you. So don't try too hard to let everything run a certain way, but let it all come over you a bit.
Connect with different departments and people within the organization. Ask your manager or your direct colleagues which people would be useful to introduce yourself to. Approach those people and ask if they have time for a cup of coffee or take a walk and introduce yourself. But don't just focus on these people, and be open to spontaneous conversations at the coffee machine.
Also pay attention to your attitude and body language when making contact with your new colleagues; they largely determine the impression you make. Look people in the eye and give them a firm handshake.
Although you will mainly listen a lot during your first days and receive explanations about your work, the procedures and habits within the company, it is also smart to ask questions yourself. You can think of a number of questions for yourself in advance, but it is better to let it depend on the conversation. You also run the risk of coming up with an overkill of questions. Again, not everything has to be done in the first day or the first week.
Your questions do not necessarily have to relate to the organization or your own position and tasks. Asking questions is the way to show interest in your new colleagues and ask about their role within the organization. This often works better than when you mainly talk about yourself.
What do you wear on such a first day at work? During your job interviews you were able to form a picture of what clothing is appropriate for the organization. Match your outfit to this and especially choose something in which you feel good and confident, because this will radiate (more quickly).
If you still have doubts about your choice of clothing, play it safe and opt for something a little more tidy. Can you check whether those sneakers and jeans with a tear really can go through the braces and save them for later.
If you have a fixed workplace, try to make that place as comfortable as possible for yourself. Adjust your office chair, put your desk at the right height and see if you have everything you need or like at your disposal. Have a notepad and pen handy to write down important things so that you can easily find them again at a later time.
It is quite normal if you just look the cat out of the tree in a new place. But try not to be too cautious or wait-and-see. You were hired for a reason and the company likes you. There's really no need to pretend to be too modest. Also, don't overdo yourself. Showing that you are there and who you are, does not have to be done with much fanfare or through popiejopie behaviour, but can also be done subtly by entering into conversations and showing genuine interest in your colleagues.
Your new colleagues not only have a first impression of you, but also the other way around. Undoubtedly there are people among whom you do not immediately have a high hat. Don't try to judge right away, but be open about it. Someone who doesn't say hello to you right away doesn't necessarily have to be a jerk.
And as a newcomer you probably look at the procedures and work processes within the organization from a completely different perspective. And you'll probably like that. That's good and you can criticize it, but don't be too quick with your comments. Time is again key here. Watch it, let it sink in and give your constructive opinion on it at a later time.
Listening, observing, and asking questions out of genuine interest are three of the best things you can do on a first day.
Every company and every organization has its own unwritten rules. These are things that are nowhere on paper, but that you have to experience and feel a bit. The following also applies here: observe, listen and ask.
For example, what kind of unwritten rules are we talking about? Consider the examples below:
* Where are you allowed and not allowed to go?
* How does the company deal with being late/oversleeping?
* How do sick reports work?
* What is the organization's position on working from home?
* How far in advance should you request time off for your vacation? Can you 'just' take a day off?
* How is lunch organised?
* What about cleaning up the communal kitchen?
* Is music listened to during working hours?
* Are there (other) things that are 'not done' within the organization / department?
Seize moments to connect with people. For example, do not isolate yourself with lunch, but connect with colleagues. You don't have to make friends with everyone right away, you can also first connect with one specific colleague with whom you feel comfortable. Then the rest will come later.
Moments outside of work are perhaps even more suitable for getting to know colleagues, the organization and the relationships within it. So grab those opportunities. For example, is there a Friday afternoon drink, do colleagues play sports together or is something else fun being organised? Then join this. A great opportunity to get to know people - also outside the office walls - better.
Of course, it differs a bit from company to company how best to approach it. If you work in an office, it's a slightly different story than if you work on a construction site or as a truck driver. And it also makes quite a difference whether you work in an organization with 15 people or with 1,500 people. The larger the organization, the more complex the relationships usually become and the more differences there can be between various departments.
However, there are always some general tips we can give you. So that you can make a flying start with your new employer.
1. Get an overview of the organizational structure
During the application process you have already been able to get an idea of how the organization works. But the exact proportions only really become clear in practice. Try to get a clear picture of the organization during your first day/week. Find out for yourself the questions to the questions below:
* Who makes the decisions and who is involved?
* At what moments do those decisions arise?
* Who is directly involved in your work, with whom do you work directly?
* Which other colleagues do you have to deal with during your work or on whom do you depend?
* Who are important players within the organization and with whom is it useful to build a good relationship?
* Who is friends with whom? And what interests are at play here?
* How is the organisation/company doing financially, what strategy/vision does it have? And how does it stack up against the competition?
* What is the atmosphere in the department and how do you adapt to it?
* To whom can you and cannot say what within the organization?
* What are the names of your colleagues and what is their position?
By talking to different people within the organization, you get an increasingly better picture of the organizational culture and structure. Also ask if there is a face book, so that you have a grasp of who is who and what position belongs to that person as soon as possible.
2. Give yourself time
It is of course impossible to get a picture of the organization in one day. Therefore, do not immediately ask too much of yourself. It usually takes some time to get used to it, to get to know the organization and to feel completely at home somewhere. You cannot master everything within one day and know exactly how the fork is in the stem. So don't set too high standards for yourself and allow yourself the time to get to know the company and the people.
Reflecting on yourself is good, but criticizing yourself only costs you energy. And those first days are already asking enough of you. So don't try too hard to let everything run a certain way, but let it all come over you a bit.
3. Connect
Connect with different departments and people within the organization. Ask your manager or your direct colleagues which people would be useful to introduce yourself to. Approach those people and ask if they have time for a cup of coffee or take a walk and introduce yourself. But don't just focus on these people, and be open to spontaneous conversations at the coffee machine.
Also pay attention to your attitude and body language when making contact with your new colleagues; they largely determine the impression you make. Look people in the eye and give them a firm handshake.
4. Ask questions
Although you will mainly listen a lot during your first days and receive explanations about your work, the procedures and habits within the company, it is also smart to ask questions yourself. You can think of a number of questions for yourself in advance, but it is better to let it depend on the conversation. You also run the risk of coming up with an overkill of questions. Again, not everything has to be done in the first day or the first week.
Your questions do not necessarily have to relate to the organization or your own position and tasks. Asking questions is the way to show interest in your new colleagues and ask about their role within the organization. This often works better than when you mainly talk about yourself.
5. Wear clothes you feel comfortable in
What do you wear on such a first day at work? During your job interviews you were able to form a picture of what clothing is appropriate for the organization. Match your outfit to this and especially choose something in which you feel good and confident, because this will radiate (more quickly).
If you still have doubts about your choice of clothing, play it safe and opt for something a little more tidy. Can you check whether those sneakers and jeans with a tear really can go through the braces and save them for later.
6. Make your workplace your place
If you have a fixed workplace, try to make that place as comfortable as possible for yourself. Adjust your office chair, put your desk at the right height and see if you have everything you need or like at your disposal. Have a notepad and pen handy to write down important things so that you can easily find them again at a later time.
7. Watching the cat out of the tree is allowed, but don't be too careful
It is quite normal if you just look the cat out of the tree in a new place. But try not to be too cautious or wait-and-see. You were hired for a reason and the company likes you. There's really no need to pretend to be too modest. Also, don't overdo yourself. Showing that you are there and who you are, does not have to be done with much fanfare or through popiejopie behaviour, but can also be done subtly by entering into conversations and showing genuine interest in your colleagues.
8. Go in open
Your new colleagues not only have a first impression of you, but also the other way around. Undoubtedly there are people among whom you do not immediately have a high hat. Don't try to judge right away, but be open about it. Someone who doesn't say hello to you right away doesn't necessarily have to be a jerk.
And as a newcomer you probably look at the procedures and work processes within the organization from a completely different perspective. And you'll probably like that. That's good and you can criticize it, but don't be too quick with your comments. Time is again key here. Watch it, let it sink in and give your constructive opinion on it at a later time.
Listening, observing, and asking questions out of genuine interest are three of the best things you can do on a first day.
9. Find out what the unwritten rules are within the company
Every company and every organization has its own unwritten rules. These are things that are nowhere on paper, but that you have to experience and feel a bit. The following also applies here: observe, listen and ask.
For example, what kind of unwritten rules are we talking about? Consider the examples below:
* Where are you allowed and not allowed to go?
* How does the company deal with being late/oversleeping?
* How do sick reports work?
* What is the organization's position on working from home?
* How far in advance should you request time off for your vacation? Can you 'just' take a day off?
* How is lunch organised?
* What about cleaning up the communal kitchen?
* Is music listened to during working hours?
* Are there (other) things that are 'not done' within the organization / department?
10. Grab your (social) moments
Seize moments to connect with people. For example, do not isolate yourself with lunch, but connect with colleagues. You don't have to make friends with everyone right away, you can also first connect with one specific colleague with whom you feel comfortable. Then the rest will come later.
Moments outside of work are perhaps even more suitable for getting to know colleagues, the organization and the relationships within it. So grab those opportunities. For example, is there a Friday afternoon drink, do colleagues play sports together or is something else fun being organised? Then join this. A great opportunity to get to know people - also outside the office walls - better.
Growing up: how do you shape your career?
Whether you have just started working or have been working on your way for a while, there is a good chance that you want to continue to grow and develop in and in your work. Not only yourself, but also the organization you work for will generally benefit from this. How do you approach that now and in what ways can you continue to grow?
One of the first things that comes to mind when you think about growing up is probably getting promoted. From junior to medior to senior. Or from employee to manager. Of course with a salary that grows with you. It is of course entirely dependent on the position you have what the possibilities are for you within that position.
When you function well and the organization is running well, you will normally make steps when you are working for your employer for a while. But if you want to move up (faster) and get more responsibilities, you can do a number of things to give yourself a nudge in the right direction. Nine tips:
Have you shared with your manager where you want to go? Don't expect too quickly that he or she 'have to see that for himself', but indicate what you want to achieve and if you want more responsibilities or other tasks.
Do you see that your manager does not get to do all the work or do you think that you can do some of his or her tasks yourself? Then come up with initiatives to relieve your manager. This gives him or her room to focus on other things and thus help the organization move forward.
Try to attract work that will benefit the organization and that will help your company move forward. Think of work where:
* money is earned;
* important organizational progress can be made;
* customer satisfaction is increased;
* automate your processes;
* an efficiency improvement can be achieved.
Just going that extra step can be very rewarding. By working just a few more hours, you learn faster and it helps you to do your work to perfection. Your manager will see that too.
This sounds a bit contradictory if you're hoping to move quickly, but it can be a smart move to be patient if you want to move up the ladder. If you stay with the organization a little longer, you will eventually be the one with the most knowledge of your organization's product or service. As a result, you are seen as 'the old hand', which will put you in a 'senior position' more quickly.
As an employee, you generally get an advantage if you show that you can take full responsibility for a task and also bring it to a successful conclusion. So try to attract entire projects to you and finish them well.
You always get ahead with a positive attitude. Always think in solutions and show that. Try not to grumble (too quickly) when there are setbacks. Be proud of your work and show it.
Show involvement in your colleagues and ask if you can support them with certain tasks. Trying to get promoted at the expense of colleagues is one of the worst things you can do. Just like gossiping or participating in political games within the organization.
Make sure that strategy becomes part of your work and that you concern yourself with the question: is what we do good, which 'problems' should we have an answer to as an organization, taking into account what is going on in the world and in the market ? And how? If you can make a difference there, it will bring you a lot.
Make a promotion
One of the first things that comes to mind when you think about growing up is probably getting promoted. From junior to medior to senior. Or from employee to manager. Of course with a salary that grows with you. It is of course entirely dependent on the position you have what the possibilities are for you within that position.
When you function well and the organization is running well, you will normally make steps when you are working for your employer for a while. But if you want to move up (faster) and get more responsibilities, you can do a number of things to give yourself a nudge in the right direction. Nine tips:
1. Discuss where you want to go with your manager
Have you shared with your manager where you want to go? Don't expect too quickly that he or she 'have to see that for himself', but indicate what you want to achieve and if you want more responsibilities or other tasks.
2. Make sure you relieve your manager
Do you see that your manager does not get to do all the work or do you think that you can do some of his or her tasks yourself? Then come up with initiatives to relieve your manager. This gives him or her room to focus on other things and thus help the organization move forward.
3. Identify opportunities for the organization and respond to them
Try to attract work that will benefit the organization and that will help your company move forward. Think of work where:
* money is earned;
* important organizational progress can be made;
* customer satisfaction is increased;
* automate your processes;
* an efficiency improvement can be achieved.
4. Make enough hours to make progress
Just going that extra step can be very rewarding. By working just a few more hours, you learn faster and it helps you to do your work to perfection. Your manager will see that too.
5. Be patient and don't leave your employer too soon, especially if there is a lot of turnover
This sounds a bit contradictory if you're hoping to move quickly, but it can be a smart move to be patient if you want to move up the ladder. If you stay with the organization a little longer, you will eventually be the one with the most knowledge of your organization's product or service. As a result, you are seen as 'the old hand', which will put you in a 'senior position' more quickly.
6. Try to take on and complete projects from A to Z
As an employee, you generally get an advantage if you show that you can take full responsibility for a task and also bring it to a successful conclusion. So try to attract entire projects to you and finish them well.
7. Be positive and proud
You always get ahead with a positive attitude. Always think in solutions and show that. Try not to grumble (too quickly) when there are setbacks. Be proud of your work and show it.
8. Advance not only yourself, but also your colleagues
Show involvement in your colleagues and ask if you can support them with certain tasks. Trying to get promoted at the expense of colleagues is one of the worst things you can do. Just like gossiping or participating in political games within the organization.
9. Make strategy part of your job
Make sure that strategy becomes part of your work and that you concern yourself with the question: is what we do good, which 'problems' should we have an answer to as an organization, taking into account what is going on in the world and in the market ? And how? If you can make a difference there, it will bring you a lot.
Developing yourself also means continuing to grow
. However, continuing to grow does not necessarily have to be about 'getting higher'. You can also develop certain competencies or learn new skills, with or without the help of courses or training. Which exactly those are, can depend on the organization where you work. In this way you also work on your own development.
For example, what can you do to grow?
* Ask if you can be involved in multidisciplinary projects that may not have anything to do with your work, but which you can learn a lot from and which might give you more clarity about what you like to do.
* Through personal branding you map out for yourself who you are, what your strengths are and in which you would like to develop yourself. This can help you determine your direction within your current organization, or beyond.
* Take a look outside your organization to see what the possibilities are to do something with your knowledge and experience and to develop it further. For example, give a guest lecture or workshop, visit conferences or blog about topics you know a lot about and that interest you.
. However, continuing to grow does not necessarily have to be about 'getting higher'. You can also develop certain competencies or learn new skills, with or without the help of courses or training. Which exactly those are, can depend on the organization where you work. In this way you also work on your own development.
For example, what can you do to grow?
* Ask if you can be involved in multidisciplinary projects that may not have anything to do with your work, but which you can learn a lot from and which might give you more clarity about what you like to do.
* Through personal branding you map out for yourself who you are, what your strengths are and in which you would like to develop yourself. This can help you determine your direction within your current organization, or beyond.
* Take a look outside your organization to see what the possibilities are to do something with your knowledge and experience and to develop it further. For example, give a guest lecture or workshop, visit conferences or blog about topics you know a lot about and that interest you.
If there are no career advancement opportunities
Does the organization you work for not immediately provide opportunities for advancement and have you discussed with your employer what other options there are? Then it may be a good idea to change jobs if you are looking for more of a challenge. Or maybe it's time to completely change tack and make a career switch.
Also, if there are few options in the work area, you can do other things to develop yourself. Immerse yourself in interesting literature or blogs or take a course on your own initiative. By gaining new experiences outside of work, you also learn other things, which you may also be able to use in your job.
Does the organization you work for not immediately provide opportunities for advancement and have you discussed with your employer what other options there are? Then it may be a good idea to change jobs if you are looking for more of a challenge. Or maybe it's time to completely change tack and make a career switch.
Also, if there are few options in the work area, you can do other things to develop yourself. Immerse yourself in interesting literature or blogs or take a course on your own initiative. By gaining new experiences outside of work, you also learn other things, which you may also be able to use in your job.
change job
There may be times when you don't really know what you need and want with your job. Perhaps you are no longer as motivated or you wonder whether the work you do really makes you happy. But to change jobs right away? Your current workplace may be very nice and your dissatisfaction is in completely different things. How do you know it's time for a new job?
To answer that question, it's good to find out exactly where your dissatisfaction comes from. The longer you work, the better you see the pros and cons of the work you do and you learn to discover more and more what is important to you. Still, it can be quite difficult to determine what exactly is wrong with your current job. Self-examination and reflection are necessary to get answers to your questions.
Take the time for yourself to find out what the dissatisfaction is before you make decisions about changing jobs. Questions that you can answer for yourself are, for example:
* What do you think of the content of your position? Do you find it not (any longer) challenging enough and are there no more options to grow?
* How do you view the working atmosphere, the contact with colleagues and your manager/boss?
* Do you feel appreciated and/or heard enough?
* What about your workload and responsibilities and is there enough in return?
* How do you feel about the working methods or processes? Are there things that could be changed to make it more enjoyable?
* Does the company culture suit you or would you be more at home in another type of company?
* What do you think of the industry or field you work in? Both in content and in culture?
By answering these kinds of questions for yourself, you can get a clearer picture of what the dissatisfaction is with, and perhaps find a solution with your manager.
Always discuss the issues you encounter with your employer, for example in your performance review . Are you enjoying yourself at your current employer, but are you a bit tired of your position? Then ask about the possibilities within the company or organization for another position or look together for ways to fill in your work in such a way that you get more satisfaction from it. Discuss career opportunities , for example .
Even if the dissatisfaction arises from the atmosphere, company culture or work pressure, you can first try to find solutions together with your employer. Even if it concerns matters that have to do with him or her directly. You can only change things by making things negotiable. If you can't figure it out, you can look around you.
Sometimes the reasons why you want to switch jobs are obvious. For example if:
* you often work irregular hours or have to travel abroad a lot for work and your private situation no longer corresponds to this, for example because you have become a father or mother.
* you have found out that the company culture (after all) does not suit you. For example, if you have to achieve certain targets and you experience too much pressure as a result, or if a strict regime of rules is applied and you want more freedom in your work.
* you want to take a step back and your current work offers no clues.
* the click with colleagues is simply not there and you have already tried everything to get closer, but in vain.
* you want to work closer to home.
* you move to the other side of the country.
* you have already indicated to your employer several times that you want other responsibilities or a different way of working, but nothing is done about it and you still have the feeling that you are not being heard.
There may be other signs that it may be a good time to look for other work. For example:
* You have psychological/physical complaints; you feel stressed, are tired and, for example, often have a headache and/or stomachache. It may well be that your body is trying to tell you something.
* You can no longer identify with the company and you no longer feel involved with the organization.
* You feel that your potential is not being used or that you have finished learning. You can feel more, but it is not used or there is no room to deploy and further develop your capabilities.
* If money is an important motivator for you and you can no longer make progress in your salary, you can look elsewhere.
* You constantly look at the clock and are very bored at work.
Switching jobs does not always have to be the solution to your dissatisfaction. While changing jobs will most likely provide a breath of fresh air in the beginning, there is also a chance that you will run into the same kinds of things again or end up in a similar pattern with a new employer. Or that there are other things that you are not happy with. So think carefully about your wishes and discuss them, so that you, your position and your workplace are a good match. Whether that is with a new or your current employer.
To answer that question, it's good to find out exactly where your dissatisfaction comes from. The longer you work, the better you see the pros and cons of the work you do and you learn to discover more and more what is important to you. Still, it can be quite difficult to determine what exactly is wrong with your current job. Self-examination and reflection are necessary to get answers to your questions.
Ask yourself the following questions
Take the time for yourself to find out what the dissatisfaction is before you make decisions about changing jobs. Questions that you can answer for yourself are, for example:
* What do you think of the content of your position? Do you find it not (any longer) challenging enough and are there no more options to grow?
* How do you view the working atmosphere, the contact with colleagues and your manager/boss?
* Do you feel appreciated and/or heard enough?
* What about your workload and responsibilities and is there enough in return?
* How do you feel about the working methods or processes? Are there things that could be changed to make it more enjoyable?
* Does the company culture suit you or would you be more at home in another type of company?
* What do you think of the industry or field you work in? Both in content and in culture?
By answering these kinds of questions for yourself, you can get a clearer picture of what the dissatisfaction is with, and perhaps find a solution with your manager.
Discuss bottlenecks with your current employer
Always discuss the issues you encounter with your employer, for example in your performance review . Are you enjoying yourself at your current employer, but are you a bit tired of your position? Then ask about the possibilities within the company or organization for another position or look together for ways to fill in your work in such a way that you get more satisfaction from it. Discuss career opportunities , for example .
Even if the dissatisfaction arises from the atmosphere, company culture or work pressure, you can first try to find solutions together with your employer. Even if it concerns matters that have to do with him or her directly. You can only change things by making things negotiable. If you can't figure it out, you can look around you.
When to change jobs
Sometimes the reasons why you want to switch jobs are obvious. For example if:
* you often work irregular hours or have to travel abroad a lot for work and your private situation no longer corresponds to this, for example because you have become a father or mother.
* you have found out that the company culture (after all) does not suit you. For example, if you have to achieve certain targets and you experience too much pressure as a result, or if a strict regime of rules is applied and you want more freedom in your work.
* you want to take a step back and your current work offers no clues.
* the click with colleagues is simply not there and you have already tried everything to get closer, but in vain.
* you want to work closer to home.
* you move to the other side of the country.
* you have already indicated to your employer several times that you want other responsibilities or a different way of working, but nothing is done about it and you still have the feeling that you are not being heard.
Other possible signs that you are ready for a job switch
There may be other signs that it may be a good time to look for other work. For example:
* You have psychological/physical complaints; you feel stressed, are tired and, for example, often have a headache and/or stomachache. It may well be that your body is trying to tell you something.
* You can no longer identify with the company and you no longer feel involved with the organization.
* You feel that your potential is not being used or that you have finished learning. You can feel more, but it is not used or there is no room to deploy and further develop your capabilities.
* If money is an important motivator for you and you can no longer make progress in your salary, you can look elsewhere.
* You constantly look at the clock and are very bored at work.
Is the grass really greener with another employer?
Switching jobs does not always have to be the solution to your dissatisfaction. While changing jobs will most likely provide a breath of fresh air in the beginning, there is also a chance that you will run into the same kinds of things again or end up in a similar pattern with a new employer. Or that there are other things that you are not happy with. So think carefully about your wishes and discuss them, so that you, your position and your workplace are a good match. Whether that is with a new or your current employer.
Career switch: when to do it and how do you go about it?
Are you considering a career switch? If you are tired of your current job, you have been dreaming about a certain career for years or you want to 'just' do something completely different after having had the same type of job for years, a complete job change can be a good idea. The same goes if you feel that the work you're doing now isn't quite right for you. When is it the time to really take this step? And how do you approach a career switch?
You're not alone if you're struggling with which job is right for you. It can be a long search to find the answer to that question, even if you have studied for years for a certain profession. In practice and at a slightly later age you often only really discover what you like and don't like. After all, you have usually already chosen your field of study in your teenage years. In addition, your wishes, preferences and values can change over the years. It is therefore not surprising if you are thinking about a different kind of career.
If you're tired of your current job, it's good to think about why. Does it mainly have to do with the job content? Or are there other reasons? For example, do you experience enough freedom in your job? Do you have the space to do what you want? Or are you 'just' at a point in your life where you don't really know what you want? Answering these kinds of questions for yourself will give you a better understanding of what makes you want to change careers.
If your dissatisfaction is mainly with the job content and the type of work, then you can indeed consider looking for a completely different type of job. If you find your current working conditions or your working environment less pleasant, you can also see if you can work in a new place in a similar position. A fresh environment with new people around you can give you new energy. Ask around in your area or speak to your online network (LinkedIn) and see if you can find a new challenge in your direction.
If you find that you do not yet have a good list of what you want for yourself, first look for what you really think is important when it comes to work. Do you have the ambition to grow and move up the ladder and do you want to “make a career”? Do you want work that completely matches your passion or is a job for you mainly a way to earn money? What are the conditions for you to enjoy your work? Nice colleagues, freedom, a good salary? Try to clarify this for yourself and look for something that matches this, for example by finding out during job interviews and tasting what kind of culture or atmosphere prevails in the organization.
If you have a career switch in mind, take the time to take the step. It is not surprising at all to take a year to choose a suitable job. Do not jump headlong into a new position, but make a sound decision by first doing good research into who you are, what you want and what is available on the job market.
If you take a little longer for this, you have a greater chance that you will find the job that suits you during that period. If you switch hastily, you run more risk of taking on a lesser job than you can actually handle or working for a company that doesn't really suit you. You can also get career advice from a coach or agency that specializes in this area.
If you've made the decision to embark on a completely different career path, the next step is to land your dream job. And that can be tricky or scary if you don't have the right experience. How do you handle your career switch?
**1. Use your acquired skills**
You have acquired skills in your (previous) work that you can put to good use in the career you have in mind. Emphasize these in your cover letter and resume. You can't change your experience, but you can shift the focus in that experience or highlight certain skills more so that your resume fits better.
**2. Enthusiasm and drive are the key**
You probably know very well how to motivate why you want that job so much. That makes a big difference; with enthusiasm and drive you can go very far. Show that especially in the motivation letter with your application. So sit down properly for your letter, delve into tips and tricks and check our do's and don'ts, for example. By the way, you can't necessarily show your enthusiasm (only) in a letter, but also, for example, by making a video or blog in which your enthusiasm and passion come to the fore.
**3. Follow that training or course**
Check whether there are courses, training or workshops that match your dream career move. Not only do you gain knowledge with this, but you also immediately show that you are super motivated. For some professions you will have to retrain anyway. That takes time and costs money. Take that time and invest, even if you still have a job.
**4. Gain (voluntary) experience**
If you know which direction you want to go, you can also try to gain some experience in that direction, possibly next to your current job. For example, you can work one day less and do volunteer work in the time that you have left. This way you can immediately discover whether it is really the direction you want to go.
**5. Use your network**
Take a look around your network to see if you know people who can help you with your switch. Who knows, you may have someone close to you who has taken a similar step. Ask them for advice and exchange experiences. Or maybe you know someone who works at the company or in the industry where you want to work so much. Most jobs are still found through the via.
A career switch sometimes seems like a big step. As a result, you can continue to dub and remain in doubt. Will I or won't I? But the only way to find out if it's a good choice is to actually take the step. You can always take the experience you gain with you to the next step in your career. Even if that means going back to where you came from and the choice turned out not to be such a good one.
What kind of career suits me?
You're not alone if you're struggling with which job is right for you. It can be a long search to find the answer to that question, even if you have studied for years for a certain profession. In practice and at a slightly later age you often only really discover what you like and don't like. After all, you have usually already chosen your field of study in your teenage years. In addition, your wishes, preferences and values can change over the years. It is therefore not surprising if you are thinking about a different kind of career.
If you're tired of your current job, it's good to think about why. Does it mainly have to do with the job content? Or are there other reasons? For example, do you experience enough freedom in your job? Do you have the space to do what you want? Or are you 'just' at a point in your life where you don't really know what you want? Answering these kinds of questions for yourself will give you a better understanding of what makes you want to change careers.
When to switch?
If your dissatisfaction is mainly with the job content and the type of work, then you can indeed consider looking for a completely different type of job. If you find your current working conditions or your working environment less pleasant, you can also see if you can work in a new place in a similar position. A fresh environment with new people around you can give you new energy. Ask around in your area or speak to your online network (LinkedIn) and see if you can find a new challenge in your direction.
If you find that you do not yet have a good list of what you want for yourself, first look for what you really think is important when it comes to work. Do you have the ambition to grow and move up the ladder and do you want to “make a career”? Do you want work that completely matches your passion or is a job for you mainly a way to earn money? What are the conditions for you to enjoy your work? Nice colleagues, freedom, a good salary? Try to clarify this for yourself and look for something that matches this, for example by finding out during job interviews and tasting what kind of culture or atmosphere prevails in the organization.
Take the time for your switch
If you have a career switch in mind, take the time to take the step. It is not surprising at all to take a year to choose a suitable job. Do not jump headlong into a new position, but make a sound decision by first doing good research into who you are, what you want and what is available on the job market.
If you take a little longer for this, you have a greater chance that you will find the job that suits you during that period. If you switch hastily, you run more risk of taking on a lesser job than you can actually handle or working for a company that doesn't really suit you. You can also get career advice from a coach or agency that specializes in this area.
How do you handle a career switch?
If you've made the decision to embark on a completely different career path, the next step is to land your dream job. And that can be tricky or scary if you don't have the right experience. How do you handle your career switch?
**1. Use your acquired skills**
You have acquired skills in your (previous) work that you can put to good use in the career you have in mind. Emphasize these in your cover letter and resume. You can't change your experience, but you can shift the focus in that experience or highlight certain skills more so that your resume fits better.
**2. Enthusiasm and drive are the key**
You probably know very well how to motivate why you want that job so much. That makes a big difference; with enthusiasm and drive you can go very far. Show that especially in the motivation letter with your application. So sit down properly for your letter, delve into tips and tricks and check our do's and don'ts, for example. By the way, you can't necessarily show your enthusiasm (only) in a letter, but also, for example, by making a video or blog in which your enthusiasm and passion come to the fore.
**3. Follow that training or course**
Check whether there are courses, training or workshops that match your dream career move. Not only do you gain knowledge with this, but you also immediately show that you are super motivated. For some professions you will have to retrain anyway. That takes time and costs money. Take that time and invest, even if you still have a job.
**4. Gain (voluntary) experience**
If you know which direction you want to go, you can also try to gain some experience in that direction, possibly next to your current job. For example, you can work one day less and do volunteer work in the time that you have left. This way you can immediately discover whether it is really the direction you want to go.
**5. Use your network**
Take a look around your network to see if you know people who can help you with your switch. Who knows, you may have someone close to you who has taken a similar step. Ask them for advice and exchange experiences. Or maybe you know someone who works at the company or in the industry where you want to work so much. Most jobs are still found through the via.
To experience is to learn
A career switch sometimes seems like a big step. As a result, you can continue to dub and remain in doubt. Will I or won't I? But the only way to find out if it's a good choice is to actually take the step. You can always take the experience you gain with you to the next step in your career. Even if that means going back to where you came from and the choice turned out not to be such a good one.
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