How to Know You’re Ready for a Better Job

When you don’t have a ton of money and need the gig you have, moving on to something better might not even cross your mind. Sometimes a worker relying on the same paycheck week in and week out may not want to mess with a system that seems to be working.

Still, the urge to get out of debt sooner or pursue a career passion can bubble up, telling you it’s time to look for something new. Even without a large salary bump, a new job can provide growth that leads to better opportunities down the road. Every journey starts with a first step. While weighing your options, keep an eye out for these signals you’re ready for something more lucrative and fulfilling.

Your Current Pay Is Stagnant & Won’t Likely Change

Most wage earners can start by assessing their financial needs. Being “ready” may depend on multiple factors:

• How long you’ve been in the same position
• Whether you get regular raises
• Attractive aspects like a short commute, end-of-year bonuses, or great co-workers
• Financial responsibilities such as a baby on the way

Going for years with no pay raises or struggling to make ends meet on your current income are sure-fire signs there may be something better-paying out there for you. Even if you like your job, you can still look for better prospects, both financially and personally.

Burnout – The Work Is No Longer Fulfilling

The average hard worker can simply reach a point where the daily grind is no longer fulfilling. Feeling consistently drained or uninspired by your current role are definite signs that something is off, although you should be sure what the root cause is before jumping ship. You don’t want the same malaise to follow you into a new position that might prove even more stressful.

If you wake up most mornings dreading going to work, perhaps it’s because you’ve stopped growing in your position. Maybe you can speak to your supervisor to adjust your job duties. If that isn’t an option, it may be time to search for something more aligned with your goals and interests.

You Have Developed a Valuable Skill Set

Another sign of readiness is that you’ve built up a whole new skill set and are ready to try them out somewhere else. Many lower-paid workers have valuable skills they are underestimating, such as organizational skills, time management, conflict resolution, communicating with customers, and so forth. If you’re currently stuck in a low-wage job that doesn’t provide advancement opportunities:

• Look for a better-paying position where some of your skills transfer over
• Look for one that presents new, valuable learning opportunities like office management, writing or web development
• Maybe you’re a cashier with a knack for customer relations or handling inventory. Work those details into your resume!
• Apply to management or supervisory positions in which you can leverage your experience for a higher salary and more responsibility.

You’ve Gotten Better Offers Somewhere Else

The clearest sign you’re ready is if your search is paying off. Pay attention to how those offers make you feel. If you’ve had a job interview and are still excited, that’s a good sign. This is a powerful stage in a candidate’s job search. As you make connections with potential places of employment:

• Set up an interview in person, even if it’s just to get more information about the company.
• Do some research to find out what has been posted about their reputation as a workplace.
• Check out the specific area where you will be working so you know what your day will look like.
• Ask to meet potential bosses, supervisors and co-workers to get a feel for the place.
• Ask questions to help you distinguish the new position from your current one so you can make a more informed comparison.
• Keep in mind that looking doesn’t mean you have to commit to anything. You can always decline an offer that doesn’t feel like a step up in your career.

Throughout it all, try to keep an optimistic mindset. Trusting your ability to move forward, even if you’re in a tight spot financially, can eventually create better stability for your future.

Continue to Improve Your Financial Situation Through Services in Illinois

Job seeking when you don’t have a lot of financial flexibility can be tough. One way to help boost the odds is to improve your current relationship to money. Staying on top of your personal finances can be surprisingly motivating for someone stuck in a rut. CCEA Currency Exchange services throughout Illinois help provide the structure that helps regular people do just that – to pay bills on time, cash checks, keep up with important auto deadlines, spend wisely using prepaid debit cards, and more.

Contact CCEA with questions online, or stop by your nearest CCEA location to find out more!