SMART SKILLS
Job jumping

Often entrenched in our thinking is the belief that career planning is logical, linear, and indeed planned. People who are reluctant to answer questions like "What do you want to do?" are often described as undecided or indecisive. Most of us today find ourselves endlessly wrestling with complex questions about our role in an increasingly complicated workplace. And even the most confident ones amongst us find ourselves wanting to make mid-career changes.

There was a time when people spent their entire careers in one place, and were rewarded for their loyalty and dedication with security, annual raises and a big gift at their retirement parties. It's a different work world now. Individuals entering the job scene for the first time can typically expect to work in at least two or three different fields before they reach retirement age. And within those fields, work in 10 or 15 different jobs or more, before they retire — if indeed they do retire.

Changing choice

No longer viewed as a negative, frequent job changes are today accepted by both, employers and employees as the way careers are forged. While the prospect of change can be frightening, it can also present opportunities to gain new skills and experience new areas of work. Young people are taking charge of their own careers, moving on to new projects for new employers after tenures that are sometimes measured in months in certain fields, instead of years. Job switching is on the rise and is on the way to becoming a permanent fixture of the workplace. In today's competitive corporate culture, it's up to you to navigate the new world of work and manage your own career.

But be careful. A resume that contains a long list of previous jobs that have been switched frequently may deter a lot of employers from employing you. They may not be able to trust you enough to hire you on a permanent basis. Moreover, work environment is another important factor that must be kept in mind while considering a job change.

Long & short of it

However, owing to sweeping corporate reorganizations earlier this decade, many companies now hire people for shorter periods, often to participate in one project or in the development of one specific product. After the assignment is finished, so is the job. Business today is so intensely competitive and fast paced that companies can no longer afford to nurture careers over a period of several years. Employees increasingly recognize that they must take responsibility for their own work lives. Hence, they are beginning to see the advantages of job switching as a means of learning new skills, advancing a career and making more money.

For example, technical professionals are in short supply and therefore have high expectations. They know that "everything is negotiable". Today's applicants want the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology; immediate rewards; marketable experiences and a life outside of work.

Factors at work

In fact, thanks to information technology, job switching has become easy. Most companies today recruit new employees over the Internet and job seekers are finding a real seller's market at many skill-short firms. Even an offer in a distant city does not impede many people from packing up and switching.

People who change jobs usually do so because they expect to gain greater autonomy, authority, challenge, and income. Change can also be driven by issues of having a good lifestyle and a sense of greater control over one's destiny.

Points to ponder

But before you take the plunge, here are some points to ponder:

• Will your skills be worth more or less to your current employer in 5 years?

• Have you had opportunities to learn and grow?

• Are your co-workers committed to doing quality work?

• Is there someone at work who encourages your development?

• Does the mission of your company make you feel like your work is important?

• Are you getting a good salary and perks?

• Is your future secure? Keep the retirement plan and pension in mind too.

It's easy to think about quitting your current job and finding another one. So, is it to think you can latch onto one of those opportunities you see in the classified ads. It's more difficult to confront the really tough questions about your career and let your answers inspire you to action. Start with the following tough questions.

What's good about what I have?

No matter how desperate your current situation is, or how bland or boring it may be, it's also possible that there's something about it that works for you. Maybe it gives you the flexibility of doing things your own way. Or you enjoy many of the people you work with. So, identify the positive aspects of your current job, and put them down as points of consideration for your next assignment. If it seems that these are not likely to be present, then you may want to do a rethink.

What is missing in my current job?

Money may be one of them. But keep in mind that each industry has its own standards of pay, and that large established companies generally pay more than smaller start-up firms. But apart from your salary, are other factors that form your relationship with your job. For example, do you like working in a team, or are you more comfortable working by yourself? Are you at ease with your colleagues, do you fit in with them, mix easily? Do you get enough resources/time/support to get your work done? Create a list of things you need and do not have in your current job. This can help you prepare a clearer picture of what your next job situation should be.

What are the alternatives?

Finding out the alternatives to your current work situation may require some serious research and legwork. Begin by asking yourself what limitations you have. Can you leave your current location, and expand your radius of options? What are the other opportunities in your particular field? Examine the career prospects in the future for the kind of job you are doing. Also, try understanding yourself and your characteristics and preferences for a new job, or field of work. Are your skills and interests compatible with the requirements for these assignments?

Are your expectations realistic?

This is often the toughest question to answer. A truly honest answer might mean unpleasant revelations. You are often told to stay positive - "You can do anything you want to do". And it's possible you can. But the truth is, you can't always. There are many earthly influences that stand in the way of your dreams. So ask yourself, what changes can you make in order to achieve new career goals? What responsibilities and commitments do you already have, and what can you do about them? Do you have family to support? Are you paying off debts? Can you afford a job change if it means a pay cut now for a brighter tomorrow?

No matter where you are in your career, you need to take stock of your situation. Most people tend to reevaluate their career goals every six to eight years. Look at your career from the ground up. Begin with what you have right now — your current situation, what's missing, what's available and what's realistic. Let your answers make the decision for you.

And if you do decide to change your job, show your prospective employer how you can be a loyal employee. If you are young, stress your special skills, ambition, energy, and motivation. Older job seekers should trade more on accomplishments by citing specific examples and experiences that relate to the opportunity at hand.

In the end, your attitude will influence the hirer, as much as your skills and accomplishments.

(The writer is a noted career consultant)