The right questions to ask yourself before changing jobs

Who has never dreamed of barging into their boss's office and slamming their resignation? Like the famous Française des Jeux advert with its "Goodbye, goodbye, President."

But even if on paper it may seem attractive, the project is sometimes difficult to get going despite everything.

Let’s take a look at the right questions to ask yourself before deciding to change jobs.

Define what is no longer suitable

• Your tasks/missions Are the tasks assigned to you boring, too routine, not rewarding enough? Are the hours suited to this type of task?

Which ones do you enjoy doing and which ones can you no longer stand?

• Your work environment is it optimal? Are you working in an open space which has its share of daily challenges? Or in telework, without regular interactions with your colleagues, left to your own devices, which can be difficult morally in the long term. (I know something about it for having lived it for 2 years full-time, returning to a slightly more face-to-face position changes the dynamics of your days all the same, marked by the journeys to and from work).

In the work environment, we also think about the journeys to get to work. Does it take you too much time in the morning and evening, is it manageable? Because the geographical location plays a big role in choosing a job and feeling good there.

• Professional relations are they healthy?

Do you have to deal with communication problems with colleagues or management? With toxic personalities on a daily basis or people who are always complaining, who end up undermining you or dragging you down.

• Company values Are they in line with yours? Being in tune with yourself is essential.

What are your frustrations right now?

What do you need to be more fulfilled in your job?

• Am I paid well?

Is the salary consistent with your position and responsibilities?

Even if we live in a world where inflation continues to increase everywhere, and we tend to want to think about security above all else, ask yourself the question: does the race for a big salary prevail over a job that really motivates you?

• Do you have recognition and listening desired in your professional environment?
• Have you un good work-life balance ?
• Are you enough? stimulated ?

Is leaving the best solution?

Before leaving, there are several things to think about.

First, assess whether your financial situation allows you to take the plunge.

We understand that you don't just resign like that without thinking about it when you have a family to support or when you have no ties.

If you like the field you are in, perhaps consider first consulting your manager and looking at internal training opportunities.

Indeed, if you ever want to develop a skill to climb the ladder or to progress in this mission/task that attracts you, this can be an interesting option.

Or see the possibilities of internal transfers if another position calls you more.

Because ask yourself before you decide to leave if you are ready to face the game of job interviews again, with its sometimes "trick" questions or its sometimes convoluted scenarios. (Personally, I always have the impression of taking an exam in front of a teacher, and of being judged. I don't like this exercise because I find it very difficult to show your personality in a short time through a few formal questions, and just as much time for the person in front of you to judge whether you are suitable or not).

In Quebec, it is increasingly happening to meet people over drinks, it removes all that formal aspect and allows you to be more comfortable, like a discussion you would have with an acquaintance. I think it desacralizes this exercise.

Are you also ready to reintegrate into a new team and a new environment?

Changing jobs can be challenging and you need to prepare yourself before you dive in head first.

You've made your decision, you want to change jobs.

Perfect, but in these cases, give yourself the means to find something you like. And not quit a job to quit it if it doesn't bring you back to a job that excites you a little bit. And choosing a job just for a bigger salary can be dangerous. We still spend more than 8 hours a day, 5 days out of 7 at work for the most part... So it would still be easier to do it in an environment where we don't go backwards every morning.

So yes, I know the pandemic has happened, and the need for security is felt even more than before. Because we don't know what tomorrow may bring.

And yet even with a so-called "secure" job, this did not prevent thousands of people from losing their jobs during this period.

You have to take the time to ask yourself the right questions, even if it means going back to the good old FOR and AGAINST method on a piece of paper, to help put your cards on the table.

It still helps to direct one's thoughts and see what one is tending towards more unconsciously.

And there's no secret, when you start to see more negative than positive in your job, it's time for a change because you don't feel comfortable anymore.

And you, where do you stand in your reflection on your professional life today?