Nancy has a problem. So does Alan, Abigail and Michael. The problem? They’ve all set themselves a New Year’s Resolution that 2019 is the year they’ll change jobs or careers.

You might be thinking: so, what’s the problem? People change jobs and careers all the time, right?

Yep, they do, but according to research from the Statistics Brain Research Institute, only 9.2% of people go on to achieve their NY resolutions and a resolution to change jobs or careers is no different.

But why?

For many people, there are a multitude of reasons why they believe they can’t leave their current position or won’t be hired anywhere else.

And at Alexander Appointments, we’ve heard them all.

I don’t have many skills

Many people, like Nancy, lack confidence to seek a higher-skilled or higher-paying job.

“This is often because they’ve been in the same company and in the same role for a long period of time and don’t realise that they’ve acquired skills that are transferrable to other industries and other roles,” explains Danijela Negro, Director of Alexander Appointments.

Opening up the conversation with a specialist recruiter from Alexander Appointments can help to identify “hidden” skills that the candidate doesn’t even realise they have.

“Our recruiters have an in-depth understanding and knowledge of our clients’ businesses and the departments within those businesses where those “hidden” skills could be utilised,” explains Danijela.

My current employer has been really good to me and I feel bad to leave

Alan has been with his company for three years and has enjoyed working there. In fact, his employer has become someone that Alan considers “a friend”. However, he no longer feels challenged by his position. Indeed, there is no scope to further his career at his current company.

Danijela explains that while loyalty to an employer is admirable, people need to look at what is best for their careers rather than stagnate in their current position.

“Often there’s also an element of fear about moving from a job or business, where they’re comfortable, to a new role in a company where they’ll be the new kid on the block,” explains Danijela.

“Getting out of our comfort zone is often the only way to achieve change, growth and development in our careers.”

The recruitment process is too hard

Abigail wants to leave her current job as Senior Manager but is put off by the recruitment process and has therefore designated job hunting to the “too hard basket.

” “Due to the number of unethical recruiters in the marketplace, many people are put off by the recruitment process. They also feel that when clicking “send” on an online job application website, their CV will be lost in the black hole of the internet,” says Danijela.

“We ensure that every application is given the same attention and we offer a professional, yet personal service rarely seen in today’s recruitment industry.

” Changing jobs means taking a step backwards and earning less money

Michael earns a six-figure salary but is miserable. As the main breadwinner, Michael has felt obligated to stay in the high-paying position that he hates. However, he now realises his only option is to take a salary cut.

This is a situation that the recruiters at Alexander Appointments see quite often.

“What candidates need to understand is the reason they’ve reached a high income is because they’ve proven themselves in their current role,” says Danijela.

“Even though they might be taking an initial pay cut, they should feel confident that they’ll be capable of proving themselves within their new role as well.

” Danijela advises that candidates should look to companies that are moving forward and dynamic and then be confident to take the risk that they’ll be rewarded in the future.

“In some situations, we can also offer some assurance to the candidate by asking that a clause be added to the employment contract to include a pay review after a particular period. This addition to their contract often gives candidates peace of mind,” she explains.

Make 2019 the year you invest in your career

“The average person spends about a third of their life at work which is a lot of time to be unhappy,” says Danijela.

“If you’re not happy in your job or career, it can affect both your mental and physical health so it’s important to examine your current situation, start to set goals and make plans towards achieving them. With the year winding down, now is the perfect time.”

If you’re not sure where to start, a consultation with one of our recruiters can help.

“We not only help you examine your career goals, but also direct you on the right path to achieving them.”