Job Junction: Knowing When it’s Time to Go

30th August 2023

With the built environment incorporating so many disciplines, skilled technical professionals are always in demand. While that makes for a fast-paced, competitive job market, it means that when the time comes to move on there is an abundance of richly diverse, rewarding and high earning opportunities ready to pursue.

But how do you know when it’s time to start job-hunting?

If you resonate with any of the points below, it’s time to revise your CV.

01 | You are no longer fulfilled

With the average person spending one third of their life at work, job satisfaction is no longer a benefit, it’s a necessity. Finding a job that fills your cup more than drains it is imperative for a healthy work-life balance.

If you lack passion, are burnt out, feel overcome with anxiety at the prospect of going to work, or have noticed yourself adopting negative thought patterns in both your professional and personal life, start looking for something new.

02 | Your values don’t align with the company’s

As businesses evolve, so do cultures. Feeling as though you no longer fit in can be an isolating experience, particularly if you have worked for a company for a long time and enjoy your job.

Look for opportunities in environments where you are more likely to thrive, for example companies which prioritise environmental sustainability if you are passionate about climate change, or can offer face-to-face working if you prefer social interaction.

03 | There is limited scope for career progression

The most successful businesses are those that recognise, value and retain talent. Ask yourself: does the company I’m working for support my professional development? Do I have regular one-to-one reviews with my line manager? Am I offered opportunities for promotion?

Demonstrating loyalty to a company carries benefits, but staying in the same position for an extended period can suggest to prospective employers that you lack ambition. If you have been in your current role for more than three years and you’ve answered no to any of the questions above, it is time to take your talent elsewhere.

04 | You are under unreasonable pressure

Stress is affecting an increasingly high proportion of UK construction workers. If you’re finding that your boundaries are being overstepped regularly or that work is taking a toll on your well-being, you need to re-evaluate.

First, make sure to prioritise healthy eating, exercise and sleep so that you are in the best frame of mind to approach the job market. Then, begin to actively search for an employer that prioritises its people and promotes a healthy work-life balance.

05 | The company isn’t operating safely or effectively

In the built environment, health and safety should be a number one priority. Colleagues taking shortcuts and leaders turning a blind eye to potentially serious hazards are indicative of a poor safety culture. Remember that your health is worth more than any job.

Watch out for signs that the company is allowing standards to slip. This could include not investing in proper equipment, not paying staff or subcontractors on time or a sharp rise in staff turnover.

Take the next step in your career with Advance TRS

At Advance TRS, we know that no two people or companies are the same. We pride ourselves on securing meaningful placements using a tailored approach to perfectly match talent with major organisations. If you’re ready to discover new opportunities within the built environment, contact us today.