When it comes to jobs, we’re in a time of opportunity that’s unlike anything seen in recent years. Job ads hit record highs in 2022-with far more jobs being advertised now compared to before COVID-while unemployment fell to record lows.
More businesses are searching for employees across virtually all industries and professions. In Oz, 3 in 5 peeps agree there are more opportunities to advance their career in this job market, research from SEEK shows. And change is working out well for many- 7 in 10 people who switched jobs in the past 6 months are happy with their move.
Plus, with the demand for workers so strong, you might have more negotiating power when you do go for a new role. What this all means is that even if you’re in a job you like, it’s a great time to explore your options and see what else is out there. You might even think of it as “flirting “with other jobs.
Why its worth exploring other job options now
Exploring your career options is about seeing what other jobs are out there, and what’s appealing about them to you. You might be interested in finding a different style of working, better work-life balance or more pay. Exploring other jobs doesn’t necessarily mean you have to apply for any right of way or quit your current job. It’s a matter of seeing what’s out there. Doing this can open your eyes to new opportunities that you may not have considered. It could also help you make changes to your existing role. Sometimes its not about starting from scratch but about adapting and making tweaks to your current situation.
I think it is always a good idea to explore what your other options are-especially if you’re feeling restless in your job or think something might be lacking in it. Exploring other options could help you revitalise your working life. Seeing what opportunities are available really can be beneficial to job happiness-especially if your current role doesn’t align with your values and drivers, particularly when it comes to salary, work-life balance, and career progression. After all, we spend so many hours at work, so its important not to settle for second best.
Staying in touch with what’s happening in the job market also helps you to explore whether your skills are adaptable to other industries or roles. While you may not actually move roles or companies, flirting with other jobs does give you a fresh perspective on your current role and how you might improve things or make a move in the future.
5 Steps to explore your opportunities
1: Start by updating your resume- its good practice to stay abreast of your skills and strengths and think about how you might articulate those strengths to prospective employers.
2: Set up or refresh your SEEK and LinkedIn profile- you create your profile listing your skills and experience, and you can choose to let potential employers contact you about opportunities.
3: Set up job alerts- another way to explore is to set up job alerts with various employers and recruitment agencies. That way, the types of roles you might be interested in automatically appear via email for you, without you having to commit to anything.
4: Do some skills and strengths assessments- strength testing is a valuable way to explore your values and aspirations, recognise your natural talents and then identify opportunities and pathways so that you make things happen.
5: Schedule a coffee date- Reaching out to people who can shed light on different roles or career pathways is also a great way to explore your options. You could reach out to a prospective employer, or someone working in a company or industry you’re interested in. Come prepared with questions you can ask them.
Why I’m uncertain about changing jobs?
It’s normal to feel uncertainty and hesitation around changing jobs. Research through SEEK shows almost 3 in 5 people say they’re worried if they change jobs, the new company might not be right for them. A good way to explore other jobs is to try volunteer opportunities, you can dip your toe in without having to leave your current workplace.
Focusing on your goals and doing your research are other ways to help overcome fear around changing roles.
Why now is the time to explore other jobs
With The Great Job Boom underway, we’re seeing more jobs, and less competition for them- so there’s never been a time like this to look at other job opportunities. Consider whether now is the right time for you personally. But even if it doesn’t seem like the ideal time, there’s still no harm in putting the feelers out, just to see what opportunities might pop up. You could find an opportunity better than you imagined- or the motivation you need to revitalise things in your current role.