Money makes the world go round, however, we should be careful not to get caught up in it.

If you are thinking about changing your career or job, you may want to consider the following tips before you resign:

1. Your grounds for Quitting.

One must identify and understand the motivating factors behind your job change. This is to avoid the classic case of jumping from the frying pan into the fire. Make a mental note of all the factors that make you want to change jobs. Those are the key factors to look out for once you get a job offer or when you are looking for a suitable job. A new environment with the same problems will initiate a cycle of resigning, which could reflect badly on your professionalism and work ethic.

2. Upward mobility.

What are your professional goals? Are you content with the job you currently have despite the lack of opportunities for professional development? These are some of the questions you should ask yourself before making a decision. If you are content, you are probably in the right place, if not, then it is time to change jobs. Research companies or jobs that strategically put you in a position to progress career-wise. This not only increases your hierarchy in the work ladder but also allows you to earn more money. Some companies offer career development opportunities such as training and workshops, mentorship programmes, and opportunities to do stretch assignments. Should you get such an opportunity, you've hit a home run. Do not make haste, begin by analyzing your job description. Your job description has a critical role to play in planning your career. From the job description, you are not only able to understand your roles and responsibilities but also plan on how to go about acquiring the experience and skills necessary for your career advancement. It is through analyzing the job description that you can identify areas where you can improve your skills and knowledge. Identify the core competencies required for your role and develop a plan for acquiring or improving those skills.

3. Job Dynamics.

The dynamics for jobs vary depending on several factors such as industry, company size, organizational structure, job function, and individual preferences. The big question is how prepared are you for that role? It could be in terms of your education and training, your skills, your health, or your resources. For example, some jobs require brawn while others require brains; some require resilience while others may require you to be on the road frequently. If you are lucky, some jobs provide the flexibility to work from home. Based on the examples above, there are key factors to evaluate. If you are family-oriented, a job that requires you to travel frequently could have an impact on your family therefore, there are parties to be considered and decisions to be made. When it comes to working from home, you need steady wifi to effectively conduct your job especially if online meetings are part of your job description. Generally, assess your job description to gauge your job dynamics. Take time to prepare yourself in terms of resources, skills, and training, mentally, physically, and financially.

4. Company Culture.

Your work experience will significantly be impacted by the company you choose to work for. Work culture is important as it affects your productivity as an employee. Nobody wants to work in a toxic work environment as it leads to negative implications for your career and mental and physical health. A company with a collaborative and inclusive culture may offer a more positive and supportive work environment than one with a competitive or individualistic culture. It is imperative to select an organization whose company culture aligns with your values. This leads to job satisfaction and commitment to your work.

5. Job Security and Stability.

I have a colleague who recently got two job offers concurrently. The first offer was a long-term contract with decent pay while the second offer was a short-term contract with a lucrative salary, better than that of the first job offer. Upon weighing his options, he decided to accept the offer with the highest salary albeit a short-term contract. If you were in that position, what job offer would you accept? While some of us may consider the long term-contract because of security, I would like to challenge us to think out of the box. For example, when you are jobless and actively engaging in job search strategies I do not think the first thing that comes to mind is, " I need a job with security." One is grateful to get the job since bills are waiting to be paid. You may have urgent needs that push you to go for a short-term contract with a higher salary so that you sort things out. Regardless of whether your work contract is short-term or long-term, create your security and stability by becoming a valuable asset. You become an asset to a company or organization by:

Performing well

- Exceed your job requirements and expectations by being reliable, and going above and beyond when possible.

Developing your skills

- Having a diverse skill set makes you a valuable asset as it sets you up for jobs that would essentially require a fresh recruit.

Building positive relationships

- Positive relationships with colleagues increase the likelihood of receiving support when needed.

Staying up to date with industry changes

- This puts you ahead of other employees and demonstrates your value to your employer.

Be adaptable

- Adaptability enables you to navigate unexpected changes such as company restructuring or downsizing. It puts you one step ahead.

 6. Perks.

Besides the paycheck, job perks are the cherry on top. Companies that have their employees' interests at heart are simply top-tier. You fall sick, they got you covered with health insurance, you need to move around, transportation is sorted out, you are expectant, paid maternity leave awaits, your presence is required as the father of the child, there is paternity leave for you most importantly, you need family time, you get leave for vacation. Other perks that are crucial also include bonuses and incentives, educational programs, and retirement benefits. Emphasis on retirement benefits as retirement planning is among the best decisions one could ever make while in employment. Such perks give you the green light to make that bold move.

7. Work-life Coherence.

While achieving work-life balance may be a challenge to many, work-life coherence is the key to the balance. Work-life coherence means individuals can find a healthy balance between work and personal life, which allows them to be productive and successful at work, while also fulfilling their personal and social responsibilities and pursuing their interests outside of work. Work-life coherence acknowledges that an individual's work and personal life can be merged in a manner that generates significance and direction in their life. This implies that an individual's occupation must be in line with their values, objectives, and hobbies, and their personal life must complement and reinforce their work. Always strive to create work-life coherence in your current role as well as your next job.

Ultimately, the decision to change your job or career will depend on individual circumstances and priorities. Carefully consider the factors that matter most to you when conducting your research. Prepare for the move adequately before leaping. In doing so, you can make more informed decisions and take steps towards a gratifying job. All the best.

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