At Cogs, we know a little bit about why you might want to leave your job.

Although money is often cited as the reason to move on, it’s actually very low down on that “real” list of reasons why people move jobs. Of course we would all like to earn more money but unless you are hugely underpaid, many people would choose greater job satisfaction and a better working environment than more money. In fact, we have found that when people say that they’re underpaid, what they actually mean is that they think they are undervalued.  Bad management is much higher on the list, if there is a lack of clarity and understanding from a manager about your role and what success in the role looks like, you’re left feeling de-motivated. Other problems could be managers not helping you develop your responsibilities and skills, keeping you at the same level leaving people under-challenged and stuck in the ‘same-old routine’. Of course the person you report to could be unpleasant, inconsistent and abrasive (or all three) which is never a fulfilling experience.  On balance the main reason most people move roles is because they feel there is no prospect within the company to progress.

So when is a good time to look for a new job? Well if up until now you’ve been reading thinking that everything above reflects your current situation, then the time to move is now!

That said, before you jump ship we would recommend trying to improve your current role first – try a bit of ‘upward management’, ask for a career review or perhaps a pay-rise!   If that fails, we would recommend fully assessing what you want from your ideal job, which is probably the reflection of what is lacking in your current role.  Do as much research as you can, speak to former colleagues and managers and recruiters that know the market.  Get your cv into shape, interview technique down and you’re good to go.

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