Why Now Is the Time You Get Your Dream Job

The aspiration that I hear the most is: “I want to be happier and more fulfilled with my work.” 

For those who are truly motivated to land a new job, climb the ladder, get a bump in salary–or maybe all of the above–I am here to tell you that conditions couldn’t be better right now. 

The Great Resignation tale went something like this: at first, many Americans were initially scared to lose their jobs. Fear of COVID-19 or lack of childcare kept some at home, where they realized that their salaries weren’t enough to compensate them for the cost of commuting and their disdain for office politics. Many experienced the benefits of having control over their days, making them reconsider whether they really wanted or needed to keep working. When they worked harder than ever to the point of burnout, company earnings flourished while paychecks stayed the same. By the time the power swung in favor of workers, professionals already were looking for better opportunities in the Great Resignation. 

These factors have all led us to the place that we’re in now: a country with an incredibly hot job market. If you’re someone who has felt a little stuck in your career and has thought, “I want to make a big change but I don’t know if I’m actually in a place to be hired,” now is a time where it’s more possible than it has been in the past. 

Here is why you should seize this advantageous moment: 

1. Job listings are plentiful: The labor market continues to be hotter than ever. This is in part due to the fact that many are still quitting their jobs in droves; estimates show around 4.3 million a month).

2. Wages are rising: Statistics show that in 2022, hiring managers will likely offer higher pay to new hires to attract the job candidates that they need. One report found that U.S. companies are expecting to increase pay by 3.4%--the fastest wage growth since 2008--a move that employers are making to keep up with the tight job market.

3. Unemployment is low: The unemployment rate continues to fall each month, now just sitting above half-century lows.

4. Experienced candidates have leverage: If you have worked in a similar industry with similar people, systems, or products, then you have leverage. Note: I caution you against overplaying any perceived upper hand; be sure to use this power wisely with research and preparedness.

With these conditions, it could be tempting to jump at the next job posting that you see or to make that lateral move for $10K more, it is critical that you are hyper specific about what you’re looking for and the field that you’re looking to move into.

This spring, many job-switchers are returning to their previous employers after leaving for “greener pastures.” According to LinkedIn, these “boomerangs” accounted for 4.5% of all new hires among companies. If you can, it’s best to avoid having a short stint at a company on your resume that requires additional explanation.
 

Here are steps you can take to ensure that you're making the right move: 

1. Connect with others: Most jobs are still found through networking above online applications, recruiters, and other methods. Polish your narrative and get clear on what you’re looking for, and reach out to those in your network to learn about the industry, get advice and maybe even potential leads.

2. Get clear about what you hate about your current/last job: Zero in on the qualities that drained you in your last position. Was it a certain type of person? Was it the work environment? Or perhaps it was office politics that kept you up all night? Make a list and hold yourself to it, even when a tempting offer comes your way.

3. Try the shoe on to see how it fits: Before making a move, it’s important to know that you are taking an opportunity that will support your lifestyle and long-term goals. Connect with others at the company/organization so you know that you would work well with them should you receive an offer. Investigate the language used on their LinkedIn profile and see how it resonates with you.

Remember: ideally, you’re seeking a role that will open that next right door of opportunity for you, as you continue to grow professionally. It’s time to seize this opportunity to get the career and compensation you want; you’ll never know unless you try.