10 things to make you think about looking for a new job!
It's Monday lunch time, you've made it through the morning and
feeling just alright. But that's only because your footy team
tanked the competition at the weekend. You can visibly see those
whose team lost around the office, desperately trying to keep
positive. Of course, being in England on a Monday, the rains
battering against the window, it's barely light and the glow from
Outlook is actually making you question whether you're staring
directly at the sun. Then the worst happens, your mate Kieran get's
in touch from Bali, on Facebook. He's not in an internet cafe,
nope, he's walking around a beach with an iPad, filming the
greatest sunset of all time and wants you to share in the
experience. Then just as you lose yourself in that thought, the
worst happens, your colleague goes home sick, again, and you're
covering his client meeting, emails, presentation, in fact covering
everything that he would have been doing should he actually have
taken it easy over the weekend. How will you fit all of it in on
top of your work? Looks like you're getting home just as the late
night Granada News is finishing, again. Then when you get in
tomorrow, your boss will inevitably grill you about why that
project still isn't finished. Then you think, new job!
OK, that's a little extreme (I hope!) but you've really got to
ask yourself that because you do actually spend the majority of
your week day lifetime in the office then it must actually give you
a certain level of satisfaction. You have choices, so explore them!
Keep an eye out for these warning signs and important areas which
may just mean that you need to look elsewhere!
Money
You're working like mad, you're taking home less than you're
spending and you're hardly even able to afford pay per view TV,
never mind being able to upgrade to Sports or Movies. Get a handle
on the average salaries for your role; weigh it up against where
you will be on that scale in the next 6 or 12 months and aim for
that, otherwise start looking!
Career
What are the opportunities like where you are? If you're media
career orientated then talk openly about the potential plans in
your appraisal. Where can you go and how can you get there? Get a
plan together and aim for it. That way if you can't progress then
you'll know at least what your next step should be then start
looking elsewhere! Developing your media career will see you reach
amazing heights!
Team
You are who you are and John sitting across the way is who he is.
Everyone needs to pull together to create a good working
environment. Some of the most productive in marketing jobs are work
hard, play hard. Others are more relaxed and individual whilst some
are pure team efforts. Find out what you want and ensure you are in
the right working environment. What's for sure is that not
everywhere is the same as where you are right now!
Boss
Manage your boss right and you'll get the most from them. They
have responsibilities to you and you should take advantage of them.
There are some great managers and some awful ones (especially in
the media industry as they get to where they are through media
skills, not management skils.) Get what you need to achieve your
goals from the workplace or start questioning why. Moving teams, or
sitting it out are options, but so is looking elsewhere!
Location
City centre is great, but not when it's Christmas and traffic is
hectic, or just as the students all come back to university and
buses literally clog every road! Likewise the countryside has its
issues, hard to get to after 3 inches of snow or too easy to get
stuck behind a tractor on way to an important meeting. If you're on
your way to the marketing department or media agency and the trams
are getting to you or the drive last manure fields are driving you
mad then start thinking, where would I actually like to work?
Sector
The sector you work in can become tedious. It's your life and
skills are transferable so have a look at applying your valuable
energy into something new. Speak to people you know in other jobs
and industries and make the move before it is too late. Life is
short.
Country
Working visa options vary by country but there are loads of
opportunities for media and marketing jobs around the world. Fancy
working in an advertising agency in Sydney, or crossing the
Brooklyn Bridge each day? It's all possible and you can expand your
media career globally!
Media Agency or Client Side
The big debate! Which side should I work for and when? Which best
suits my lifestyle and which opens the greatest opportunities.
There are loads of different reasons here so do your research! We
talk to candidates almost daily about these choices, its your
marketing career so understand it then decide if to move!
DIY
Ever thought of going alone and setting up for youself? The
entrepreneurial spirit in England's NW and across the UK is
rampant, especially in marketing and media in Manchester. Help
create jobs and give clients the service they deserve!
Bed
Can't get out of bed in the morning? That's almost a sure sign
that you need a change and soon. You're best looking elsewhere
before you start underperforming and the spotlight gets put onto
you. Do something about it before that happens!
If you want a no strings chat to talk about options then
come for a coffee. Believe it or not, moving isn't always right,
but at least we can help set a plan and help you get the best from
your role and career.