As 2024 creeps that little bit closer to a close, many of us start to reflect on our careers.
Many of you will be feeling less than thrilled with your current role, so now might be the perfect time to make a change. Finding a new job before the end of 2024 can set a positive tone for the new year and put you on a path to greater career satisfaction. Here’s why we believe prioritising happiness at work is crucial and how to find that ideal role as you head into 2025.
Why is feeling happy in your job important?
Enjoying your job is crucial because it influences your overall happiness and well-being. If you constantly dread Sunday evenings or live for your next holiday, it can lead to stress and burnout, making it harder to stay motivated and engaged in both your personal and professional life. Finding satisfaction in your work helps create a sense of purpose and balance.
Be More Productive and Creative
When you're genuinely happy in your job, your daily tasks feel easier and less stressful. Enjoying what you do helps you check off your to-do list more efficiently, giving you a sense of accomplishment. It also enhances creativity and problem-solving, which can help you advance your career while making your workday more enjoyable and fulfilling.
Enhanced Well-being
Job satisfaction significantly impacts your overall well-being, as work-related stress can take a toll on your physical health, mental state, and personal relationships.
Ciphr's 2024 research highlights the prevalence of stress among UK adults, with 11% experiencing stress daily and nearly a quarter (24%) feeling stressed more often than not each month. The study also shows that women report higher stress levels, averaging 11.7 days of stress per month compared to 8.7 days for men.
Finding a job that aligns with your passions and values and working in a nice team with a good culture can reduce stress, enhance your work-life balance, and ultimately lead to a more fulfilling and healthier life.
Long-Term Career Growth
When you're happy and motivated, you’re more likely to pursue opportunities for growth and development.
This proactive attitude can help you develop more skills, become involved in different projects which will support you in moving onwards, sideways or upwards in your career and achieve long-term success.
Happy employees are also more likely to stay with their company longer, reducing the stress and disruption of regular job changes.
What Steps Do You Need to Take to Find Your Ideal Role Before 2025?
Reflect on Your Career Goals
Start by evaluating what you truly want from your next role. Consider your strengths, interests, and long-term career aspirations. Ask yourself what aspects of your current job you enjoy and which parts you’d like to change. This self-assessment will help you identify the types of roles and companies that match your goals.
Update Your CV and LinkedIn Profile
Ensure your CV and LinkedIn profile reflect your latest accomplishments and skills. Highlight any projects or roles where you achieved results, and tailor your CV to showcase the qualities that prospective employers look for. A polished, updated profile increases your visibility and appeal to recruiters and hiring managers.
Network, Network, Network
Networking remains one of the most effective ways to discover new opportunities. In today’s competitive job market, landing your dream job often requires more than just scrolling through job boards and submitting applications. In fact, some estimates suggest that up to 70% of jobs are never publicly advertised. This means that a significant number of roles are filled through personal connections, word of mouth, and employee referrals—areas where networking becomes essential.
Attend industry events, connect with professionals on LinkedIn, and engage in relevant online groups. Sometimes, a great role is just a conversation away. Let your network know you’re looking for new opportunities and seek out referrals.
Research Potential Employers
Look into companies that pique your interest and assess their culture, values, and work environment and keep an eye on their careers page. Diarise in your calendar to check or express interest in receiving updates of when they advertise certain roles.
Check out websites like Glassdoor and Indeed as they provide employee reviews that can give you insight into what it’s like to work there. Ensure the companies you’re targeting match not only your values, but also offer the type of work environment where you feel you will shine!
Prepare for Interviews
Practice common interview questions and prepare thoughtful questions to ask potential employers. Your goal is to determine if the role and company are a good fit for you just as much as they are evaluating your suitability for the role. Demonstrating enthusiasm and asking insightful questions can help you stand out.
Evaluate Offers Carefully
When you receive job offers, evaluate them beyond just salary. Consider factors like work-life balance, growth opportunities, company culture, and job satisfaction. If you’ve identified your career goals it will make this easier as you can assess the offer against all the areas important to you, as a higher salary isn’t always worth it if it comes at the expense of your happiness and well-being.
Starting 2025 on a Positive Note
Entering the new year with a fresh start in a new role can invigorate your career and personal life. By taking the time to find a position that genuinely excites and fulfills you, you set the stage for a more rewarding year ahead. Embrace the opportunity to align your career with your passions and goals, and you’ll find that your job isn’t just a place to work—it’s a source of inspiration and joy.
So, as you wrap up 2024, make it your mission to seek out a role that brings you both happiness and satisfaction. Your future self will thank you for the effort you put in today. Here’s to a new year filled with career growth and personal fulfillment!
Remember you don’t have to do this alone, we offer Career Coaching, CV Writing and LinkedIn reviews so if this all feels a bit overwhelming and you want someone to gently guide you through the process get in touch today, we’d love to help.
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