Business Manager Laura-Lee Quigley reflects on 2021 and gives some top tips in this blog for heading into 2022: 

 

I am not one for News Years Resolutions, January gym memberships or the belief that a New Year means a 'New You' however I am also known to be very familiar with the concept that denial is not just a river in Egypt.  So I thought I would write this article to share some advice if you are like me and might need a little help figuring out if it might be time for a new start.

 

1. Answering “It’s fine” when asked about your job

 

The festive period is a time for catching up with friends and family especially those you don’t see all the time. It is usually where we get asked about the big three – your health, your family and your job! If you found yourself answering “it’s fine” without any follow up or specific examples on projects you’ve been working on, a course you’ve been on or a client you have helped this could be a sign that things actually aren’t all that great. Also related is the Grass is Greener Syndrome. If you catch yourself day dreaming and believing that their lives or careers are so much better than yours in comparison it might be time for a closer look. Think about.... What are they actually doing that sounds interesting? What is it about their job or their lifestyle that attracts you? Are you ready to make possible changes in your education or training to make it happen?

 

 

2. Dread or anxiety at the thought of going back to work

 

Sometimes when you think things are going “fine” and they actually aren’t our bodies have a way of issuing us a wake up call.  This can come in the ‘Sunday Blues’, early morning anxiety and sleeplessness.  That pit in our stomach or the fatigue getting out of bed.  This can also have knock on effects such as keeping us late or worse getting us run down and making us sick.  With that in mind keep an eye on those practical aspects and try and get ahead of it before it becomes a meeting with ‘HR’.

 

3. Overwhelmed by All the Small Things

 

Contrary to point number 1 is when everything just is a bit much.  Do you find yourself punishing the key board when replying to emails, planning a voodoo ritual when all the milk is gone from the work fridge, crying after a phone call with a client or believing that you are never going to do anything right?  This is another ‘friendly reminder’ from your insides that things are not in a good place.  We all get stressed at work but when it comes to things that you previously managed well becoming unmanageable it is time to take stock.

 

 

4. It’s not me, it’s you

 

When you’ve maybe done some self-reflection you might be ready to come to the conclusion that actually it isn’t you, it’s them.  Whether it is a culture that you are no longer suited to or there is a fear around change at the company or you’ve given it your all and everyday is no longer a learning day then it’s time to jump, preferably before you’re pushed.  Remember, if you feel you’re not fitting in, others might be feeling the same about you.

 

 

 

 

5. Hi, remember me…you know, your life

 

Life is all about seasons, and seasons change.  Learning to read these changes and take action is essential for that work-life balance.  This phrase means different things as we move through our seasons. An 80hr week might be perfectly reasonable when we are climbing the corporate ladder, pushing for a promotion but it another season that’s just not the right fit longer term.  In later seasons we might decide that actually retirement sounded great but if you weed the garden one more time you will go insane.  Being aware of what is right for you and also right for your wider family group will help you find out what season you are in and whether it is time to leave winter for spring.

 

Ok, not a fully comprehensive list but you get the idea.  The main takeaway I can give is usually you already know consciously or unconsciously that you need to make a change. When this happens here are my 3 practical pieces of advice on what to do next?

 

1. Get practical. We all wish we can live our lives according to our passions and dreams but we also need to be realistic – those brown envelopes will still keep coming through the letter box.  Work out your salary expectations based on your outgoings and build from there.  Also review your current contract to find out about notice periods, any conflicts of interest or competitor clauses to be aware of.

 

2. Lift the phone to a specialist in your chosen field.  Now you know the field you want to work in, you don’t need to know everything, that’s why you have experts to give you advice on recruitment trends, salary expectations, what the application process will look like.

 

3. Get emotional support from friends and family or online groups.  Making changes in any area can be daunting but not doing it alone will help you.  Confide in your group and ask them to read over CVs, cover letters, ask them for referrals or ask them keep an eye out for any potential opportunities or experts you can connect with.  They’ll be there to build you up and give you confidence when it comes to the highs and lows of the recruitment process.

 

 

 

Remember, you don’t have to do this alone, contact one of our consultants to guide you through the next steps by phone on 02890447144 or email info@keenanrecruitment.co.uk

 

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All live vacancies can be found at  www.keenanrecruitment.co.uk

 

Here's to 2022!! 

LL