Well another year has drawn to a close, Christmas festivities are over, and we start to think about going back to work…. but are you excited, apathetic or even dreading it?
It is this time of year when people often review their achievements, goals, careers and current job, have you done this yet? I do believe this is important and I have always set time aside to review my job, often just simply asking myself – do I still enjoy my job?
I recently reviewed my job and made a dramatic change to I set up my own Recruitment Agency and focus on what I enjoy most, which is supporting both clients to fulfil their vacancies and candidates in their job search.
When was the last time you reviewed your career or job? December and January are always a good time to do a review as it ties nicely into New Year’s resolutions! But how do you evaluate your current job and career?
Here are some questions I have often asked myself when reviewing my job and career progression, always starting with, do I enjoy my job?
General questions to ask yourself when reviewing your job or career:
- What you like and don’t like about your job and company?
- Have you progressed in 2017 and have you learnt something new?
- What have you achieved?
- Are you being paid fairly? (Always a hard one to answer – There are salary comparison websites out there, for example - https://www.totaljobs.com/salary-checker/salary-calculator and https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/index.htm)
Specifically, for the scientific industry I recruit in; questions for scientists to consider when analysing their job –
- Do you like the Chemistry, the Science, the Technology or Therapeutic area you currently work in?
- Do you like or prefer QC, Research or Development (R&D), Manufacturing, Laboratory work or would you prefer a role away from the lab bench?
- What about the industry, are you working in the industry where your passion lies? – Pharmaceutical, Chemical, Biotech, Contract testing or FMCG etc?
If you don’t like the answers to these questions, then a new job could be just what you need!
Good news - January is always a really good time to look for a new job. Companies have new budgets and recruitment plans and January often starts with a bang in recruitment.
Start getting your CV updated and if you are looking for a new job in science please send an updated CV to me at peter@rowlandtalent.co.uk. Or if you are just looking for some advice on job hunting or your career please drop me an e-mail.
I will sign off with a quote from Steve Jobs - “the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle.”
A New year with a New career (or job) will help you have a great 2018 and when reviewing the year in December there will be no regrets!
