Think it's time for a new job?

January Blues rearing their head?

As we start to settle into the new year, it’s often a time when people contact a coach to ask whether they can help them find a new job.

Others are thinking, “I want out, but it’s probably safer to stay where I am.”

Whatever the reasons for feeling unhappy or dissatisfied at work, doing nothing is unlikely to change the situation. Financial responsibilities, health, caring commitments or uncertainty may mean you cannot leave immediately, but that does not mean you have to accept feeling permanently stuck.

It may be time to review, refresh and consider how you could change the situation.

Here are two tips to get you started:

1. Review the past 12 months

Ask yourself:

• What has gone well in your work?
• What have you learnt?
• What specifically is contributing to your current feelings?

2. Explore ways to put the spark back into your role

You could:

• Sign up for some professional development.
• Suggest a project or new way of working that could benefit the organisation and give you something interesting to get your teeth into.
• Adjust your work commitments. Is there an opportunity to work from home or adopt more flexible hours?
• Ask a colleague or mentor for feedback. What are you doing well that is important to the organisation, and how do they perceive your contribution?
• Seek support with specific difficulties, such as workload, challenging relationships with colleagues, unrealistic expectations or work-life balance.
• Look for ways to share your knowledge and experience with others. You might become a workplace mentor, offer to hold a ‘lunch-and-learn’ session or look out for colleagues who could benefit from your help.
• Repeatedly voicing frustration without looking for possible solutions may not lead to meaningful change. Instead, identify constructive ways to improve how you feel about your work, the way you work or the organisation itself. Where appropriate, share your suggestions positively with your manager or HR. This could make a considerable difference.

However, if you genuinely feel that it is time to move on, try to do so on your own terms where possible. Make sure you have what you need in place to give yourself the best chance of making a successful move.

Assuming that the grass will automatically be greener elsewhere could lead you into accepting a rebound job that quickly loses its attraction.

By becoming clear about what you want, what you are good at and how your contribution is valuable to a current or future employer, you can begin changing your situation.