The Grass is Rarely Greener, Just Different!

Since starting my working life at 13 I have learnt a lot, seen a lot and I am sure that I still have much to see and learn.  One thing for sure is that since starting my professional career in recruitment, after leaving university, I have seen many people come and go.  One thing is for sure; sales and recruitment can have high turnover of staff, and I think it has gotten worse since I started my career in 1996.

I remember speaking to a Director of another recruitment business at a REC convention a year ago, who said they had 1500 staff, and they plan to lose 50% each year, which I found incredible.  I know that compared to the industry average our team retention rates are good, as we work very hard to create the right culture, right environment and invest in each individual's development.  However, it seems that the world today is so fast paced, and very noisy, so people get bored quickly, want a new this, new that, and jobs seem no different to wanting the latest electronic gizmo or item of clothing.

Some will argue that Generation Y want more, are less patient and with the internet the world is their oyster.  Some have the attitude "so what if I lose my job, there's another one", although this has become less true over the past few difficult years.

I have a little advice from the experiences I have, which  I hope will help you.  One thing is for sure, your decision will be your own, you will have to live with it.  The grass is rarely greener, just different!

If you ever get to this place called, "I'm not sure I'm in the right job" or "I don't know if I love my job anymore", stop and think what has changed and if this is recoverable.  Ensure you do the following:

• Speak to your manager about how you feel
• When was the last time you received training or an appraisal?
• What is your vision of the future?  Can your current company see this future for you?
• What would need to happen for you to be truly motivated and happy in your job?  Does your boss know this, understand and is working with you to achieve this?
• Do you have a mutual understanding with your boss based on each others needs?
• After all this, if you still decide you want to move on, then I suggest you read my post: How to exit gracefully after you quit your job?

I am always surprised that perfectly intelligent people do not go through this checklist (above) and speak with their line manager.  No company wants to lose its valued staff, so clear, two-way communication is paramount.  Are you communicating clearly with your employer?  Is your employer communicating clearly with you?  If the answer is no to either of these questions do something about it.