The Green Grass

The Green Grass

The grass is often greener on the other side of the fence. In fact, so green that 4 out of 10 Danes in employment dream of jumping the fence. They want a different job than the one they have now.

Why?

Part of the explanation likely lies in the fact that the labor market is under pressure—and has been for quite a few years. There may not be much room for personal development, and many end up with a daily routine that feels like the dreaded hamster wheel.

Another part of the explanation may lie in the buzzword agile. It is no longer a badge of honor to stay at the same workplace for a long time. By making self-chosen job changes, one can demonstrate a degree of agility.

However, this behavior can also be interpreted as a form of restlessness—the balance is delicate.

But when nearly half of all employed Danes dream of being somewhere else, it doesn’t take complex probability calculations to conclude that some are likely dreaming of the job that another person wants to leave.

So maybe the grass isn’t really greener on the other side of the fence. Maybe they’ve just given the lawn a good dose of fertilizer and plenty of water, making it look vital and healthy. Right now. Right now, when qualified job applicants need to be attracted.

A job change might be the right move for you. But you need to do the necessary groundwork.

It is, of course, important that you thoroughly research the company that interests you. The risk is always that you fixate on everything that fits your dream while overlooking the more withered parts of the lawn. It’s a common human tendency: Conspiracy theorists also focus solely on everything that supports their theory—while ignoring everything that contradicts it.

Next, you need professional help with your career development. Coaching is a good place to start, but supervision and mentoring should also be considered. It’s beneficial to begin coaching even before you’ve decided which job to pursue. Coaching can help guide you toward the right direction. Maybe a job change isn’t the best choice—maybe, with the right approach, you can develop within your current workplace?

While coaching helps you find answers to your own questions, supervision and mentoring offer more tangible support in navigating the transition a job change can entail.

Finally, timing is crucial. Take a career step sideways or upward when you have the capacity for it. This could be right after the successful completion of a major project. When things are going at their best, it might be the perfect time to take an exit—if you’ve made the decision. Doing so also demonstrates loyalty and consideration toward your current employer—and that matters. After all, what can an employer expect from a candidate who has already demonstrated disloyalty?

Is it time for a job change?

There’s a phrase I often use when potential candidates come forward:

Is the job change a step toward new challenges—or is it an escape from your current job?

If it’s the latter, you first need to mend any broken pieces and find joy in your current job before looking elsewhere.