Why haven't you started your search for a new devjob yet?
The economy continues to improve and the unemployment rate in IT remains dramatically low. It seems like the perfect time for developers to start looking for a new job.
But why do some hesitate?
The reasons are different, claim recruiters. Of course, many programmers are happy with the job they are in. Many developers who are not allowed to work on interesting projects and have no influence on product decisions often stay in their jobs even though they have a good chance of improving their salary and experience. No matter how favorable the conditions are, they just can't bring themselves to send off their CV or open up to their professional network.
In some cases, the desire for perfection gets in the way. Some developers are looking for the perfect job. This must be in the specific company, at the preferred location, with the appropriate payment, many benefits and in a great team. In other cases, the CV is permanently optimized, with the belief that another draft of the document will bring you to the optimal starting point. In other cases, one waits for the perfect moment. The next bonus is still awaited, or the project has yet to be completed, or...
The risks of falling into such patterns are obvious. Most likely, you'll stay in your current job, possibly long after it was right to leave. While the economy is now gaining strength and the job market is being driven by applicants, the starting position can change again in favor of employers.
The quasi-job hunt, where you constantly think about changing but then never really take action, can be frustrating. If people find themselves in a permanent frustrating process, things that are important in the here and now, such as their work or health, are neglected.
What should I do?
Do any of the above look familiar to you? If you want to move but get stuck in your efforts...
Take a step back. Sometimes you just need to stop and take an honest, self-reflective look at your situation. If you are convinced that the time has come for a change, but your CV still doesn't seem right to you, or no position really looks good, you have to ask yourself whether your expectations are realistic. Try to figure out what part of a job seems important to you and think about where you can compromise.
Think about your long-term goals. Are you sure about your desired position as well as about the preferred type of company? If your heart beats more for the startup world, but you are only looking for jobs with well-known brand companies, this could be an explanation why nothing excites you. Make sure your job search aligns with the career goal you want to pursue.
talk to others There may be co-workers, a career coach, or even a trusted recruiter you can talk to. Whoever it is, it often helps to share short- and long-term career goals with others. Perhaps the conversations will also help you identify areas where you can compromise.
Most people don't wake up abruptly and decide to change their current position. They half-heartedly look for a better job but don't think about their long-term goals and trade-offs. Sometimes the conversation with yourself can also lead to the realization that you shouldn't change jobs. This decision can save you time on unnecessary job searches.
