Five steps to improving your chances of career satisfaction

Should you stay with your current employer or move? Judith Sills argues that in the US there has been a fundamental change in attitudes on the part of employers (Psychology Today, September/October, 2007). Whereas fifteen years ago job hoppers were viewed with suspicion, now there are misgivings about those who stay in their jobs for more than five years, “without signs of skyrocketing upward”. Are they trying to milk the organisation? Why aren’t they interested in making more of a contribution?

The situation may well be different outside the US. Certainly this consultancy continues to work with employers seeking ways of retaining their key staff for as long as possible. Sills does provide some interesting career advice, however. She recommends that having decided whether to move or stay, there are five steps to improving your chances of getting what you want:

(1) Make your ambitions clearly known. Otherwise those in authority may make erroneous judgements about you.
(2) If you wish to make a job move within your current employer, then take on special projects which others want to avoid. Top management will notice.
(3) If you decide to stay, make sure your employer understands the value of your longevity. If your salary is to rise over time, they need to know that your worth to them is also increasing.
(4) Try to make your assignments interesting and challenging. The quality of the work you do will enhance your internal profile as well as improving your day-to-day satisfaction.
(5) A strong external network in your field is important. Professional meetings and associations can help you gather realistic information about outside opportunities and pitfalls.

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