As National Happiness Day falls in March, it’s a fitting time to focus on the power and importance of positivity at work and in the job search process. We spend a lot of time at work, and our job can have a huge effect on our happiness – both for better and for worse.
In theory we all know that we should look for other opportunities if we’re not happy with our job – it’s just a little bit more difficult to actually do this in practice! It’s human nature to be wary, or even afraid, of change, and worse still, negative situations can wear us down so much that we lose confidence in our ability to change them.
At Rowlands we know that moving on is a big step for many people but we also know the huge boost a fantastic opportunity gives to a person’s happiness. There are all sorts of questions we might ask ourselves when we consider changing our job: What will other people think? Am I able to start all over again somewhere new?
We’re all good at finding reasons why not – but it’s really important we don’t forget the reasons why! Here are a few things to consider.
You deserve happiness
We spend a lot of time at work, and our job has a significant impact on our happiness. While there will be challenging times in every job, the right role, people and environment makes the world of difference. You deserve to work in a place where you’re developing professionally and you feel valued and respected.
There are opportunities out there for you
The market is particularly buoyant in Jersey and very much employee-led. This means that there are plenty of opportunities out there in a range of industries.
It’s also important to remember that you don’t need to be looking for a ‘forever job’ – if your current working situation is making you unhappy but you aren’t ready to commit to a particular industry or position elsewhere, we can support you in securing temping opportunities until you find what you’re looking for.
You have the power to change your situation
This is the most important thing to remember. We meet a lot of people whose confidence has been knocked by negative experiences at work, and this naturally leaves people feeling disempowered.
Fear of rejection is normal, but there are things you can do, and support you can access, to empower yourself.
Make sure you go into interviews well prepared. We can help with mock interviews, so you can see the areas that might need improvement before going into the real thing. Practising beforehand will also help you keep the interview nerves at bay.
Another important thing is to try and see the interview as a more mutual process; the company is just as eager to find the right person as you are to find the right job! Make a list of all the qualities that make you their ideal candidate, and think about the skills you will bring to their company, not just the opportunities they will bring to you.
Remember as well that little things can go a long way. Standing up and shaking the interviewer’s hand when you meet sounds simple but is really important in projecting a courteous and confident image.
Leaving a negative situation is always a positive step, and is an important part of taking control of your life to make choices that work for you and that make you genuinely happy. At Rowlands, we want to support you in your steps towards loving what you do – and remember, the first step can be right now!