With salary review season upon us, many people, especially in the world of accountancy, will be weighing up their options. Should you stay put, push for a raise, or is it time to look elsewhere?

While money is an important factor, it shouldn’t be the only reason to change jobs. A career move should be about long-term satisfaction, growth, and professional reputation – not just financial gain.

If you’re considering a job switch, there are many important factors to bear in mind before making your decision.

Why Do You Want to Leave?

Before signing on the dotted line to move, take a moment, step back and reflect on why you began looking for a change in the first place. Was it a lack of career progression? A toxic work environment? Do you feel undervalued? A higher salary is always appealing, but if core issues remain unresolved, you will quickly become dissatisfied again.

Career Growth

As tempting as a big paycheck is, remember to ask yourself if the new role aligns with your long-term goals. Take time to consider the company’s culture. What are the opportunities for progression and training? Will you learn and develop new skills? If career growth matters to you, a move must take you towards your ultimate aspiration, rather than stepping sideways – or even backwards – purely for financial gain.

The Risk of a Counteroffer

A common but risky strategy people adopt when they are unhappy with their salary is to use external offers to negotiate a raise with their current employer. If you are testing the market to leverage a counteroffer, think again. While it might seem like a win, it can seriously damage your professional reputation.

In my experience, employers often see counter offers as a temporary fix and may not prioritise your career development in the future. Furthermore, unless money is your sole motivation, the reasons why you want to leave will still be there.

Work-Life Balance

Money can’t buy a good work-life balance. Does the new job offer flexibility in terms of remote work or hours that fit your lifestyle? A pay rise may not be worth it if it comes at the expense of your well-being and personal time.

Training, Development & Support

A great salary won’t mean much if your career stagnates. Does the new company invest in employee growth? Look at the opportunities for mentorship and professional development, and whether the role will help you build new skills that open-up new opportunities.

Do Your Values Align?

Work is a major part of your life, and job satisfaction often comes down to more than numbers on a pay slip. Ask yourself: Does this company’s mission resonate with me? Do I respect its leadership? Does the business empower and value its people? A misalignment in values will quickly lead to dissatisfaction, no matter how attractive the salary is.

Make the Right Move for the Right Reasons

I believe that, wherever possible, the decision to change jobs should be strategic, not impulsive. If money is your only motivation, you are going to find yourself job-hopping throughout your career as soon as the excitement of a new role fades.

In the end, the choice is yours but whatever you decide, I urge you to consider the full package: career progression, work-life balance, company culture, long-term fit, and salary.

Most importantly, remain professional. Not every job offer is right for you, but the accountancy world is small, especially in the North East, and how you conduct yourself in negotiations and transitions can impact your future opportunities.

Think long-term and choose wisely.

As we head into 2025, the recruitment landscape looks a little uncertain. Traditionally, December is a quieter month for hiring, with January bringing hope, positive action, and opportunity.

This year, in the wake of the government’s October budget, we’re seeing firms pause a little longer to consider their employment cost implications. In the world of accountants, this weakened economic confidence has left some unsure whether now is the right time to make a career move.

My advice? If you’re contemplating a change, it may not be wise to leave it too long.

Recent data from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (via KPMG) highlighted a concerning trend. Permanent placements and job vacancies are falling at an accelerated rate – the fastest since August 2023. Potentially signalling the start of a hiring slowdown, for anyone looking for a career move, this means fewer opportunities and a much more competitive market is on the horizon.

In times like this, while staying put might feel like a safer option, if you are unhappy at work or have a niggling desire to move on, delaying your decision and waiting too long could mean missing out on the opportunities that are available now and facing an even tighter job market.

In my experience, the recruitment market can shift very quickly, so how can you approach a period of uncertainty with confidence?

Stay Informed

Keep a close eye on market trends and industry reports. Understanding where opportunities lie can help you make better and more informed decisions. For example, at the moment, sectors such as technology and healthcare continue to show resilience, while others appear to be facing more pronounced challenges.

Prepare Your CV

Even if you’re not actively applying, having an up-to-date CV and LinkedIn profile ensures you’re ready to act when the right opportunity arises. Make sure you highlight transferable skills and keep your training and recent achievements up-to-date to help you stand out against your competition.

Network Strategically

Who you know is often just as important as what you know, especially in uncertain times. Try to make 2025 the year where you attend industry events, connect with peers, and engage with recruiters to ensure you’re on top of their minds when new opportunities emerge.

Consider Long-Term Goals

While uncertainty can feel unsettling, it also gives you the chance to reflect on your career path. Are you looking for stability in your life? Is now the time to pivot into a new specialism? Do you need to expand your knowledge with new training? Whatever it is, aligning your next move with your broader goals will make the decision clearer.

Act Now

Even in a slowdown, companies are still hiring – particularly for key roles that drive business growth. If you see an opportunity that aligns with your skill set, goals, and aspirations, don’t hesitate. Waiting for the “perfect” time or being too cautious may mean missing out altogether.

While 2025 may feel unpredictable, it could also be a year of possibility. And the good news is that companies who are recruiting seem to remain willing to pay increasingly higher starting salaries for the right people. By staying proactive, keeping informed, and being prepared, you can navigate the challenges and position yourself for career success.

I think it is true that “the greatest amount of wasted time is the time not getting started”. If a move has been on your mind, the best time to act is before the window of opportunity narrows further.

Returning from a sun-soaked break to a sinking dread to face the daily grind can be a sign it’s time for change. If you’re not sure whether you’re pining for more sun or it’s the thought of work that’s giving you post-holiday blues, then here is some advice on how to gain clarity and what to do next.

Identify the Signs of Discontent

Ending a relaxing vacation often sharpens feelings of unease at work. As a recruiter, I regularly speak to people in this predicament, especially in the accountancy sector, where the job market is driven by the limited availability of highly skilled professionals.

Even though people know they are unhappy about heading back into the office, fear of taking a risk holds them back. It’s no surprise really, as staying where you’re comfortable is far easier than acting on the signs and taking a leap of faith into the relative unknown.

Embrace the Thrill of Change

Currently, I am working with several accountancy firms that are seeking talented people. With a shortage of great candidates, the transition from job search to offer can be astonishingly swift. The rapid pace at which firms move can be unsettling if the thought of leaving your comfort zone is intimidating.

At work, when you feel secure and in control, your self-confidence grows. Delivering results consistently can enable you to shape your environment and enhance your work-life balance. This is an enviable position, but if you’re driven by personal growth and learning, standing still can quickly lead to restless dissatisfaction.

Evaluate New Opportunities

So, how do you determine if a new job is the right one for you? The truth is, you can never be 100% certain. Every change in your life, whether moving house, switching jobs, or trying a new restaurant, carries some risk. Yet, you can mitigate it with a careful and considered approach.

Understand your Motivations: Do you know what’s making you unhappy in your current role? What do you want to change in your working life? Have you attempted to address any issues with your employer?

Believe in Yourself: Are you confident you can showcase your skills to your potential new employer as effectively as you have to your current one?

Be Strategic: There is no room for panic when weighing up a career move. Stay calm and level-headed and make a list of the pros and cons of your options. Think short and long term. Include your current role and drill down on the details. Make sure to address the core reason you want to change. Don’t be afraid to take advice from trusted friends and confidants.

Live a Life Without Regret

Having spent a lot of time with people who stay in unfulfilling jobs out of fear of the unknown, my advice is to put your emotions aside and evaluate the situation objectively.

Ask yourself if the new opportunity excites you more than your current role. Moving on is a big and brave decision, particularly if you’ve been with the same company for a long time. However, if your passion has faded and you’ve done your due diligence, what do you have to lose?

Returning from your summer holiday is the perfect time to reassess your career. So, if the thought of going back fills you with anxiety, use the moment to gauge if a change is for the best.

Most of all, remember that you only live once. Seize the moment, embrace the thrill of change, and embark on a journey towards a job that truly excites you.

In the ever-evolving world of recruitment, the landscape for job interviews has shifted dramatically. Gone are the days of recruitment being solely through in-person meetings. Now, most interview processes begin behind a computer screen, adding a new layer of complexity.

Whether you’re an experienced practitioner or re-entering the job market after a long hiatus, navigating the change requires a focused approach where you get out what you put in.

NO DETAIL IS TOO SMALL

Preparation has always been key, but even more so in the digital age. Take the time to plan every aspect of your interview. From testing software and knowing when and where you need to be to investigating potential road closures and parking options. Establish who you’ll be meeting and what’s expected of you ahead of time, leaving no room for last-minute uncertainty to hamper your first impression and performance.

APPEARANCE MATTERS

Your appearance speaks volumes so make sure you dress in an outfit that both exudes confidence and is also appropriate to the setting. Whether it is formal attire or more relaxed, choose wisely to make a strong first impression.

KNOW WHAT YOU WANT

Beyond landing the job, it is important to define what you hope to achieve from your interview. I am not talking about salary and benefits here; moreover, it’s about filling in the gaps in your knowledge of the business. Prepare insightful questions. It not only demonstrates a genuine interest in the company and role but it will help you to decide if this is the right place for you.

FAIL TO PREPARE, PREPARE TO FAIL

Take advantage of the online resources at your disposal, such as the company website careers page and social media channels. There is no longer an excuse for not understanding an organisation’s culture, values, and goals before you attend an interview. And once you do, it will be a lot easier to demonstrate how you are the ideal candidate for their team.

LEARN FROM OTHERS

If you have the support of a recruitment consultant, use their expertise to your advantage. Ask for a pre-interview discussion. Lean on their experience so you can gain valuable insights and tips to enhance your preparation and improve your performance on the day.

MAKE FRIENDS AND INFLUENCE

Remember that likability and trust play a significant role in the outcome of an interview. Focus on building rapport with your interviewers on a personal level to make a positive impression. Take the time to research the people you’ll be meeting. Familiarise yourself with their backgrounds and roles so you can establish an early connection. Setting a positive tone from the start helps the conversation flow and showcases your interpersonal skills.

MASTER THE ART OF TELLING YOUR STORY

There is nothing worse than interviewing someone who is not fluent in the professional journey within their CV. Learn it inside and out. Craft compelling stories to highlight your achievements and experiences. Use the chance to talk about your journey as a platform to introduce your character and emphasise your biggest strengths and capabilities.

FACE INTO CHALLENGE

Take the time to anticipate and prepare for people who challenge your career and choices. By responding honestly and confidently to difficult and direct questions, you demonstrate self-awareness, inner belief, and a positive and mature approach – all traits people want to see in their employees.

PLAN YOUR STAR COMPETENCIES

Practice answering competency-based questions using the STAR method: situation, task, action, result. Pre-plan four or five examples that illustrate the key skills they are looking for and will prove you can thrive in the role.

In conclusion, succeeding in a job interview requires more than just technical expertise. It demands preparation, planning, effective communication, and a proactive approach. By applying these tips, you will help to position yourself as a prime candidate and almost certainly increase your chances of being offered that new job opportunity you are dreaming about.

Do you fear change? I sometimes do. I think we all do, to some extent, because it usually means the outcome is unknown.

In truth, our brains are hard-wired to search for comfort in understanding. When we don’t know what will happen, we begin to make up scenarios, and that leads to worry.

One of the many things recruitment has taught me is that people also find it hard to move on when something familiar comes to an end. Fear of failure comes into play. If we don’t know how something will turn out, we’d rather not try because it could be risky or end badly.

When it comes to your career, it usually boils down to one of three things: the people, the role, or the environment. The good news is that these areas should all be able to be improved by talking openly with your employer.

Having said that, I suggest that you do not leave things too late. Don’t wait until things are dire before acting. By putting yourself in a position where you want out of a job as quickly as possible, you open the door to making decisions that lack the insight and information you need to make the best choice.

Then, when it doesn’t go well, there is a strong chance you will reinforce the idea that change is not good, rather than recognising it was needed earlier so your decision can be reached in a calm, knowledge-led, and balanced way.

I see this happen a lot. Where people know, deep down, that they want to move but keep telling themselves they are being too fussy, too demanding, or will just stick it out for another six months and wait for that pay rise, bonus, or promotion.

Whatever the reason, we all know that more often than not, if you do not make the change, then nothing will change at all. So, how do you know when it is time to find a new job? There are a lot of things that can trigger the search.

It could be more bad days than good. Uncontrollable or overwhelming stress levels. A lack of energy and motivation. Persistent frustration and issues you can’t seem to shake. Being unhappy in, and subsequently out of, work. These are all signs that it is time to reassess your situation and start being honest with yourself.

Right now, a lack of career opportunities and salary progression is prevalent. With promises being broken or put on hold and work-life balance suffering as a result.

While no job is completely perfect, it’s important to keep your bigger picture at the forefront of decision-making. Consider the experience you’re gaining, the networks you’re exposed to, and the kudos you get from working where you do. This will help you understand what to do next.

What you need to remember is that you are not alone. We all experience a degree of apprehension when it comes to change. That’s why comfort zones exist.

Changing your job is a big decision, but being uncomfortable with uncertainty is not a good enough excuse to avoid it. If you think it might be time to move on, my advice is to explore it. Reach out and explore what’s out there. Do some research. Speak to someone you trust. The more you know, the less scary it will become.

Of course, the grass is not always greener, but your time is very precious, and if you’re not happy, you need to make a change of some kind. Whatever you decide to do, be confident, and don’t be put off by fear, because the rewards when you find a job you love will be life-changing.

When it comes to career development, the first thing that springs to mind is the pursuit of promotion and progression. We’re immersed in a culture fueled by the desire to advance, elevate our status, and take on more responsibility. Yet, establishing a successful career is only one chapter in our work story.

Recent research has revealed that most people – including those with the most enviable careers – find themselves unhappy at work in their mid-40s. This mid-career crisis occurs when we start to sense a disconnection and misalignment with our chosen path.

Reflected in dwindling enthusiasm or an unsettling inability to focus with the same vigour as before, one common cause is spending too much of your time putting out fires and avoiding bad outcomes, rather than pursuing projects with positive and invigorating value.

Naturally, when people are disenchanted, they begin to question their choices. A loss of passion and purpose drains their energy, giving way to introspection, apathy, and a growing curiosity about what might be.

Unhappy, they face the dilemma of ‘cope or quit’, but the most pivotal step is recognising these signs. A mid-career crisis may feel like you are beyond the point of return, but it is a chapter you can rewrite. It is possible to rediscover your sense of fulfilment and purpose.

Make Time to Feel Good

A negative workplace can harm your mental health. My advice is to create room for other pleasures in your life, for example, reviving an old hobby or taking up a new one. If you love travelling, take a short break and come back refreshed. If you dream of playing the guitar, while it may not seem as important as your job, it can help you to relax, feel a sense of accomplishment, and discover new ways to be happy.

Don’t Forget to Talk

A problem is better shared so talk to those you trust and seek guidance where you can. Having a mentor who has been through it before can help you navigate your way forward. If you feel comfortable, you can also approach your management or HR to share your concerns or express your enthusiasm to work on new projects or teams. Whoever you choose, use their guidance to help you make a concrete plan of action. Setting yourself new goals will also help, but if you feel like making a career change is your only choice, don’t be scared to leap.

Identify the Root Cause

Understanding what is at the crux of your crisis will guide your steps. With this clarity, you can chart a course to overcome the problems. Consider the following areas and how they make you feel:

Your position: Have you outgrown it? How do you feel about your daily tasks? How much responsibility and authority do you have? Is it time to assess whether you need a more challenging environment?

Your colleagues: Sometimes, it’s not the work. Do strained relationships or personality clashes create any problems? If so, it may be time to consider new companions for the next leg of your journey; ones who resonate with your values and aspirations.

The industry: The seemingly relentless churn of the same industry over many years can lead to disenchantment. If your skills are adaptable, consider exploring a new industry that excites you and holds more profound meaning.

The company: Has the passion for your company faded? When you feel the alignment has gone, it may be time to seek a new North Star; one where your passions and principles are met.

An unspoken reality for many people, a mid-career crisis can be hard to identify. The important thing is to keep a balanced perspective and not forget that missing out in some way is unavoidable in life. If you work through these strategies and they are not enough to reunite you with your career, then it may be time to make a change, as midlife is not too late.

Summer is a time of relaxation, a chance to unwind and recharge our batteries. It also offers a rare opportunity to take a moment among the daily demands of work to reflect on our professional path and evaluate where we stand.

In my line of work, I often encounter people who have already decided to seek a new horizon. But let me be clear, taking stock and examining your career doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time to move on. In fact, what I am suggesting is simply about taking responsibility and holding yourself accountable for ensuring your ambitions are aligned with your personal goals.

Granted, finding time for introspection amid a busy and contented life is not easy. However, it is precisely during these periods of contentment that we should evaluate our direction and progress to ensure our careers remain fulfilling. Summer gives us the extra time and space needed to reflect on this and our aspirations.

So, where do we begin? Start by asking yourself some fundamental yet pivotal questions. Are you excelling in your field? Does going to work bring you joy? Are you happy with your work-life balance? Do your values align with your colleagues and does your company’s mission still ignite your passion?

Ask yourself when the last time was that you received a performance appraisal or sought feedback from your boss. Can you outline your key objectives for the next 3, 6 and 12 months, or have they evolved since your last discussion with your manager? Being aware of these changes and maintaining open communication is essential, as your line manager will have a significant impact on your future promotion prospects.

Assuming you aspire to continue growing and developing professionally, consider the new skills you’ve acquired over the past year. Are you actively expanding your knowledge base? Are there any courses or support systems available to help your personal and professional growth?

Moreover, when was the last time you refreshed your CV? Keeping an eye on the job market not only reveals enticing opportunities but also ensures you understand your own value – especially if you have remained with a single employer for a significant period.

Even the most exceptional jobs can lose their appeal over time. Sometimes, you do need a change or a fresh challenge to reignite your passion. However, before diving into a job search, make sure you think carefully about your current role, employer, and prospects. And be honest with yourself but remember that work will never rival the joy of spending time with your loved ones, so be realistic and kind to yourself too.

To find genuine happiness, I firmly believe you need to discover a purpose in your work that aligns with your long-term goals. This requires understanding what truly matters to you in life. When your strengths align with this purpose, determining your next steps becomes more natural, and the power to make it happen lies with you.

So, embrace the summer as more than just a season of leisure. Use it to unlock new and exciting career opportunities that match your aspirations. Take charge of your professional journey, and let the sunshine illuminate your path to fulfilment.

This year, instead of merely dreaming of distant shores, why not use this break to embark on a fulfilling journey of self-discovery?

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