#CareerCounsel meets #PandaPounds: Leaving your role, part 1

Today we thought we’d try something a bit different with our #CareerCounsel series. One of the most interesting insights from our 2016 Ecommerce Salary Survey is why our respondents decided to leave their previous role.

Deciding it’s time to move on from your job is a very big deal and welcomes many questions that need to be answered.

“Is it too much of a risk?”

“Will the next role be any different?”

“Is there anything that can change to convince me to stay?”

We’re sure there are plenty more questions than that! So we’ve decided to introduce #PandaPounds to #CareerCounsel, looking at the common reasons for leaving a role and how one can really analyse the situation before making that big decision.

Why did our respondents leave their previous role?

While the respondents of our salary survey work in Ecommerce, we’re sure the following reasons for leaving a role are frequent for people in all types of roles. Let’s take a look at the common reasons for leaving a role, as seen in our 2016 report...

There you have it…the most common reason for leaving a role is ‘Time for a change’ with 41% of our respondents selecting this. This could be closely linked with the 21% who specified ‘lack of essentials’ as the reason for leaving their previous role. We will cover what these essentials are shortly, but if certain needs are not being fulfilled then it can welcome feelings of needing a big change.

22% answered ‘Other’ and elaborated on what exactly it was that made them decide to leave their previous role. Some of the answers were:

• Poor Management – This was highlighted often amongst this 22%. It’s interesting as ‘Management’ is also listed in our essentials in a role, but it seems these respondents had a specific issue with the management in their team.
• Redundancy – Redundancy was also highlighted by those who had other reasons for leaving their previous role. Read our #CareerCounsel post on dealing with redundancy if you needed tips on this matter.
• A long commute – Or an ‘awful’ commute as one of our respondents put it. If a commute is long and draining, it is very tricky. Unless your office moves closer to you, there’s not much else that can be done. It’s not just about the distance either; whether your route is always too crowded, there are too many changes or your desired mode of transport isn’t feasible, there are many factors that can affect the commute. However, it is important to see if there are any alternatives that might make the commute a little easier for you. But if something about your commute is taking its toll, it’s a valid reason to consider a change and removing yourself from the uncomfortable commute.
• Offered a new opportunity – Accepting a new role is just as big as leaving one…in fact they’re pretty much intertwined. What’s important here is that whatever the reasons for leaving your previous role, those aspects must be non-existent in the new role. Otherwise there has been no real progression and the new role won’t feel like a ‘new’ opportunity for long. Really think about any offer you might get and decide if it’s the right one for you.

What is most essential in a role?

We asked our respondents what is important to them when it comes to picking a new role. Looking at the graphic here, the clear frontrunner is feeling valued and respected. In fact, this was the same result as our 2015 Salary Survey so it really is an important thing within a role.  

Other essentials outside of the top 5 include holiday allowance, company phone or laptop, flexible working and travel benefits.

What is important to you? Have a really good think about it because if you don’t think a particular aspect in your career is being fulfilled, demotivation could soon follow. When you’re approaching new roles always have your priorities mapped out.

To be continued…

Do not fear as part 2 is not far away. What will we be tackling?

• If there is something about your role that might make you consider leaving, can you address it?
• If you do move on, how can you make sure new opportunities are right for you and your climb up the career ladder?

Be sure to keep your eyes open for this one! In the meantime, why not read the full 2016 salary survey report?