| Regardless of the personal reasons that you may be | | | | This brings up the point that as a part of your |
| in the market for a job change or even a whole | | | | strategy you'll need to have a few days off available |
| direction in your career, there are a few points to | | | | for your to do so. So, don't try to begin your |
| keep in mind as dip your to into the waters of the | | | | aggressive job search with no vacation or personal |
| job market. | | | | time off stored up under your current employment. |
| First all, hopefully your decision to seek other | | | | Once you have a firm offer of employment, you will |
| employment isn't a result of a knee jerk or impulse | | | | want to give your current employer at least two |
| decision... or even a couple bad days at work. | | | | weeks notice. You can give more if you're |
| But if you are going to seriously look at the | | | | comfortable doing so, but this is a judgment call. Only |
| possibilities, let's take a look at a few things that will | | | | you can decide on how much you want to keep |
| help your transition move smoother. | | | | your current employer in the loop. For the most part |
| Before you make the mental commitment to | | | | though, your job search and impending resignation |
| changing jobs, the first thing to consider is the job | | | | should be kept close to the vest. |
| market or outlook in your area. If fact, not just the | | | | If your employment plans are more drastic than just |
| job outlook in your area, rather, narrow your | | | | changing jobs... as in re-directing your career... you are |
| evaluation to the job outlook in your area in your | | | | going to have to do more research and planning. |
| area of expertise. | | | | A complete career change is going to probably |
| Certainly the current employment economic | | | | require additional training and education and in many |
| landscape is going to have a huge impact on your | | | | cases the costs that go with these. For example, if |
| ability to follow through with making a change in your | | | | you are going back to a specialty school to get |
| career or job. | | | | training and/or certification this will require both time |
| Obviously timing is a critical element in your decision | | | | and money on your part. Changing jobs or careers is |
| as well. If your income is the one solely responsible | | | | such a personal matter that certainly not all |
| for supporting your family, your flexibility may not be | | | | considerations can be covered. However, the key is |
| as great as if it were only you that would be | | | | research and planning on your part along with your |
| affected by your change. | | | | good judgment. |
| The concept is that you want to keep your current | | | | Change can be difficult not only for your but your |
| job as long as you can while at the same time trying | | | | family members as well. Be sure that everyone is on |
| to facilitate the change in your employment. Don't cut | | | | board with your career and job goals and that |
| your nose off in spite of your face. | | | | everyone sets realistic expectations. Don't jump ships |
| As the job search progresses, you'll no doubt | | | | just on an impulse decision; research and plan ahead |
| eventually need to come in for a personal interview. | | | | and the road you travel will be much smoother. |