We've all heard the expression, "climbing the corporate ladder", but what about navigating the job jungle gym? Because of an increase in multi-passionate job seekers, the days of staying with a company for 20 years are over. More employees are seeking meaningful work in a role where they do what they love and love what they do. Millennials especially have a low-tolerance for taking a job just for the sake of financial security. Our happiness and fulfillment come first. Can you blame us? In fact, this was the case for me as I ventured from a career in teaching to marketing. As rewarding as teaching was, it wasn't something I could see myself doing for the rest of my life. And to be honest, I'm not sure if marketing is either. Is anyone ever really sure what they want to do for the rest of their lives? All I know is I made my decision based on my level of happiness and haven't looked back since and the entire 24 Seven team joins me in saying we hope you can find the same job satisfaction as we have. That's not to say switching career paths is easy, it is in fact, quite the challenge, but that's what recruiting agencies are for. With a change of career comes some muddy water in terms of salary, title, and responsibility. The reality of what you will get paid in a new field versus what you hope to be paid is a hard pill to swallow... at first. (Our VP of Global Sales and Business Development is speaking about this exact topic July 25th, save your spot now!). Taking a few steps back to get to where you want to go is worth the risk.
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The reward is greater
According to our 2016 Salary Survey when employees switch jobs the pay increase is greater than if they were to stay for the long haul. Not only are there financial benefits to be had by changing careers, but there is confidence to be gained. When you look at navigating a new job like a jungle gym, you may take a few steps down or you may take a leap up, either way, you're moving and making progress in the direction you want to be going. With that said, doing anything outside of your comfort zone, (like leaving your current job to pursue your dreams), drastically boosts your confidence. You're thrown into the land of the unknown and you're forced to make the necessary changes to adapt to your new environment. Change is a scary thing and when we face our fears our competence increases which makes us more ambitious. Not to mention all the new connections you'll make! Networking is what drives your success in the working world, (hello LinkedIn). You never know who knows who that could help you on your next project or help you get to the next level in your career.
More room for growth
The beauty about starting from scratch in a new industry with a new company is the endless opportunities for growth. You have no knowledge of how the company is run, if anything is off limits, or what policies they already have in place. You can create your own future within that company by going above and beyond the job description. The best way to do this is to find the company's biggest problem and help solve it. You are a fresh face with unique insight. You'll be able to pick up on things that other people in the company have missed, which puts you in the best possible position to learn and grow.
Makes you a hot commodity
When you acquire various roles in various industries throughout your professional career you become a well-versed individual which makes you a hot commodity in the world of business. You're able to use seemingly unrelated skills and experience in a new setting which adds value and diversifies the company. Companies much rather have someone who is skilled at many little things than a master of one major thing because roles within companies are changing constantly, especially with all the technological advances. In other words, when you stop climbing the corporate ladder and start treating your career as a jungle gym, you'll be the jack of all trades. It may seem scary at first but taking that first step in another direction will be more beneficial than staying complacent in a career for the sake of stability. You have one life which you will spend the majority of your time working so you better spend it wisely by doing something you love. Climbing the corporate ladder is out and jumping on the job jungle gym is in. So what are you waiting for? Take the leap and apply to 24 Seven's recent job openings today!
