How’s your career path looking? On the path of “possible” or “impossible”? Are you looking to make a change? The best time of year to make a career change is really anytime you get an offer. However, there are better months to consider than others.
We all have our reasons for looking, however, working with a strategic plan is much better than, just not having a plan at all. Right?
Look, simply put, if you are having the slightest twinge in your stomach about starting your work week on Sunday night, and you can’t wait till Friday comes, maybe looking at other career options are in your future for 2024.
In fact, if you are really having these feelings, you’re already looking or at least thinking about it.
Just like friends and neighbors who overstay their welcome, sometimes, so do we.
Staying in positions which no longer serve our purpose, which have become toxic and unfulfilling, well this is just not healthy for you in all situations of your life.
So, when is it the best time of year to make a career change? We’ll get to that, but let’s take a glimpse at honesty first.
Change is hard for a lot of us, but staying in situations that are no longer bringing you the joy you deserve is harder in the long run. It could build up regret down the road and missed opportunities along the way,
An honest look at your situation, making the change
- Is your company stable? Are there any whisperings of company layoffs? Has your budget been cut? Has the company stopped sending out holiday cards? Seriously, don’t ignore these warning signs.
- If you work for a publicly traded company, how has the stock performed this year? The last 90-days…
- Are you losing sleep over work? Has your stress level ramped up? Are you more irritable with family and friends?
- How’s your savings account? Ok, most people have a little, do you have a little? If not, get a side-hustle.
- Are you craving a change? Afraid to make the move? Have you talked to someone you trust about your intentions?
- On a scale of 1-10, how fulfilling is your job? Has it’s purpose ran out and you’re on autopilot.
- Are you contributing or quite quitting every day? How do you show up?
- Are you new in the position and feel it’s not a good fit, but you need to stay for a while to get a gauge on your feelings about the job? (My rule, stick it out for a least a year, if you can).
- Are you in love with the money? But hate the job? (Go see someone and talk about it). Living your best life is more than money.
An honest look at your situation is solid advice, and something to consider. Play a strategic game.
You don’t want to switch up your life for something less than what you have now? So, take a look at the career change prompts and add more if you need to when making this decision.
Best time of year to make a career change
January and February
Of course, January and February make the list, for most companies this is the beginning of their fiscal year. NEW budgets! NEW hires! So, your strategy would have begun 3-6 months prior to knowing this. Or start the process now, before January gets here and follow into February.
“Hiring budgets are usually finalized by September or October, and funding for new hires typically is released at the start of the new year. Early January is usually slow, then the next few months—the first and second quarters of the year—offer the widest range of opportunities for the job hunter.”
According to SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management)
Challenging time to make a career change
SHRM, states that the most challenging time is during the summer months. July and August. Personally speaking, I agree. I have taken my most unfulfilled positions during the summer months. And usually, companies are looking to fill positions employees unexpectedly left or they were let go.
So, avoiding making a change if all possible during this time, could benefit you. If you do make the move during this time of year, making sure you asked specifically about the timeframe of this opening in your interview could benefit you as well when making the decision to accept if offered the job.
Other beneficial times of the year to make a career change
Autumn
For some companies their fiscal year begins in either October or November. So again, NEW budgets! NEW hires! I would suggest knowing the fiscal year end of the companies you want to apply to, if you already know. You can find this information on their company website. (You may have to dig a bit, but annual reports are usually published at the end of each fiscal year) and reported on the company’s website.
Final Thoughts
Run a strategic career change campaign. Level up to what’s important to you. Money creates opportunity, that’s all it does. It really can never buy you the happiness you deserve in life.
Realizing you are not defined by “what you do” but rather “who you are” is a strong life motto. Sometimes what we are doing at work is not our true purpose, it’s a pitstop to something greater.
Taking a job in hopes that it will fill the void from the other one you left, can run you down a rabbit hole of unfulfillment. Be wise and do your research.
I encourage you to take this time for honest introspection and self-reflection and ask yourself this question every day…
“Is what I’m doing aligned with my career path and where I want to go?”
What does your successful life look like? And then go create it for yourself. Many have and you should too! The world needs your talents.
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We’ll chat soon,
