With change comes growth

With change comes growth and being comfortable with uncomfortable is one of the most rewarding places to be, long term.

I recently read that there is uncertainty in the job seeker space (which was quite likely a generalisation based on national figures and for all jobs advertised on the job board who had published this piece). In design engineering – and by that, I mean white collar design engineering, whether it be civil, structural, traffic, water, waste or geotechnical, there is plenty of work and secure and stable job vacancies as of February 2021. I know that, not only because of what my clients tell me, but by the types of jobs I am being asked to help fill.

In an insecure market, job vacancies are often for ‘Business Developers’ – experienced industry professionals who have strong networks they can draw upon to tender for work – or Engineers who can win sole-sourced work. Conversely, in a secure market, job vacancies are more typically for junior, mid-level and senior candidates; candidates who ‘get the project designed and delivered’. Of course, I am also seeing plenty of diversification. By this I mean there are many completely new vacancies in a market like this too – such as companies seeking to start a new discipline or set up an office in a new location.

So, is 2020 a good time to look for a new job?

I would say ‘yes’, it is as good a time as any. More importantly than generalising though, if you are a job seeker, consider the company you are interviewing with. Do they have the cash flow or plentiful projects to offer you security? Why is the role vacant? Are there immediate projects for you to work on, or will the role only tender for projects in the pipeline? Are the staff there engaged and is there a culture of contribution by all, or is it ‘Director’ led? Director led for some is a preference, as it takes the pressure off other staff having to win work. However, if all staff are encouraged to build relationships with clients and other stakeholders, the bread winning responsibility spreads and inevitably, it is easier to reach a greater number of people which could mean more chance for success on a wider variety of projects.

So, if you are looking to move, or have any inclination to look at what else might be beyond previously green pastures, there is inevitably some risk. The alternative is to stay put, but this is also not without risk. For many, it is often harder to progress your career or more difficult to get the development your career needs. Inevitably, you learn from being around people with different skill sets to your own, so If you feel you have learnt all you can from those around you, perhaps it is the right time to find a new team?

If you start your search and apply to companies directly, be sure to do thorough research. Do not simply base your opinion on feedback from existing or ex-employees, as these views will likely be biased in one way or another. If you are looking via a recruiter, the consultant should know enough about the market at large to give you a considered and accurate reflection of both the advantages of working for any given company, as well as the things that aren’t perfect.

If you are naturally risk averse and have thought about looking but then decided to stay put, ask yourself, what is the risk to your career? If after 6 months in your new job, all implodes leaving you looking once again, use this experience positively. If your reasons for leaving are genuine, you should (in a market like this) easily be able to find a new role that excites you again, because this market is secure. Ever changing, but secure and life is too short to tread water.