The last year has been anything but ordinary, and many have stayed in roles they aren’t completely happy with due to concerns about the availability and security of jobs.
However, times are changing and if you are in the tech industry, now could be the best time to switch roles. Here’s why.
As lockdowns begin to ease, firms are coming out of hibernation with ambitious hiring plans. Looking forward to a period of high growth, vacancies are booming, with On Rec reporting record numbers of new job listings.
There is a huge amount of choice out there, and new opportunities are appearing all of the time. It makes sense to take advantage of them. With the numbers of vacancies being high, applicants are in the perfect position to dictate terms and make the new role work for you, whether that means working from home, an increased salary or better benefits.
Remote working has experienced a boom over the last year, with necessity forcing businesses to consider creative new ways for employees to work away from the office. Although some companies are returning to the old normal, many are finding ways to ensure that remote – or at least hybrid – working is here to stay.
This is a positive for both employees and employers, with employers having access to a wider range of talent without the geographical barriers, and job hunters gaining far more choice in the businesses that they have available to them. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of that opportunity and see what else is out there.
As the recovery continues, tech specialists are more in demand than ever before. This is reflected in the huge increase in salaries across the board. Software Engineering salaries have gone up by 5% in just the last six months, and .NET roles up 5.82%.
With wages going up, now is the ideal time to make a move and see an increase in your pay packet. By moving on, you will likely have access to a significantly higher salary than you are currently receiving.
Covid-19 led to stagnation in promotions, with one study showing that the number of promotions halved during the pandemic. If you want to take the next step in your career, but your current company has put a pause on promotions, then moving outside of your company is a good idea – particularly at this time.
It is always tempting to stay where you are and stick with what you know, particularly if the possibility of a promotion soon has been discussed. However, your career is the most important thing, and it is always worth keeping your finger on the pulse to see what else is out there.
The companies that are hiring now are investing in their future with confidence. That tells you that they have ambitious growth plans, and you will be taken along with them. This might mean fast-tracked promotion, an enviable income boost in the near future, or the opportunity to dictate the direction of your career.
We have already spent a year having plans disrupted, and it is easy to consider your current employer as a safe haven. However, by not moving on you will never know about the advantages that you have missed out on.
Most humans are naturally resistant to change. We like to feel comfortable and stick with what we know, and the thought of shaking things up can make us anxious about potential mistakes or concerns that the grass won’t be greener on the other side.
It’s important to remember that growth comes from mistakes. The more experiences we have, the more agile and confident we are – so even if a move doesn’t turn out to be everything you had hoped for, it will still be a superb learning experience.
The fact that you are considering a new job suggests that you are ready for the challenge. Now all you need to do is seize it!
