Getting a new job

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There are many reasons for getting a new job but here are the main ones:

You can't move up any more where you are: If your job has become stagnant and there's no chance of movement then you should start looking elsewhere. Staying in a rut will do nothing for your self-esteem or career. However if there is a chance to move up and you haven't grabbed it maybe you need to try and impress your boss and then ask for a pay rise.
You want to do something different: Bored senseless and know you want a change? Then you need to work out what your perfect job would be and then try to get it. Changing career completely could mean pay cuts to allow you to retrain in a more junior position or a trip back to college, but it's worth it if it means you'll be happier.
You want to be self-employed: Whether you want to be an entrepreneur or go freelance you need to prepare yourself before taking the plunge. Working for yourself is a risky business and you need to be ready for the hitches, hiccups and pay insecurity that the first year is likely bring.

So, you've decided to move - here's what you should be doing:

Get that new job: Is your CV up-to-date and fantastic? If you feel it's lacking substance add some value to it before making that leap. Take a look at our careers info section or check out the job hunting section on Lifetracks.com to find all the advice you need to apply for and get that new job.
Get more training: If you decide to go back to college, take a vocational course or study from home you'll need to work out which course to do. There are endless choices, so think about what you want to do and then pop into your local college careers centre for more advice.
Setting up in business: Get in touch with the Prince's Trust or LiveWire to find out where to start. Channel 4's Ideas Factory also has a lot of advice in setting up a business in the creative industries.

Updated: 13/03/2011

Written by Susie Wild