While the thought of leaving a job that no longer satisfies you can be liberating, it’s crucial to approach this transition with caution. Having another job lined up before you quit your current one isn’t just about playing it safe; it’s about ensuring your career trajectory continues upward without unnecessary interruptions. Let’s dive into why this strategy is wise.
Financial Security: First and foremost, maintaining a steady income is essential. Job searches can take longer than expected, and having your next position secured minimizes the risk of financial strain. It’s important to ensure you can continue to meet your financial obligations without the stress of an uncertain employment gap.
Leverage in Negotiations: When you already have a job, you’re in a better position to negotiate the terms of a new offer. Employers often prefer candidates who are currently employed, as it suggests you are sought after and valued in your field. This can give you the upper hand in discussions about salary, benefits, and other job terms.
Professional Reputation: Leaving a job only once your next opportunity is secured demonstrates foresight and planning in your career management. It reflects positively on your professional reputation, showing that you are thoughtful about transitions and committed to continuous professional development.
Reducing Career Gaps: Having a seamless transition between jobs prevents gaps in your resume, which can sometimes raise questions for future employers. Continuous employment suggests reliability and dedication—qualities that are highly attractive to employers.
Psychological Benefits: Knowing you have a job waiting for you reduces the stress and uncertainty associated with leaving a current position. It allows you to leave on a positive note, focusing on the excitement of new challenges rather than the anxiety of unemployment.
Here’s some final advice from Dr. D, Your Career Doctor – Always plan your career moves strategically. Securing a job before quitting your current one ensures that you maintain control over your career path, keeping your professional journey both stable and progressive.
Remember, I’m here to help. Dr. D, Your Career Doctor.
Here’s a few thoughts from Your Career Doctor. Sometimes, the road to your dream job can be long and winding, and it’s okay to take a pit stop. An “along the way” job might not be where you see yourself in the future, but it can play a crucial role in helping you reach your ultimate career goals. Let’s explore why these positions are more than just fillers—they’re stepping stones.
Building Skills and Experience: “Along the way” jobs can equip you with valuable skills that enhance your resume. Whether it’s customer service, management, or technical abilities, the experience gained can be a significant selling point in interviews for your dream job. Each skill you develop adds another layer to your professional profile, making you a more attractive candidate in the competitive job market.
Financial Stability: Let’s face it—bills don’t pay themselves. Taking a job in the interim provides financial stability, allowing you to fund further education or training needed for your dream role without the stress of financial insecurity. It’s a practical move that supports your long-term aspirations by giving you the freedom to focus on future opportunities without monetary distractions.
Networking Opportunities: Every job is a chance to network. “Along the way” jobs often introduce you to people who might help you move closer to your dream job. Building a broad network can open doors to opportunities that might not be advertised publicly. You never know if a colleague from today might be the connection to your dream job tomorrow.
Learning What You Really Want: Sometimes, you learn just as much about what you don’t want as what you do. Working different jobs can clarify what aspects of a role or industry are truly important to you. This insight is invaluable as it ensures that when your dream job does come along, you’re 100% sure it’s the right fit.
Maintaining Employment Gaps: In a resume, continuity matters. “Along the way” jobs prevent employment gaps, showing potential employers that you are proactive and resilient. Continuous employment demonstrates your work ethic and dedication, traits highly valued in any field.
Here’s some final advice from Dr. D, Your Career Doctor: If you’re waiting for your dream job, consider the value of an “along the way” job. It’s not just about making ends meet; it’s about preparing, growing, and paving the way to your future success. So, keep your eyes on the prize, but remember, every step along the way is part of your journey.
Here’s some advice from Dr. D, Your Career Doctor. Remote work was the dream for many professionals, especially during the height of the pandemic, when the shift to working from home seemed to offer a permanent new way of working. Fast forward to today, and we’re seeing a dramatic change.
Companies that once embraced remote work are starting to pull back, and job seekers who are holding out for fully remote roles may find themselves disappointed. In this article, we’re going to dive into the reality of remote work and why you might need to rethink your expectations.
In 2020 and 2021, remote work surged as companies scrambled to adapt to the pandemic. Professionals across industries enjoyed the flexibility of working from home, and many even started to prioritize remote work as a key factor in their job search. But now, as the world moves toward a new normal, we’re seeing a significant shift. Many companies are mandating a return to the office, or at the very least, a hybrid work model that requires employees to come in part-time. For job seekers hoping to land a fully remote position, the pickings are getting slimmer by the day.
One of the reasons for this shift is that businesses are starting to realize the benefits of in-person collaboration. While remote work has its perks, especially for work-life balance, there’s no denying that some industries and roles thrive on the creativity and energy that come from being in the same physical space. For example, team brainstorming sessions, spontaneous problem-solving, and building strong workplace cultures can sometimes be challenging in a fully remote environment. Companies are adjusting their expectations and are pulling back on remote roles as a result.
If you’re one of the many professionals searching for that perfect remote job, it’s important to approach the market with a realistic mindset. While remote opportunities still exist, the competition for these roles is fiercer than ever. Many companies are receiving hundreds, if not thousands, of applications for a single remote position, making it harder to stand out. If you’re holding out for a role that offers 100% remote work, you may need to consider hybrid roles as a compromise, or look for positions that allow for remote flexibility rather than fully remote status.
So, what can you do? First, it’s important to be open-minded. While a fully remote role may be your ideal, don’t overlook the benefits of a hybrid position, where you can have some in-person collaboration and still enjoy the flexibility of remote work for part of the week.
Secondly, make sure you’re positioning yourself as a strong candidate in your field, with skills that can be leveraged in a variety of work environments. Employers are looking for professionals who can adapt, whether they’re working from home or in the office.
Here’s some final advice from Dr. D, Your Career Doctor. The landscape of remote work is changing, and it’s important to stay flexible. Keep your options open, and don’t be afraid to explore hybrid or flexible work environments. By being strategic and adaptable, you’ll set yourself up for long-term success in any job market.
Here’s some advice from Dr. D, Your Career Doctor. Rebranding yourself to chase a booming industry can feel like a smart move, but it doesn’t always lead to success.
Many professionals found this out the hard way after jumping on the tech boom in 2021 and 2022, only to be left scrambling when the market cooled. While rebranding can be an essential part of career growth, it needs to be done strategically. Today, we’re going to discuss why chasing trends—like the tech boom—without careful planning can backfire, and how to avoid those pitfalls.
During the height of the tech boom, professionals from all walks of life were rebranding themselves as software developers, data analysts, and tech professionals. And why not? Tech companies were throwing high salaries at talent, and remote work opportunities were abundant.
But just as quickly as those opportunities appeared, they began to vanish. By late 2022 and into 2023, tech companies were scaling back, remote roles were shrinking, and many who had invested time and money into rebranding found themselves out of luck.
One of the biggest mistakes made during this period was rebranding without considering long-term career stability. The allure of a higher paycheck or a more prestigious title can be tempting, but if the industry you’re chasing is volatile or prone to rapid changes, you could find yourself in a difficult situation when the market shifts. This happened to many tech job seekers who entered the field late in the boom, only to see job offers dry up overnight.
So, what’s the lesson here? It’s important to rebrand strategically, with a focus on long-term career goals, not just short-term gains. If you’re considering a shift into a new industry, make sure you’ve done your homework.
Is the industry stable?
Are there consistent opportunities for growth?
What transferable skills do you bring to the table that will make you valuable even if the market slows down?
Answering these questions can help you make a more informed decision about your career path.
Instead of chasing trends, focus on industries that have proven stability or are growing steadily. If you do decide to pivot into a booming industry, make sure you have a strong foundation in your skills and are prepared for potential market changes. A solid career strategy is built on sustainability, not just the excitement of the latest trend.
Here’s some final advice from Dr. D, Your Career Doctor. Rebranding can be powerful, but it should always be done with a long-term strategy in mind. Stay focused on building skills that will serve you in any market, and you’ll be prepared for whatever career opportunities—or challenges—come your way.
Here’s some advice from Dr. D, Your Career Doctor. We’ve all heard the term “toxic workplace” thrown around, but what does it really mean?
Is your job just frustrating, or is it genuinely damaging your well-being? While I always encourage people to think carefully before quitting a job, there are times when walking away is the best and healthiest option. In this article, I’ll break down how to recognize a truly toxic work environment and when it’s time to quit for the sake of your health and career.
First, it’s important to understand what makes a workplace toxic. A toxic workplace goes beyond just having a difficult boss or annoying coworkers. It’s a place where unhealthy behaviors like bullying, harassment, discrimination, or unethical practices are present, and they make it impossible for you to do your job effectively or safely. If you constantly feel stressed, undervalued, or even threatened at work, that’s a major red flag. These are not normal job frustrations—this is a toxic environment, and it’s not something you should tolerate.
Sometimes people hesitate to leave toxic jobs because they worry about finding another role or fear the unknown. But remember, staying in a toxic environment can take a toll on your mental and physical health, and no paycheck is worth sacrificing your well-being. If you’re dealing with constant emotional stress, sleepless nights, or even physical symptoms related to your job, it’s a clear sign that it’s time to move on.
Of course, quitting isn’t always an immediate option for everyone. Before making the leap, it’s important to have a plan. Start by documenting the toxic behaviors you’re experiencing—whether it’s harassment, unethical requests, or other harmful practices. This documentation can protect you in case you need to file a formal complaint or negotiate an exit. Next, make sure your resume is up-to-date, and begin networking discreetly so you’re prepared to land a new role when the time is right.
One thing to keep in mind: quitting a toxic job doesn’t mean you’re giving up—it means you’re taking control of your career and well-being. Toxic environments can drain your energy, creativity, and confidence, but stepping away opens the door to new opportunities where you can thrive.
Here’s some final advice from Dr. D, Your Career Doctor. If you’re in a truly toxic workplace, your mental and physical health should come first. Don’t let fear keep you stuck. With the right strategy, you can leave that toxic job behind and move toward a healthier, more fulfilling career path.
Here’s some advice from Dr. D, Your Career Doctor. The job market today is more competitive than ever, with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of applicants vying for a single position.
Whether you’re looking to advance your career or find a new role, making sure your resume and networking strategies stand out is critical. In this article, I’m going to share some practical tips on how to shine in this crowded job market and make sure you get noticed.
First things first: Your resume. In a market flooded with candidates, your resume is often your first and only chance to make a good impression. It’s not just about listing your previous roles and responsibilities—it’s about clearly showing how you’ve added value in each position. Focus on measurable achievements rather than vague duties. For example, instead of saying, “Managed a team,” try, “Led a team of 10 to exceed quarterly goals by 15%.” Quantifiable results catch a recruiter’s eye and give them concrete reasons to consider you.
Another tip: Make sure your resume is tailored to the job you’re applying for. Many applicants send out generic resumes, hoping something will stick. But to truly stand out, take the time to customize your resume for each application. Highlight the specific skills and experiences that align with the job description, and use keywords from the posting to ensure your resume passes through applicant tracking systems (ATS) that scan for relevant terms.
Now let’s talk about networking. Networking is more important than ever, especially in a tight job market. The truth is, many job opportunities aren’t even posted publicly, and your next role might come from someone in your network. But effective networking is more than just adding people on LinkedIn—it’s about building genuine relationships. Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals. Offer to help others, share insights, and be consistent in maintaining your professional connections. People are more likely to think of you when opportunities arise if they know you’re actively engaged.
In addition to traditional networking, don’t overlook the power of LinkedIn as a networking tool. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and mirrors the strengths highlighted on your resume. Post relevant industry updates, comment on others’ posts, and join groups related to your field. Being active on LinkedIn increases your visibility and helps you build connections with recruiters and potential employers.
Here’s some final advice from Dr. D, Your Career Doctor. To shine in a crowded job market, you need both a standout resume and a strong network. Make sure you’re presenting your best self on paper and in person. With a strategic approach, you’ll be able to rise above the competition and land the role that’s right for you.
Here’s some advice from Dr. D, Your Career Doctor. In today’s fast-paced job market, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of chasing new opportunities.
Job hopping, higher salaries, and the lure of remote work can make staying in one position seem outdated. However, there’s something to be said for stability in your career. In this article, I’ll discuss why sticking with your current job can be a smart move for your long-term career success.
One of the biggest benefits of staying put is the opportunity for growth within your current company. While it may be tempting to jump ship for a slight salary bump, staying in a stable role allows you to build deeper relationships with colleagues and supervisors.
Over time, this can lead to internal promotions, leadership roles, or projects that you may not have been considered for as a new hire in another company. Companies often reward loyalty, and having a strong internal track record can make you a more valuable asset.
Another factor to consider is the job market itself. While certain industries may seem to be booming, others are experiencing slowdowns or hiring freezes. The grass may look greener elsewhere, but making a move during uncertain economic times can be risky. If you have job security and are in a role with room for growth, it’s often wiser to stay put rather than risk stepping into an unstable environment.
Stability also allows you to focus on skill-building rather than constantly adjusting to new roles, which can ultimately position you for greater success in the future.
Staying in one place also gives you the chance to specialize and develop expertise in your field. When you stay with a company long enough, you gain valuable institutional knowledge, build a network of trusted colleagues, and develop a reputation for reliability and competence. These factors can be just as important—if not more so—than gaining experience at multiple companies. Employers value consistency, and a stable work history can demonstrate your ability to commit and grow within an organization.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you should stay in a job that no longer serves you. If you’re in a toxic environment or there’s no room for advancement, moving on may be the best decision. However, if your job offers stability, growth potential, and aligns with your long-term career goals, staying the course might be the better move.
Here’s some final advice from Dr. D, Your Career Doctor. Stability in your career doesn’t mean stagnation. In fact, staying with the right company can open up more opportunities for growth than you may realize. So, before you leap to the next opportunity, take stock of what you have and where you’re headed—it just might pay off in the long run.
Here’s some advice from Dr. D, Your Career Doctor.
If you were part of the Great Resignation and now find yourself second-guessing that decision, you’re not alone.
What started as a massive shift in the workforce during 2021, with millions of people quitting their jobs in search of better opportunities, has now led to a phenomenon some are calling the Great Regret. People who left their positions expecting to find better roles are now realizing that the job market isn’t as welcoming as it once seemed. Let’s talk about why this happened and what lessons can be learned for job seekers today.
The Great Resignation was fueled by an unprecedented job market. Employers were offering higher salaries, remote work options, and better benefits to attract talent. Many professionals took advantage of this by jumping ship, hoping to land roles that better aligned with their career goals and lifestyles. However, as the market cooled, the dynamics quickly changed. Suddenly, the opportunities that seemed plentiful disappeared, and now, many who resigned are finding it harder to secure new roles. Some are even regretting the decision to leave the stability of their previous jobs.
This shift in the job market has led to the phenomenon known as the Great Regret. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side, and for many, the allure of higher pay or remote work turned out to be short-lived. With companies tightening their belts and scaling back on hiring, professionals are realizing that they may have left behind more than just a paycheck—they left behind job security. It’s a tough lesson for those who made the leap during the height of the hiring frenzy, but it’s an important reminder of the risks involved in making impulsive career decisions.
So, what does this mean for job seekers today? The key takeaway is to be cautious and strategic. If you’re currently employed, don’t be too quick to leave your role unless you have a solid plan and a clear understanding of the job market.
The days of easily landing a higher-paying job or a remote position are fading, and competition for roles is fierce. It’s essential to act like the CEO of your career, making calculated moves instead of reacting to trends or short-term frustrations. Before making a decision to resign, ask yourself: Am I moving toward a long-term opportunity, or am I chasing a trend that may not last?
To avoid falling into the same trap as those experiencing the Great Regret, focus on building a strong foundation in your current role. Work on developing new skills, expanding your network, and keeping your resume up to date. This way, if the right opportunity does arise, you’ll be prepared to make a move with confidence. And if the market shifts again, you’ll be in a better position to navigate those changes.
Here’s some final advice from Dr. D, Your Career Doctor.
Don’t let the trends of the job market dictate your career moves. Instead, focus on long-term strategy, stability, and growth. By being patient and thoughtful, you can avoid the Great Regret and make career decisions that truly benefit you in the long run.
Here’s some advice from Dr. D, Your Career Doctor.
While it’s easy to feel frustrated at work, especially if you’re underpaid, overworked, or stuck in a toxic environment, quitting your job in the current market may not be the wisest move.
The job market today is tougher than it has been in recent years, with fewer opportunities and more competition for every available role. Before you make a decision that could backfire, it’s important to consider a more strategic approach to your career.
One of the biggest challenges job seekers face today is the sheer volume of competition. In recent months, companies have reported receiving thousands of applications for a single job opening, especially for highly coveted positions like remote or hybrid roles.
Job seekers are finding it more difficult to stand out, and many professionals who once had no problem getting interviews are now struggling to get noticed. If you’re considering leaving your job, it’s important to realize that the landscape has changed dramatically, and landing a new role could take longer than you expect.
The economic climate is another factor to consider. Unlike the job market boom of 2021 and 2022, when companies were scrambling to hire talent, today’s employers are tightening their belts. Many companies are cutting back on new hires, and salaries are not as competitive as they once were. This means fewer opportunities and less bargaining power for job seekers, making it harder to find roles that meet both your career goals and salary expectations.
If you’re currently employed, now is the time to think strategically about your next move. Instead of quitting, consider building your skills, strengthening your network, and positioning yourself for the right opportunity. While it may not be the ideal moment to jump ship, you can still take steps to advance your career by preparing for future openings that align with your long-term goals.
As always, act like the CEO of your career. Make smart, calculated decisions instead of reacting emotionally to a tough situation at work. By focusing on long-term strategy rather than short-term frustration, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the challenges of today’s job market and secure the right opportunity when it comes.
Here’s some final advice from Dr. D, Your Career Doctor. Make sure your next career move is based on solid strategy, not frustration. Stay focused, be patient, and when the right opportunity comes along, you’ll be ready to take it on with confidence.
Let’s face it. The internet is a very big place, and it’s easy for one to get lost, especially if you’re a job seeker.
With a multitude of job boards and job search engines popping up online, it may be difficult to sort through them and find the ones that are most likely to help you find a good job.
To make the process a little easier for you, we have recommended a list of six of the best job search engines that have proven to be beneficial to many job seekers around the world. Here are our recommendations for the best job boards for 2019.
At YourCareerDoctor, your success is our success. With professional strategies and services to help you land jobs, we actively work on connecting you with ideal employers. A one-stop shop, we also offer career coaching and career advice to help you grow and reach your career goals. In fact, one of the things that makes us different from other companies is our intentional focus on growth and development. We spend a great deal of time teaching and empowering employers and job seekers like you through the recruitment and hiring process. So, you are never alone on your job searching journey. YourCareerDoctor is around to help you with the process and connect you with the right companies.
If you’re not yet on LinkedIn, you’re definitely selling yourself short. In case you’re unfamiliar, LinkedIn is somewhat of a Facebook for professionals. It’s the perfect platform to connect with other professionals, showcase your skills and accomplishments, learn about companies that are hiring, blog about industry related topics and anything else of interest to you, as well as search for jobs. Additionally, in the job search section of the site, many of the jobs will allow you to use your profile instead of a resume to apply. Because LinkedIn is catered to professionals, you can avoid becoming distracted by the junk feeds prevalent on many of the other social media platforms and really focus on furthering your career. The LinkedIn platform will also assist you in building your professional network by labeling individuals you are linked to via another LinkedIn member already in your social circle. LinkedIn has a free membership as well as a “Premium” membership available for users. LinkedIn is a good place to connect and find a job.
CareerBuilder is one of the most popular job search platforms on the internet. It is very user-friendly and provides job seekers with the ability to search for jobs on a local and national level. There are several search parameters you can use, some of which are geographic location, company name, and keyword. On CareerBuilder, you have the ability to upload more than one resume and cover letter. For instance, if you have experience in more than one field, you can customize a resume and/or cover letter to fit each field, and when you apply for a position, you can simply select which document you want to use. CareerBuilder is available via a web browser as well as a very easy to use app that can be downloaded on both Android and IOS.
In addition to being a job search platform, Glass Door is also helpful because it allows current and former employees of a company to provide a review of their time with the company. On Glass Door, employees can also provide details about how effective management is, salary and benefit information and any other thing you’d want to know about a company before working there. Glass Door is beneficial to job seekers because it helps them determine whether applying for a position is worthwhile, based on the information they receive about the overall climate of a company from the employees who have worked there.
Simply Hired is a search-based platform that allows you to save the parameters of specific job search and be alerted via email anytime a position is listed that meets the criteria you have set up. Simply Hired pulls their listings from all of the major job listing platforms on the internet so you can be confident in the fact that you won’t miss out on that next great opportunity. Simply Hired can also be a helpful tool for individuals who don’t have a lot of time to browse job boards all day, perhaps because they have another job. Instead, members of Simply Hired will receive an alert any time a job is available that they may be a fit for. It’s like having your own personal job seeking assistant and best of all–it’s free!
Looking for a federal government job? Well, there’s likely no better place than USA Jobs, a job search platform curated by the U.S.A. Office of Personnel Management that lists available federal job openings around the country. On USA Jobs, you can create your professional profile, upload your resume, and make that resume public so that recruiters can find you. Additionally, like Simply Hired, USA Jobs will email you when positions become available that match the criteria set in your profile. USA Jobs also provides an array of free virtual educational events on topics that include writing effective resumes, learning the federal government’s interview process, and navigating their website. While the site is not as user-friendly as some of the other sites, it’s definitely worth the time and effort to check it out and apply to your dream job,
Job Search Keywords Matter
Often keywords will help you speed up the process of accurately finding the best job board. Major web search engines have mastered the process of finding information on the web. Thus, we recommend you use specific keywords to identify the best job boards. They are as follows:
find job online, full-time job, full-time job near me, part-time job near me, job near me, best job search engine.
These terms will enable you to locate the right board to meet your requirements.
There are many job search platforms online to choose from, but all that glitters isn’t gold so being cognitive of the platforms you spend your time seeking jobs on can be critical to your overall success. The good thing about job search sites is that in the age of Google, many sites are drawing from the same data banks of available positions as well as taking data from each other, so determining which platform is best for you will often come down to which ones you feel most comfortable using. Ultimately, we hope this list has been helpful to you, and we wish you the best of luck in your job seeking endeavors.
Looking for a Job? Visit the Best Job Search Engine Around!
Looking for a new job? Visit http://jobs.yourcareerdoctor.com to find your dream job. We are the best job search engine around. #jobseeker #iownmycareer #jobsearchengine #findjobsnearme. Do you need career coaching? Visit us at http://yourcareerdoctor.com for more information.
