Consider Switching Employers in a Difficult Economy

However, there is another way to look at these situations. Although the number of job openings decline – sometimes, disastrously – there are often some excellent opportunities that appear precisely because of the economic slowdown. As companies search for ways to turn around their own diminishing profit picture, they often search for star players.

Those companies that refuse to move to pure survival mode often create opportunities for those candidates who also project a bolder, more confident approach to down economies. Both companies and employees can prosper using this mindset.

Therefore, while a down economy and a recession are troubling conditions for both businesses and employees, you may find some exciting and interesting opportunities if you know where to look. Here are some thoughts to consider and suggestions to employ if you are among the bold and not the shy.

Reasons for Employees to Consider Changing Employers

Consider switching career paths.  Is it difficult in a down economy? Yes. Might it be worth a try? Yes. Sometimes a difficult economy is the best time to consider switching career paths. As companies consider their options to improve operations and profits, while many competitors around them are failing, they may be more willing to take the risk of hiring a high-performing employee wishing to change career focus.

Examine interesting options for new graduates.  While most of the print and broadcast media bemoans the lack of opportunities for new graduates, those that are creative may locate some excellent options. Here’s why. As companies lay off employees or undertake major downsizing activities, they often learn that they have created some “holes” in their staff that must be filled to continue efficient operations. Since they can often employ new graduates at lower compensation than most of their separated staff, younger, less-experienced workers become more attractive.

Trade compensation for opportunity.  Switching employers in hopes of increasing your compensation may be unrealistic wishful thinking during a recession. However, if you’re willing to trade some dollars for new opportunities to excel – and receive appropriate compensation later, when the economic downturn reverses – you may have a wonderful action plan.

Search for employers with a large “baby boomer” or heavily experienced, older staff.  As concerns for company viability increase, more older workers consider retirement as an option to be exercised now rather than later. Be proactive and take the initiative to find companies facing this situation. If you find employers that have already completed layoffs and downsizing and now face retirements, you may be pleasantly surprised with some new opportunities available to you.

Research the market thoroughly.  Search for the best rated companies to start, continue, or improve a career.  BusinessWeek  annually publishes its “Best Places to Launch a Career” study, which is a good place to start. Switching employers in a difficult economy is challenging, but not impossible. The diligence of your research will determine how effective your search will be.

Take advantage of the top employment search firms, like Kelly Services.  While the raw number of jobs may be down, the top employment firms maintain their long-term contacts and clients. They often continue to have some excellent employment opportunities even in the dark haze of a difficult economy. Even if you perform thorough research via the Internet for jobs and companies that may interest you, these top firms always offer some excellent opportunities that you will find nowhere else.

Be willing to “pay your dues.”  During these difficult economic times, you need to be noticed by your current and future employers. Eliminate a “business as usual” mentality and adopt a “going the extra mile” action plan. Since you will probably receive no extra compensation for this "can-do" attitude, you must prepare and commit yourself mentally to this proactive strategy. Accept that there will often be a short-term “cost” with this plan. However, looking at this plan as a longer-term opportunity can result in exciting new career achievements and increased compensation.

Your personal outlook and perception during a recession as a time of opportunity, not setback, will positively affect your performance at the workplace. Living with fear, concern, and negative thoughts at work will also affect your performance, but not in the way you’d like. Seeing your professional future as bright and exciting, while taking some or all of the suggestions noted above might help you make great strides with your current employer or give you the confidence to enter new, challenging, exciting, and lucrative territory with a new employer.