Is It Time to Look for a New Job? Six Ways to Know, and Six Steps to Take A lot is written about job search for new graduates, and that’s a good thing. After a dozen or more years of education and intensive training, the last thing most residents and fellows feel prepared for is CV writing or interviewing with an HR panel. Still, if you’re an experienced neurologist ready to find new work, you may be looking back on those days with nostalgia. The confusion you felt then may be nothing compared to what you’re experiencing now. For one thing, it’s difficult to know if you should be looking for work at all. Unlike a new graduate, neurologists already in the workforce generally don’t “need” to find a new job. Unless there’s a compelling catalyst, such as a pending relocation for a spouse’s career, a working neurologist could stay right where they are and never actually move forward on a change. Following are six ways to know if it’s time to switch things up, and six steps to take if you decide to move forward.
It’s probably time to seek new work if… ...if you know you’ll be relocating. Some moves can be made without a job change, but many can’t. If you’ve already explored options for staying in your current role, such as telecommuting or creative scheduling that lets you fly back to
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your new home for extended weekends, you may have to conclude that it won’t be possible to keep this position after you move your household. …if your current employer is expanding. Even if you’re happy with your current position, ignoring new opportunities for growth when they open up in front of you isn’t smart career management. When you learn of your current employer’s plans, you’d be wise to initiate a conversation with an administrator whose judgment—and confidentiality—you can trust. An early exploration doesn’t have to result in action if you choose otherwise, but a late exploration might mean there’s no option left for you to consider. …if you’re tired of what you’re doing. You don’t need your medical training to know that burnout is real. When you start feeling reluctant to head into work or stop feeling interested in the patients or projects assigned to you, something
