Why your 'great' tech job might not be enough anymore

“Life doesn’t always present you with the perfect opportunity at the perfect time. Opportunities come when you least expect them, or when you’re not ready for them. Rarely are opportunities presented to you in the perfect way, in a nice little box with a yellow bow on top. … Opportunities, the good ones, they’re messy and confusing and hard to recognize. They’re risky. They challenge you.” – Susan Wojcicki former CEO of YouTube

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Hey Reader,

Today, I want to talk about something that might feel a bit counterintuitive: why having a 'great' job might not be enough anymore, and why it might be time to look for your next opportunity in tech.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "Jenn, I've worked hard to get where I am. My job is good, my colleagues are great, and the pay is decent. Why would I want to change that?"

I hear you. But let me ask you this: When was the last time you felt truly challenged or excited about your work?

The Comfort Zone Trap

It's easy to fall into what I call the "comfort zone trap." You're in a stable job, you're good at what you do, and everything seems... fine. But here's the thing: in the fast-paced world of tech, 'fine' can quickly turn into 'stagnant.'

A study by McKinsey found that 40% of employees are considering leaving their current jobs in the next 3-6 months. Why? It's not just about money or benefits. It's about growth, purpose, and feeling valued.

5 Signs It Might Be Time for a Change

1. You're not learning anymore. Jobs and skills in Tech are always evolving. If you're not regularly picking up new skills or tackling new challenges, you might be stagnating.

2. You've outgrown your role. Remember when your job felt exciting and challenging? If that feeling is long gone, it might be time to level up.

3. Your values have shifted. What mattered to you five years ago might not be the same today. It's okay for your career goals to evolve.

4. You're not making the impact you want. One of my clients recently told me, “I’m living my career on autopilot.” If you're craving more meaningful work, that's a sign.

5. There is no growth in sight. With recent layoffs and budget cuts, many tech professionals are finding themselves in roles with limited opportunities for promotions or salary increases.

But I'm Comfortable Where I Am...

I get it. Change can be scary. But consider this: according to a report by Korn Ferry, women leave tech roles at a 45% higher rate than men before age 35. Often, it's because they feel undervalued or see limited growth opportunities.

You don't have to be part of that statistic. Instead, you can be proactive about your career growth.

Taking the Next Step

One of my clients, came to me feeling exactly like this. She had a "good" job at a well-known tech company, but she felt stuck. We worked together to identify her core values, strengths, and what truly excited and drained her about work. This gave her clarity on where to go next.

Within three months, she landed a role that not only advanced her career but also aligned perfectly with her passions. She told me, "For the first time in years, I'm excited to go to work on Monday mornings!"

Your Turn to Reflect and Act

• Take stock of your current role. What aspects truly fulfill you? What's missing?

• Envision your ideal next step. What would make you jump out of bed excited for work?

• Bridge the gap. How do your skills and experience translate to the roles you want to land? What unique value can you bring to these positions?

Remember, looking for your next opportunity doesn't mean you're ungrateful for your current one. It means you're committed to your growth and to making the most significant impact you can in tech. And guess what? Your timing couldn’t be better.

Did you know that September is one of the best times to start looking for new roles in Tech? As companies return from their summer break, they’re ramping up hiring to ensure they have the right people in seats at the end of 2024. So if you’ve been contemplating a move, now is the time to take action.

Are you coming back from your summer vacation, energized and excited to level up your career and change jobs, but not sure where to start? I'm here to help. Reply to this email with "SUMMER" and let's chat about how we can map out your next big move in Tech.

Here's to your continued growth and success!

Talk to you soon,

Jenn

P.S. Curious about how the THRIVE Method can specifically help you? Drop me a message or connect with me on LinkedIn - I’d love to chat!