ClearRock

With job satisfaction at record low levels, many people are planning to change jobs once the economy improves - and a majority of employers are expecting to lose talent, according to surveys.

• Only 45% of Americans are satisfied with their jobs, according to a survey by the Conference Board.  That is 5 percentage points less than the 49% who were satisfied with their jobs in 2008, and is the lowest job satisfaction rate in the 22 years the survey has been conducted.
• 29% of workers are planning to change jobs as the economy improves, and 56% of employers are expecting to lose top talent in a better economy, according to a July survey by CareerBuilder.com.  

Contributing to the decline in job satisfaction have been layoffs, resulting in increased workloads, salary and hiring freezes, and pay cuts.  "The continuing uncertainty over whether people will be able to hold onto their jobs has made many unhappy and open to exploring other job options in a better economy," said Annie Stevens, managing partner with ClearRock.

People should be cautious when making a decision about whether to change jobs in a tough economy.  "Employees should consider the potential negative consequences more carefully in a slower economy, when the ramifications of making the wrong move may be more harsh.  Talk with your manager about your career potential and possibilities to take on more responsibilities at your current job, make it more challenging, or transfer to another department or role," said Greg Gostanian, managing partner with ClearRock.

ClearRock offers these factors to consider for those weighing whether to change jobs:

• Significant Opportunity: "One reason to leave may be if the new position presents a substantial opportunity over your current job - career growth, better chances for advancement, more responsibilities, and a sizeable difference in pay and benefits," said Gostanian.
• Personal Toll: "It may be time to leave if your current job is taking too much of a toll on your personal life - you don't want to get out of bed to go to work, you're losing sleep, you're irritable all the time.  Don't allow the situation to get to the point where you are completely miserable," said Stevens.
• Not Challenged: "It may be time to leave if you don't feel challenged by your job, you have already talked with your manager, and have been unable to come up with any satisfactory alternatives," said Gostanian.
• Lack of Appreciation: "It also may be time to change jobs if you don't feel appreciated any more - especially if you used to feel valued, but you no longer think you make a difference," said Stevens.
• Demoralized & Concerned: "Another reason to leave may be if the workplace has become completely demoralized, and you and everyone else are overly concerned about the stability of your jobs," said Gostanian. 

POSSIBLE REASONS TO STAY

• Layoffs Are Rising:  "The economic recovery has stalled, and layoffs are trending upward.  For four months, from February through May this year, the number of people voluntarily leaving their jobs exceeded the total being laid off.  That ended in June, however, and now there is more job uncertainty," said Stevens.
• Less Seniority: "Newly hired employees generally have less seniority and may be the first ones affected by future job cutbacks.  You also give up the benefits and perks of seniority you enjoyed at your old job when you leave," said Gostanian.
• Quicker Results Expected: "There may be a much shorter time for new employees to achieve results.  Employers hiring people today are expecting them to make a noticeable impact immediately, and may be less patient than the job you left," said Stevens.
• No Significant Difference:  "If one of the biggest reasons for wanting to take another job is a higher salary, evaluate other components such as career potential, personal chemistry, and workplace relationships.  The new opportunity should offer clear advantages than just a bigger paycheck," said Gostanian.
• Work With Mentor:  "It's easier to find and work with a mentor at your current job than in a new environment, where you're just getting to know everyone.  Mentors can help you learn new technology and become more skilled in social media and communicating, which will make you an even more attractive candidate," said Stevens.