Is It Really Time To Quit Your Job?

When you’ve been working at a job for a while, it can be easy to get complacent and start daydreaming about a new opportunity. Maybe you’re bored with your current role, or you want to work for a company that aligns more closely with your values. Whatever the reason, it’s important to understand your motivation for wanting to make a change. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure that you’re not making a move based on impulse or emotions.

The Seven-Step Why Method is a simple but effective way to uncover the real reasons behind your desire to change jobs. It involves asking “why” seven times, digging deeper with each question to get to the root of the issue. Let’s explore why understanding your motivation is so crucial, and how you can use the Seven-Step Why Method to uncover the real reasons for wanting to change jobs.

Why Understanding Your Motivation is So Important

If you don’t take the time to understand your motivation for wanting to change jobs, you may end up making a move that doesn’t actually solve the underlying problem. For example, if you’re feeling unfulfilled at work, you might think that changing jobs will solve the problem. But if you don’t know what specifically is making you feel unfulfilled, you might end up in the same situation at your new job.

Understanding your motivation will help you make an informed decision about whether or not to make a change. It’s easy to get swept up in excitement about a new opportunity, but if you don’t know why you’re pursuing it, you may end up regretting your decision later on. By taking the time to really understand your motivation, you can be confident that you’re making the right move for the right reasons.

How to Use the 7 WHY Method

The “why” technique used in coaching is a powerful tool for exploring the underlying motivations and reasons behind a particular goal or decision. The technique involves asking yourself “why” repeatedly, typically seven times, to uncover the root cause or deeper meaning behind a particular situation or challenge.

In the context of considering changing jobs or employers, the “why” technique can help you to identify the true drivers behind your desire for a career change. By asking yourself why you want to change jobs, and then following up that question with six more “why” questions, you can begin to dig deeper and uncover any hidden motivations, fears, or desires that may be influencing your decision.

Step 1: Identify the Surface-Level Reason for Wanting to Change Jobs

Start by identifying the surface-level reason for wanting to change jobs. This is the reason that you might tell someone when they ask why you’re thinking about leaving your current job. For example, you might say that you’re looking for a new challenge, or that you want to work for a company that aligns more closely with your values.

Step 2: Ask Why

Now, ask yourself why you want a new challenge or why it’s important to work for a company that aligns with your values. The key here is to be honest with yourself and really dig deep. Don’t settle for surface-level answers like “I’m bored” or “I want to make more money.” Instead, think about what’s driving those desires.

Step 3: Answer and Ask Why Again

Once you have an answer to your first “why,” ask yourself why again. For example, if you said that you want a new challenge, you might ask yourself why that’s important to you. Is it because you feel like you’re not growing in your current role? Or maybe you feel like you’re not making a big enough impact?

Step 4: Repeat the Process

Continue asking “why” and answering the question until you’ve done it seven times. This will help you get to the root of the issue and uncover the real reasons for wanting to change jobs.

For example, let’s say you’re considering changing jobs because you’re feeling unhappy at your current workplace. By using the “why” technique, you might ask yourself:Why do I want to change jobs? – Because I’m unhappy at my current workplace.

Why am I unhappy at my current workplace? – Because my manager doesn’t praise me for my work which makes me feel unappreciated and unrecognised.

Why is it important to feel appreciated and recognised for my work? – Because I work hard to deliver excellence in my work.

Why is it important for me to be recognised for delivering excellence? – Because I feel “worthy” when my work is recognised as excelling.

Why do I need to excel? – It’s a pattern I know I have from my childhood. It’s how I felt ‘seen’ & ‘good enough’ by my parents (or teachers, etc).

So in this instance, the real reason you’re considering changing jobs is because you’re not feeling worthy as your employer isn’t recognising the effort you go to to deliver ‘excellence’ (and that’s how you’ve always created the feeling of being enough in your life).

Next Steps

Step 1: Analyse Your Answers

Once you’ve gone through the Seven-Step Why Method, take some time to analyze your answers. Look for patterns or themes that emerge. Do you notice that a certain desire comes up repeatedly? Or maybe you realise that your reasons for wanting to change jobs aren’t as strong as you initially thought.

In the example above the person was seeking outside validation that should really be coming from inside themselves. There is internal work needed, rather than asking an employer to provide it for them. Often the problems you think are created by your environment are really created internally. A perspective shift may be all you need to change a need for recognition.

OR the person could simply share with the employer exactly HOW they like to be motivated and recognised. We are all different when it comes to how we like to be rewarded in the workplace. You can uncover more about your personal motivations in this Tony Robbins quiz here.

Step 2: Evaluate Your Motivation

Now that you have a clearer picture of your motivation for wanting to change jobs, it’s time to evaluate whether or not a move is the right decision. Consider your answers to the Seven-Step Why Method and ask yourself if they align with your long-term goals and values. If your reasons for wanting to change jobs are based on temporary feelings or emotions, it might be worth taking some time to re-evaluate before making a big decision.

Step 3: Take Action

If you’ve gone through the Seven-Step Why Method and determined that a job change is the right decision for you, it’s time to take action. Start by researching potential job opportunities that align with your goals and values. Update your resume, your Conecta profile and LinkedIn profile to showcase your skills and accomplishments. And when you’re ready, start applying for jobs and networking with professionals in your desired industry.

Conclusion

Understanding your motivation for wanting to change jobs is crucial for making an informed decision and ensuring that you’re not making a move based on impulse or emotions. By using the Seven-Step Why Method, you can uncover the real reasons behind your desire to change jobs and evaluate whether or not a move is the right decision for you. Remember to be honest with yourself and take the time to really dig deep. With this approach, you can be confident that you’re making the right move for the right reasons.

Ready to make the move? Builders are hiring right now on Conecta. Create your free profile to apply direct to the construction company today.

Author

Tracey Rojko, Conecta Co-Founder, is Editorial Director & Managing Editor of the Conecta Construction News Blog. Tracey is also is a certified Life Coach who specialises in helping women step into the life they truly desire.  Connect with Tracey on LinkedIn.