My Heart is Beating..........

Reasons for a job switch

Sooner or later the itch begins. You can't help but feel it's time to make that job switch. The reasons could be varied: monetary, job satisfaction, or even a lousy boss. Whatever be your reason and however determined you are to move on, you still need to plan the transition well.

To begin with, tackle the issue of why you are making the switch. It is important to leave for the right reasons. Start off by listing the main problems with your current job. Is it possible to fix the problems? Do they have a solution?

It's a good idea to discuss these issues with a trusted colleague or your boss. They may be willing to support you once they learn about your aspirations. 6 top reasons for a job switch and what you must do before taking the plunge.

'I hate my job profile'
If this is the case, you will be less productive and will start deteriorating professionally as the job does not stimulate you any more.

Ask yourself what it is in your profile that you dislike. For instance, if you are a creative person, a mechanical job profile will stifle you. You need to ensure that your dislikes are not emotional in nature. So just because you dislike the people your work with does not mean it is time for a switch. One you are clear what it is in your profile that needs changing, talk to your seniors to find out if there is a possibility that the issue will be reconsidered. If not, then it is probably time to move on.

'I want more responsibility'

Hit a ceiling in terms of your career growth and don't see any future in the current setup? Or, the only way you can get to the next level is if your boss resigns?

Then you need to talk to your boss and explore the option of moving to a new department with increased levels of responsibility. If it works out, make sure that you are not just being lured away by the promise of a fancy sounding designation.

Don't be inhibited by starting afresh on a new assignment within the same organisation. It will work out well for you if it allows you to grow professionally and financially.

'I want to start out on my own'

Tired of working for someone else? Have a great business idea that you feel can turn big? If being your own boss appeals to you then that might be a good reason to leave the job.

But, do your homework. Don't just get excited and rush into something. Is there a market for your services/product? Have you got a solid business plan in place? Have you considered how you are going to raise money for it? Have you discussed it with professionals in the industry?

In your enthusiasm, don't forget that you will be letting go of the security and comfort associated with a steady paycheck. So be ready for a rough ride.

Consider the possibility of failure. Most new businesses fail or shut down in their very first year of operation.

'It's just personal'

Erratic shifts. Lots of out-of-station travel. Too time consuming with no time for the family. Expected to work seven days a week? Any of these could cause you to reconsider your priorities.

While that is alright, don't live under the illusion that everything will fall into place with a new job. You may have to make some important lifestyle decisions to achieve a balance between work-life and personal time.

It's a competitive world and you may have to take a cut in your salary to have more time at home or pursue other interests.

'I got fired'

You could get fired as most organisations adopt a performance-based culture with little tolerance towards non-performers. Don't be angry and waste time bad mouthing people and the organisation. Instead, find out the real reason and move out.

Or maybe, you are about to get fired with the company on a downsizing mode. Then it's better to walk out before you are left with no choice.

There are no foolproof ways to protect against job loss but you can certainly do the following.

• Be calm and proactive, not reactive. Talk to your boss and find out if you can be relocated or be offered a different position. Storming into his office and shouting will not get you anywhere.
• Stay positive. It can open new doors and opportunities that you may have ignored if not challenged.
• If downsizing has started, aggressively take more initiatives to get involved in the organisation. Make yourself valuable so that losing you is not an easy option for the organisation. However, continue your job search simultaneously.

'I hate my boss'

The popular cliché, "People don't leave their organisations; they leave their boss", holds true. You are just a part of a large community who feels the same way.

Here are some typical bad boss traits:

• Does not respect employees.
• Does not trust colleagues.
• Does not take or give any feedback.
• Assigns too many tasks and sets impossible deadlines.
• Is often rude and intimidating.

Before resigning, try these options.

1. Communicate your issues

Be specific. For example, just saying that you have too much work is vague. Instead, break down your tasks into the amount of time you will actually have to spend on each of them that week, and show your boss how many hours it will take. With a clear statement of required time, your boss is more likely to lessen your load to a reasonable level.

2. Make your boss feel good

This one is specially true if you boss has a big ego or needs to have his confidence constantly boosted. Work harder on him. If you have a good idea but think he will refuse, invest a little more time in convincing him.

3. Do a good job

This may sound obvious but when the quality of your work is good, everyone benefits including your boss. So make sure that you exceed your goals or targets, are punctual for all meetings, meet deadlines and are a brand ambassador for your company and project it well.

4. Anticipate the your boss's need

If you know that the boss's boss likes graphs and analysis in a presentation, prepare them for your boss. You can say something like, "I know your superior likes graphical illustrations, so I thought these might make your presentation go a little smoother". If your boss is at a loss of words in a meeting, you might want to chip in and give him the support he needs. Be supportive, invest in building a rapport.

There is no such thing as the perfect boss. But if you are willing to acknowledge his/her flaws and strong points, then you are on the right track.

The bottom-line: Know your worth and if all else fails, don't feel dejected. It is time for you to move on.

What does your birth month tell about u check it here...

JANUARY * Ambitious and serious * Loves to teach and be taught * Always looking at people's flaws and weaknesses * Likes to criticize * Hardworking and productive * Smart, neat and organized * Sensitive and has deep thoughts * Knows how to make others happy * Quiet unless excited or tensed * Rather reserved * Highly attentive * Resistant to illnesses but prone to colds * Romantic but has difficulties expressing love * Loves children * Homely person * Loyal * Needs to improve social abilities * Easily jealous	FEBRUARY * Abstract thoughts * Loves reality and abstract * Intelligent and clever * Changing personality * Temperamental * Quiet, shy and humble * Low self esteem * Honest and loyal * Determined to reach goals * Loves freedom * Rebellious when restricted * Loves aggressiveness * Too sensitive and easily hurt * Showing anger easily * Dislike unnecessary things * Loves making friends but rarely shows it * Daring and stubborn * Ambitious * Realizing dreams and hopes * Sharp * Loves entertainment and leisure * Romantic on the inside not outside * Superstitious and ludicrous * Spendthrift * Learns to show emotions	MARCH * Attractive personality * Affectionate * Shy and reserved * Secretive * Naturally honest, generous and sympathetic * Loves peace and serenity * Sensitive to others * Loves to serve others * Not easily angered * Trustworthy * Appreciative and returns kindness * Observant and assess others * Revengeful * Loves to dream and fantasize * Loves traveling * Loves attention * Loves home decors * Musically talented * Loves special things * Moody
APRIL * Active and dynamic * Decisive and hateful but tends to regret * Attractive and affectionate to oneself * Strong mentality * Loves attention * Diplomatic * Consoling * Friendly and solves people's problems * Brave and fearless * Adventurous * Loving and caring * Suave and generous * Emotional * Revengeful * Aggressive * Hasty * Good memory * Moving * Motivate oneself and the others * Sickness usually of the head and chest * Easily get too jealous	MAY * Stubborn and hard-hearted * Strong-willed and highly motivated * Sharp thoughts * Easily angered * Attracts others and loves attention * Deep feelings * Beautiful physically and mentally * Firm standpoint * Easily influenced * Needs no motivation * Easily consoled * Systematic (left brain) * Loves to dream * Strong clairvoyance * Understanding * Sickness usually in the ear and neck * Good imagination * Good debating skills * Good physical * Weak breathing * Loves literature and the arts * ! Loves traveling * Dislike being at home * Restless * Hardworking * High spirited * Spendthrift	JUNE * Thinks far with vision * Easily influenced by kindness * Polite and soft-spoken * Having lots of ideas * Sensitive * Active mind * Hesitating * Tends to delay * Choosy and always wants the best * Temperamental * Funny and humorous * Loves to joke * Good debating skills * Talkative * Daydreamer * Friendly * Knows how to make friends * Abiding * Able to show character * Easily hurt * Prone to getting colds * Loves to dress up * Easily bored * Fussy * Seldom show emotions * Takes time to recover when hurt * Brand conscious * Executive * Stubborn * Those who loves me are enemies * Those who hates me are friends
JULY * Fun to be with * Secretive * Difficult to fathom and to be understood * Quiet unless excited or tensed * Takes pride in oneself * Has reputation * Easily consoled * Honest * Concern about people's feelings * Tactful * Friendly * Approachable * Very emotional * Temperamental and unpredictable * Moody and easily hurt * Witty and sarky * Sentimental * Not revengeful * Forgiving but never forgets * Dislike nonsensical and unnecessary things * Guides others physically and mentally * Sensitive and forms impressions carefully * Caring and loving * Treats others equally * Strong sense of sympathy * Wary and sharp * Judge people through observations * Hardworking * No difficulties i	AUGUST * Loves to joke * Attractive * Suave and caring * Brave and fearless * Firm and has leadership qualities * Knows how to console others * Too generous and egoistic * Takes high pride of oneself * Thirsty for praises * Extraordinary spirit * Easily angered * Angry when provoked * Easily jealous * Observant * Careful and cautious * Thinks quickly * Independent thoughts * Loves to lead and to be led * Loves to dream * Talented in the arts, music and defense * Sensitive but not petty * Poo! r resistance against illnesses * Learns to relax * Hasty and rushy * Romantic * Loving and caring * Loves to make friends	SEPTEMBER * Suave and compromising * Careful, cautious and organized * Likes to point out people's mistakes * Likes to criticize * Quiet but able to talk well * Calm and cool * Kind and sympathetic * Concerned and detailed * Trustworthy, loyal and honest * Does work well * Sensitive * Thinking * Good memory * Clever and knowledgeable * Loves to look for information * Must control oneself when criticizing * Able to motivate oneself * Understanding * Secretive * Loves sports, leisure and traveling * Hardly shows emotions * Tends to bottle up feelings * Choosy especially in relationships * Loves wide things * Systematic
OCTOBER * Loves to chat * Loves those who loves him * Loves to takes things at the centre * Attractive and suave * Inner and physical beauty * Does not lie or pretend * Sympathetic * Treats friends importantly * Always making friends * Easily hur! t but recovers easily * Bad tempered * Selfish * Seldom helps unless asked * Daydreamer * Very opinionated * Does not care of what others think * Emotional * Decisive * Strong clairvoyance * Loves to travel, the arts and literature * Soft-spoken, loving and caring * Romantic * Touchy and easily jealous * Concerned * Loves outdoors * Just and fair * Spendthrift and easily influenced * Easily lose confidence	NOVEMBER * Has a lot of ideas * Difficult to fathom * Thinks forward * Unique and brilliant * Extraordinary ideas * Sharp thinking * Fine and strong clairvoyance * Can become good doctors * Careful and cautious * Dynamic in personality * Secretive * Inquisitive * Knows how to dig secrets * Always thinking * Less talkative but amiable * Brave and generous * Patient * Stubborn and hard-hearted * If there is a will, there is a way * Determined * Never give up * Hardly become angry unless provoked * Loves to be alone * Thinks differently from others * Sharp-minded * Motivates oneself * Does not appreciates praises * High-spirited * Well-built and tough * Deep love	DECEMBER * Loyal and generous * Patriotic * Active in games and interactions * Impatient and hasty * Ambitious * Influential in organizations * Fun to be with * Loves to socialize * Loves praises * Loves attention * Loves to be loved * Honest and trustworthy * Not pretending * Short tempered * Changing personality * Not egoistic * Takes high pride in oneself * Hates restrictions * Loves to joke * Good sense of humor * Logical