1. Why Do I Want to Leave My Job?

It’s important to know exactly why you’re thinking about leaving. Is there something missing from your current role that could change if you stayed? Or do you feel like it’s time for something different?

Sometimes we all have bad days (or weeks), so it’s worth checking if those feelings stick around or if they pass. If you find yourself feeling down about work most of the time – especially on Sunday evenings – it might be a sign that it’s time to look for something new.

2. What Am I Looking For?

It’s easy to say you want a “better job,” but what does that actually mean for you? Do you want more hours, a promotion, or a different kind of company to work for?

Try asking yourself:

• Do I want more responsibility or less stress?
• Am I looking for a change in hours or location?
• Is it the type of work I want to change, or just the company I’m in now?

Knowing what you’re after makes it much easier to spot the right job when it comes up.

3. Do I Have the Right Skills and Experience?

You might know the kind of job you want – but do you have what employers are looking for?

A good place to start is by reading job descriptions online. If you don’t tick all the boxes yet, think about how you can build up your skills. For example, if you want to move into a management role, could you offer to help train new starters or take the lead on a small project in your current job?

Don’t worry too much about job titles – they can vary from company to company. Focus on the tasks and responsibilities instead.

4. What’s Most Important to Me?

Everyone has different priorities when looking for a job. For some, it’s all about the money. For others, it might be about working close to home or having set hours.

Make two lists:

• Must-haves – Things you won’t compromise on, like salary, hours, or travel time.
• Nice-to-haves – Extras that would be good but aren’t deal-breakers.

This can help you stay focused and avoid applying for jobs that aren’t the right fit.

5. What’s My Plan?

A step-by-step plan can make job hunting feel less overwhelming. Here’s a simple way to get started:

• Talk to a recruiter – Agencies often have access to jobs that aren’t advertised elsewhere.
• Refresh your CV and LinkedIn – Make sure your latest experience and skills are listed.
• Let people know you’re looking – Sometimes friends or colleagues hear about jobs before they’re advertised.
• Sign up for job alerts – NexJob lets you set up alerts for the type of roles you’re interested in.

Bonus Tip: Be Patient

It can take time to find the right job, so don’t worry if it doesn’t happen overnight. If you can, start your job search while you’re still working. This can take the pressure off and give you more time to find a role that really fits.

By planning ahead and staying focused, you’ll be in a great position to land the job you’re looking for in 2025.

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