Many candidates say they’re “open to opportunities.” While that sounds positive, it often leads to confusion during the job search and interviews for roles that aren’t quite right.
Before updating your CVs, it’s worth taking a step back and asking yourself a simple question:
Why am I actually looking to move?
Understanding your motivations helps you focus on roles that genuinely improve your career rather than simply reacting to opportunities that appear.
Ask yourself:
“What do I want more of?” and
“What do I want less of?”
Why Are You Considering a Move?
People look for new roles for many different reasons. Some of the most common include:
The key is identifying which of these matters most to you.
Key Factors to Consider Before Changing Jobs
Salary and Financial Progression
Salary is often one of the main drivers when considering a move.
However, it’s important to think about what level of increase would genuinely make a move worthwhile.
Consider:
Sometimes candidates realise that other factors, such as flexibility or reduced travel, are just as important as salary.
Permanent vs Contract Roles
Another factor candidates sometimes consider when exploring new opportunities is whether they want to work in a permanent role or move into contracting.
Both options have advantages depending on your priorities.
Permanent roles can offer:
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Greater job security
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Benefits such as pension, holiday pay and bonuses
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Clear long-term career progression
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More stability and consistency
Contract roles can offer:
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Higher day rates and earning potential
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Greater flexibility between projects
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Exposure to different companies and environments
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Opportunities to work on specific large projects
Some professionals move into contracting to increase their earnings or gain varied experience, while others prefer the stability and long-term development offered by permanent roles.
The right option depends on your personal priorities and career stage.
Location and Commute
Your commute has a significant impact on your day-to-day life.
A role that adds hours of travel each week can quickly affect work-life balance.
Before making a move, think about:
For many people, a shorter commute can dramatically improve quality of life.
Career Development, Projects and Leadership
For candidates focused on progression, the type of work and responsibilities in a role are important considerations.
A new role may offer opportunities to:
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Work on larger or more complex projects
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Gain experience with new systems or technology
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Lead projects rather than support them
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Manage teams or take responsibility for more staff
For some candidates, moving into people management or leadership roles is a key step in their career development.
When considering a move, think about whether the role will help build the experience you want over the next two to five years.
Travel Requirements
In some industries, travel is a normal part of the job. However, the amount of travel you’re comfortable with can change over time.
Some candidates move roles to reduce:
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Time spent travelling between sites
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Unpredictable working hours
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Long periods away from home
Others may actively seek roles with travel for the variety and experience they offer.
Level of Responsibility and Stress
Not every move is about climbing the ladder.
Sometimes candidates are looking for:
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Less pressure
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Fewer management responsibilities
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More predictable workloads
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A better work-life balance
Career priorities often evolve over time, and the right move depends on what works best for your lifestyle now.
Company Culture and Leadership
Company culture can have a huge impact on job satisfaction.
Many professionals leave roles not because of the work itself, but because of the environment they work in.
Important factors to consider include:
A positive working environment often has a greater impact on long-term satisfaction than salary alone.
Define Your Top Three Priorities
No role will tick every box and some can involve trade-offs.
That’s why it’s helpful to identify your top two or three non-negotiables before starting a job search.
For example:
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Shorter commute
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Increase in salary
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Opportunity to manage larger projects or teams
Having clear priorities makes it much easier to evaluate opportunities and make confident decisions.
Final Thoughts
Changing jobs can be one of the most important decisions in your career.
Taking the time to understand why you want to move and what matters most in your next role will help you focus on the right opportunities.
If you know your priorities before entering the market, you’ll avoid chasing the wrong roles and make the whole process far more effective.
And if you’re not sure – talk to any of our team. We are experts in helping you understand your needs and match you with the right career path.
