When you start looking for a job, you can choose to go for an ,easy, job or for a more responsible position, which is better for you?
What are you applying for?
When you are looking for another job, you will need to consider in advance which positions you are going to apply for. Are you going for a position with a lot of responsibility or are you choosing a job that is easy to perform? When you come from a stressful job in which you had to lead a demotivated group of people, the temptation will be great to take a step back and opt for an executive position. This in itself is very good, especially if you want to opt for more rest after a period full of stress. Conversely, you must realize that if you apply for a job with more responsibility than you have had so far, you will have to be well prepared.
A job above your level
The position you are applying for will demand a lot more from you if you are accepted. For example, you will have to account for the results of the team you have much more often. It is important that you can deal with criticism and especially that you can deal well with people. Usually there will be ,goals, that must be achieved. Such a position can be very stressful, but if you have leadership talents, you can also feel like a fish in water. Your work can then be a stimulating environment for you in which you can develop yourself beyond a level you never thought you would reach. Of course, there are several factors that can make such a feature a success or a disappointment. Success often depends on the freedom you are given in carrying out your job. It is important to discuss during your job interview how much freedom you have in how you can fulfill your position.
The negative effect on yourself and of far too high a level:
- no more challenge
- stress complaints
- feelings of uncertainty
- anger
- can no longer function properly
- reluctantly going to work
When you have a team under you, there are also negative effects on your team:
- disorder
- insecurity
- loss of unity in the group
- dissatisfaction
- higher absenteeism due to illness
- failure to achieve targets
Of course, the consequence of this is a negative effect on the company where you work, and a management that is not happy with you and would rather get rid of you. Before you apply for a position above your level, first carefully consider whether you think you can handle the position. Check carefully whether you fit the described job profile and determine whether you can add value to the company. Convince yourself that you can be the perfect match for the position you are applying for. If you can move on to a more responsible position within the company where you already work, performing your position will usually be easier, because you already know the company and its culture inside and out.
A job below your level
If you are ready for an easier job with less stress, or if you cannot get a job in the field for which you were trained, you can apply for a position below your level. For example, if you are an executive secretary and choose to work behind the cash register at a supermarket. Or when you are a landscape architect, but start working for a garden maintenance company as a gardener. The work you then perform is relatively easy and requires little mental effort. Such work can be very pleasant for a period of time and good to do for a while.
Comments here are:
- If you have already built up a career and an impressive resume, it will make a negative impression if you want to do more responsible work again after this work. Less responsible work is usually paid worse and your salary decreases. If you later want to do more responsible work again, you will have a more difficult negotiating position regarding your salary. Recently, research has shown that when you work below your level, your brain functions deteriorate more than when you have a challenging job. As we age, our brain functions deteriorate, but if we are not sufficiently stimulated, this process will proceed faster than if we are sufficiently stimulated (e.g. through challenging work).
A job at your level
A job at your level can be very pleasant. The work you do is safe and familiar, you know the ins and outs. You are confident about your abilities and perform your work with self-confidence. What to watch out for: Over time, your work can become boring, you no longer have a challenge in what you do. Your development has come to a standstill, you are no longer learning. Your salary will also not increase much, if at all. Many people will continue to work at their level, people are attached to the familiar, and especially when you have good employment conditions and a nice team of colleagues around you, it feels very nice to continue doing the same. However, if you want to learn more and make steps in your career, it is better to choose to look for a position that is slightly above your level. It happens that people rise step by step in this way and carry out their work with great pleasure and confidence.
Finally
Above all, choose a job whose work appeals to you. Decide which level you think you can handle. Don’t be tempted by a high salary if you are not sure you can handle the position. Your job may then end in disappointment and you may have to contact the CWI and UWV.