As a recruitment consultant, I interview candidates on a daily basis, giving me a good perspective of what candidates are actively searching for in the working world. Many come to recruitment agencies for various reasons, varying from the need for a new challenge, a lack of understanding with their employers, conflicts with colleagues, a better salary or changes in the organisation that don’t suit the their role. Whatever the reason for seeking alternative employment, statistics show that in today’s working world employees are changing jobs at a more rapid rate than ever before. On average today an employee moves every five years.
Many of the younger candidates come for guidance as, despite having studied to achieve a degree or qualification in a specific subject, in certain situations it clearly shows that they only opted for that degree to please their parents and not because it truly interests them.
In most cases they may find themselves in a role that has nothing to do with their qualification, after which they then start to look for a job they enjoy. And why not? When you work for eight hours a day, five days a week, you want to enjoy what you’re doing, otherwise the day will seem much longer.
The sad situation is when they get into a job they don’t like. For a short while they are able to stick it out. However, by time, they will start to realise that they need a new challenge. If this situation surfaces after many years in a dead-end job, it can be quite a tricky situation to get out. First of all, they need to be prepared to change jobs, however accepting that they will probably need to start with a lower salary than they were used to. This is not always easy to accept, although in the long run it will pay off as working in a pleasant environment is better for the body and mind.
Younger candidates come for guidance as, despite having studied to achieve a degree in a specific subject, it clearly shows that they only opted for that degree to please their parents and not because it truly interests them
What I notice when interviewing candidates is that when they do not see eye to eye with their manager or employer, rather than taking the bull by its horns and having a one-to-one discussion with their manager, many tend to just decide to leave the company and search for something else. It might not be easy to express one’s feelings at work. However, once this barrier is crossed, the situation will definitely improve. During the one-to-one meeting, one has to have a positive and open-minded approach, listening to the other side of the story. Sometimes, the manager is not aware of the awkward situation created, so pointing it out could be beneficial to all parties. One must also try more than once and keep in mind that suggestions and opinions may fall on deaf ears. So pushing the issue to a higher degree could help.
This could be more of a challenge. However, if nothing has changed, then it might be worth a try. Again, if one explains their concerns in a positive manner, while respecting the manager’s decision, it is amazing how things can change for the better. If nothing changes, then it’s time to consider a move – but only after trying one’s best to resolve the problem.
I recently had the opportunity to visit Norway and, during one of my coach trips, the tour guide was explaining the country’s education system. She said in Norway children up to the age of 11 do not have yearly exams, so all children are treated equally and always given positive feedback and encouraged to try new things. At the end of the scholastic year, they are not given exams but graded according to how they would have performed during their daily lessons and work they produce.
The reason why I mention this scenario is because I feel that in comparison, in Malta too much pressure is put on children from a very young age. Although it might be easy for some children to handle, for others it might be very stressful and disappointing and could often lead to them suffering low self-esteem and lack of confidence. This may also lead to eventual chronic health and mental issues. Some of these problems are clearly visible in the stressful society we are living in.
Children develop physically and mentally at different ages, and so, accordingly, no pressure should be put on them. On the contrary, they should be encouraged and positively reinforced at all times. Building self-confidence at a young age will help children for the rest of their lives. The important issue parents should focus on is helping them find what they enjoy most by giving them the choice of experiencing different situations – be it subjects at school, musical instruments or sports.
As Mohammed Ali said: “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”
John Paris is a recruitment consultant with VacancyCentre specialising in accounts and financial services. He is responsible for providing recruitment assistance to a diverse portfolio of clients.