In Sickness, Health or Job Change; Spouse Remains Chief Career Advisor for
Many, Survey Shows
MENLO PARK, Calif., Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Those considering a job change
seek many sources of guidance, but the opinion they value most often comes
from the person closest to them. Nearly half (46 percent) of executives
polled said they turn first to spouses or significant others for advice when
evaluating a potential job change, up from 42 percent in 2002. The survey also
shows mentors carry greater clout than five years ago: 41 percent respondents
said they would consult their mentors first, compared to 28 percent in 2002.
The national poll included responses from 150 senior executives
-- including those from human resources, finance and marketing departments
-- with the nation's 1,000 largest companies. It was conducted by an
independent research firm and developed by Accountemps, the world's first and
largest specialized staffing service for temporary accounting, finance and
bookkeeping professionals.
Executives were asked, "If you were considering changing jobs, which one
of the following people would you most likely approach first for advice when
evaluating a potential job change?" Their responses:
2007 2002
Spouse or significant other 46% 42%
Mentor 41% 28%
Coworker 4% 13%
Other family member 4% 5%
Friend 3% 11%
Someone else 2% 1%
100% 100%
"The advice of mentors, colleagues and other confidants helps when
weighing the pros and cons of a career transition, but a job change has
personal and family implications," said Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps
and author of Job Hunting For Dummies(R), 2nd Edition (John Wiley & Sons,
Inc.). "A spouse or significant other is not only familiar with a partner's
overall priorities and motivators, but also has a stake in the outcome of his
or her career decisions."
Along with seeking advice from family, friends and mentors, Accountemps
advises professionals to consider the following questions before making a
career transition:
-- Is the grass really greener? If you once were satisfied in your
present job, what changed? Will the new position be more fulfilling,
or would you be better off trying to enhance your current role so it
includes more of the duties you enjoy?
-- Will you have room to grow? When considering a new position, ask about
advancement potential. If a career dead-end is prompting your desire
to make a change, you want to be sure you don't end up in the same
situation at a different company in a year or two.
-- Have you done your homework? Is the firm in good financial condition?
Have you researched the industry, and the company's mission and
values? Try to determine if the new work environment will appeal to
you.
Accountemps has more than 350 offices throughout North America, Europe and
the Asia-Pacific region, and offers online job search services at
www.accountemps.com.
SOURCE Accountemps
Matt Meigs of Accountemps, +1-650-234-6248, matthew.meigs@accountemps.com
