Changing Jobs During a Pandemic: Is It a Good Idea?

The events of 2020 have reshuffled the world of work. Some people have been forced to find new jobs and many have had to juggle family responsibilities alongside working from home. And if you’re one of the lucky ones who can work remotely, you’ve probably said the words “You’re on mute” at least once today.

All the turbulence last year caused many people to postpone their career plans. Now you’re probably wondering whether it’s the right time to follow through. Before you make the big leap to something new, there are a few points you should consider.

1. What would my job be like if we weren’t in a pandemic?

Are your reasons for wanting to quit your job connected to your work or the unfamiliar lockdown situation? Try to remember how things were when everything was ‘normal’. Even if you’re new in your job, you can still try to separate (temporary) pandemic-related challenges from (long-term) work-related issues. For example, if you’re having communication problems with your teammates, remote working might be to blame. But if your daily work tasks are bringing you down, then it’s probably time for a change.

2. What are the future prospects in my industry?

Some sectors, such as travel, tourism, retail and hospitality, have been affected more than others. While no one can predict exactly where their industry will be in a year’s time, it is worth observing the changes that are happening now. How has the demand for certain skills changed in your industry? Are there new opportunities for you in another field of work? The trick is to write a list of your transferable skills. You might find that you could fit into another kind of job that you had never considered previously.

According to Stepstone, nearly one in three employers are deliberately employing people from other industries and fields of work.

3. Can I support a job change during these uncertain times?

Changing jobs is a big decision in normal times. During a pandemic, it’s even more important to consider your financial situation. If you feel like your job is at risk, the earlier you start looking for something else, the better. But if possible, try to have confirmation of a new job before quitting your old one. If you are self-employed, you can still apply for financial support from the German government until 30 April 2021. The German government has agreed to pay support to companies and freelancers affected by the pandemic up until the end of June 2021.

4. How has the pandemic affected my career plans?

Amidst the disruption, it can be easy to lose sight of what your plans were in the first place. On the one hand, we all want stability. But on the other, spending most of our time at home has made us impatient and craving change. Try to refocus on your original plans and see how they fit into the current circumstances. Be open to change, but don’t rush your decisions.

5. Am I being too hard on myself?

The most important thing is to take care of yourself. Remember, the whole world has been affected by the pandemic. You’re not the only one who’s had to put plans on hold. It’s ok to feel frustrated or impatient – that just shows that you’re ambitious. We don’t know what the future holds, so for now, just focus on making the best out of the present. You’ve got this.

For more information about your employment rights, read our interview with a legal expert and our working from home FAQs.