Back to work after lockdown: what if you don’t want anymore?

A different way of life, more time for the family, having to walk less from one place to another… For many people, this is a reality during the corona crisis. It turns out to be the ideal moment to take stock: what else do I want to do after the corona crisis?

Sometimes the job is put on the scales, and the result is not favorable. The advice from recruiters: don’t make hasty decisions in these strange coronation times. First, find out what exactly is the reason for your dissatisfaction with your job and whether something can be done about it.

Are you dissatisfied with your wages?

If you feel that your wages are not in proportion to the services provided, you lose your motivation over time. Even if you have been working for the same employer for a long time, you may have been given new responsibilities, but wages do not rise correspondingly, this can put a damper on job satisfaction.

Then the message is that you must take action and therefore enter into a dialogue with your employer. After all, the feeling of underestimation will not disappear, on the contrary.

Be prepared when you start the conversation. List what your responsibilities are, what turnover you generated for the company, additional training courses that you have followed since your recruitment projects that you led… This way, you can convince your boss of your added value for the company, and of course, you may facing compensation.

Compare your wages with similar profiles in your sector. This way, you immediately know whether you are below or above average.

Are you bored at work?

A job that never surprises you and no longer offers challenges will become boring in the long run. Nowadays, employees want to learn new skills, master new skills, set up projects independently… Employers must, therefore, focus on this, if they’re going to avoid bore-outs.

Do you feel that you are gradually getting tired? Then take the time to take the initiative yourself. Which courses would you like to follow? Which projects or collaborations would benefit the company, and what role would you like to play in this? Share your insights and ambitions with your boss. He or she is guaranteed to be impressed by your sense of initiative.

Do you want a better work-life balance?

If there are one thing employees struggle with, it’s the work-life balance. Indeed, now many people determine the importance of quality time with the family or the partner.

However, it is not always necessary to change jobs because of a poor work-life balance. Take a look at the options for flexible hours or telework. Many employers have had to allow telework in recent weeks.

It is not inconceivable that there will be more flexibility in this area even after the corona crisis. Can you afford to work less? Then that can, of course, also be discussed with your employer.

Does your job no longer match what you want to do?

It goes without saying that enjoying your job is essential for your job satisfaction. If it is not (or no longer) right in that area, take action as soon as possible.

If you do not yet know what you want to do, career guidance is the solution. Through career guidance, you analyze your current work situation and determine the direction you want to take. You discover what you really want to achieve in your career and what your competences and qualities are.

You can find an overview of all recognized career centers in Flanders on the VDAB website. You may also be eligible for career checks.

Is it clear to you which direction you want to go? Then check whether it is possible to take the necessary steps with your current employer. If not, the time has come to look elsewhere.