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Lighten up
We'd all like to think we're fairly balanced individuals; not easily affected or influenced by television or the weather, for example. But one of the biggest factors that can have a bearing on our actions - particularly when it comes to job hunting - is the season.
We're a pretty seasonal lot actually. For example, in the same way that many of us join a gym in January (and often give up by February!), January also sees the great British jobs shuffle take place. A good proportion of us of us will change jobs, or express an interest in changing jobs, either as part of a New Years resolution or simply because we see it as 'New Year, new start'. Testament to this is the fact that January 2007 saw an 82% increase in traffic to jobseeking websites like totaljobs*.
So, when the evenings start to get longer, and a cheerier mood bears down on the nation, it's no wonder that the clocks going forward can have a similar effect.
Aside from remembering to actually put your clocks forward so you get to work on time; the time shift can result in a number of different attitudes towards the working day.
For some, the working day will get longer. And this can be both a good and a bad thing - depending on your feelings about your current job. If you're a sufferer of SAD (Seasonal Affected Disorder) you're likely to find it easier to rise in the morning; but making it to work earlier doesn't always mean you'll leave earlier. You may find yourself working additional hours and not realising it, five million of us Brits give our bosses around £5,000 worth free hours, every year. On the other hand, the additional sunlight could see an almighty uplift in your productivity and ability to focus; so you get more done in your working day and can in fact, leave early.
For others, the sunnier side will have the star wars effect - bringing a new hope. If a bit of a gloom descended on you during the winter months, you might have had difficulty focussing; thoughts of a better place entering your head as you daydream of where the grass might be greener. It's entirely possible that your work funk is actually down to darkness and not the fact that it may be time to move on.
This lightening of your mood could herald a renewed energy and passion. Spurring you into action and giving you the confidence to look for a better and brighter job. The fresh new season could usher in the need for a fresh new challenge. A sunnier outlook can result in motivation to move onwards and upwards, and the lengthening of the day a boost to your activities because you've longer to spend honing your CV, skill set and job search time.
Of course it's also possible you might just look at the longer days as an opportunity to spend more time with friends and family. Or in the pub. And that's good too - it's the shift in the way you think that's key.
Whatever your motivation, it's worth taking a step back and looking at why you really want to change jobs. Is it simply the change of season? Have you reached the tipping point in your personal jobseeking cycle again? Think about the last occasion(s) when you changed, or thought about changing, job - you might begin to see a pattern forming.
And of course, whatever your motive, totaljobs.com will back you all the way. Maybe we'll join you for that celebratory drink after work on Friday now the evenings are lighter....
Further information:
The Seasonal Affective Disorder Association
WorkSMART - work your proper hours
*Source: Comscore
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