Is it time to move on?

In uncertain times many potential candidates decided that staying put in their role was the sensible option. Better the devil they know and all that. Should you stay loyal, hope to get recognised, hope to finally get that job promotion or has the time come? Should you stay or should you go? It is not necessarily an easy question to answer but you should be taking responsibility for managing your own career.

Assuming succession planning is robust enough to spot your potential and the company you work for big enough and stable enough then perhaps you can reach the top of the travel industry by working for only one or two travel businesses.

At HARP wallen we often get asked; how long is too long with one company? Of course there is a downside to a candidate only having experience of one culture. I don’t, however, believe there is any harm with staying with a travel brand for even as long as 15 years assuming it is a business that is widely respected, you have progressed through the organisation and have developed a broad range of in-demand skills. The time to move on is when you feel you are being held back or moved sideways. Though the stage you are at in your career does also make a difference. A few quick moves early on in your career can accelerate you up the ladder but for senior management roles candidates who can demonstrate stability on their, CVs are often preferred.

Travel companies do now seem to place much greater value on retaining their skilled and experienced staff so before you make a quick decision to jump ship; ensure you have explored opportunities for development with your manager.

Career moves, in my opinion, should be about gaining something new. When you are considering whether to take a new opportunity, consider what skills and experience that job may or may not add to your CV. That could be international exposure, team management experience or perhaps the chance to learn about very different distribution channels.

Written by, Matthew Gardiner
Twitter: Matt_Gardiner
www.harpwallen.co.uk