Take a good look before leaping

Moving jobs is one way for people to advance their careers. But the grass may not always be greener elsewhere. Before taking the decision to move consider these points:

* It is your career. Take charge of your development. Be clear about where you want to go and what you want to do.

* Do not make rash decisions if things are not working out. Use networking to explore internal opportunities and set yourself short, medium and long-term career objectives.

* If you are dissatisfied at work, approach your company before jumping ship. Most will offer fresh opportunities to valued employees. If you can't get a pay rise consider asking for extra holiday time or paid training courses.

* Discuss your priorities and preferences with your employer so they can create a role and a career path that meets your needs.

* Make sure you know what is expected of you and have clear objectives in writing. Book regular interviews to monitor progress.

* Keep up-to-date with what is happening in your industry so you are always aware of the bigger picture.

* Develop a picture of your ideal work environment; determine which elements are essential and which are desirable.

* Assess a potential employer against your picture of the ideal work environment. Does the new employer measure up? In comparison, are you already getting a better deal from your present employer?

Could do better

In a separate survey carried out in New Zealand by recruitment firm Drake it seems many employees are working below their potential.

The company contacted more than 500 of its temps and contractors and discovered that 64 per cent were underachieving. And 43 per cent believed their work did not energise or motivate them at all.

General manager of Drake New Zealand, Gay Barton, says the results show that employers need to make work more stimulating and ensure staff have full and enjoyable involvement in their careers.

"It's important that organisations develop a sense of values that their staff can identify with so they can contribute more to their workplace," she said.

Drake's study found that 80 per cent of workers surveyed believed it was important that their employer allowed them to express their feelings.

Barton says personal values play a strong role in job satisfaction. The survey found 80 per cent of those who took part believed it was important that their job equated with their personal values.

"To me these results show what great potential there is for companies that can align their values with good people wanting to work to their potential, contribute, live and express their personal values."