Why stay open for opportunities, even in your dream job
“Even if you’re happy with your job, you should still keep one eye open.”
When I first heard this recommendation, I was surprised. I listened, but… I was very busy with my current project. The team was great, the project was great, and I saw no point in spending additional effort talking with people outside. Why waste that energy when I knew I really liked my current job? Though, I have to confess, sometimes it was difficult to get a raise and verify my abilities.
When headhunters approached me, I’d say,
“It’s not the time. I’m not ready for this.”
Lately, I met friends who were let go due to last year’s economic downturn. They’re still searching.
“It seems service design isn’t trendy in the market anymore, Lisha. I have to learn Figma to get some product design work.”
I was shocked and saddened. They’re some of the best service designers I know. Why wouldn’t any company on earth want them?
Then, I looked back at the advice I received years ago. It all made sense now — I realised it the hard way.
Therefore, my design friends, I urge you to look out, even in your dream job, or if you’re worried about your company’s economic situation. This is the best way to understand your north star and reduce your fear, and I’ll explain why here. Because exploring opportunities can help you:
1. Find your true north.
In our company, we need to discuss the development plan with our supervisor every six months. It’s easy to feel stuck and lack inspiration for where to grow.
I’ve found it incredibly useful to think about this:
If you could work for any company in the world, which company and position would you choose? Review the job description and pinpoint the skills you need to develop.
Now you know what you can develop. This exercise isn’t just about finding a new job; it’s about reclaiming your sense of purpose and mapping out directions for your future. It’s like having a compass pointing you towards your passion, revealing new possibilities in the market.
2. Shift your perspective
From time to time, I meet designers I know from the internet. They often express a deep uneasiness about their careers.
“I’ve been at the company for three years. I think I’m qualified to be a senior designer. But the company is laying off, and my manager asked me to wait. I feel I’m not getting the raise I deserve.” one recently confided.
“Our company is good, but all designers’ title is designer, no senior for anyone. I know many people are happy to retire in the company since it pays well. But I am motivated and passionate. I don’t want to be just designer.”
It’s easy to get stuck on the perceived shortcomings of your company — limited budget, low salary, lacking benefits, or slow promotion. And just let that frustration grow. But then, you dip your toe into the market, exploring other roles and companies. And suddenly, you shift. You realise your salary isn’t half bad. You learn the ‘perfect’ company doesn’t exist — every place has its challenges, just like people do. Suddenly, those ‘shortcomings’ don’t seem so painful. You’ve gained perspective, and that changes everything.
3. Know Your Worth
I used to politely decline headhunter calls, feeling too busy to learn about their offers.
“Thank you for the opportunity. But I am happy with my current project.”
But I’ve realised these conversations are a smart investment. By investing a little time, you can determine if your current compensation is still fair compared to the market. Now, I always ask about salary ranges and benefits.
At the end of the day, work is about getting paid for what you do. We’re selling your skills. To know our worth, we need to research the market. Just as we’d compare cleaning robots for the best deal, we should compare your salary and benefits.
4. Take control of your future
In recent years, economic downturns hit hard. Layoffs became a reality, not just headlines. Friends, colleagues — people I knew — were suddenly out of work.
From seeing many of my colleagues, in the end, have good results; they got three months of compensation and got a job with a higher salary soon. However, you don’t want to be caught unprepared when that happens. Interview skills aren’t something you just ‘have’; they need practice. Trust me, you don’t want to blow your dream job because you haven’t interviewed in years.
Regular practice? Yes! It’s not just about getting the job; it’s about reducing that horrible fear and building the confidence to take control of your future.
While companies won't outwardly encourage it, exploring opportunities benefits them too:
- Boost employee motivation and upskilling
I watched several colleagues who joined the company alongside me get laid off during the recent economic downturn. It became clear that companies often prioritise numbers, making tough decisions when employees are harder to place in a challenging market.
It’s never easy for a company to part ways with loyal employees, but ultimately, it’s a business. They need to ensure every penny counts. However, having employees who are actively aware of the market can be a significant asset. It encourages them to upskill, bring in fresh perspectives, and stay ahead of industry trends.
2. Guarantee internal fairness
My friend just got a raise, completely out of the blue.
‘I thought it would take at least another year,’ they said. ‘Especially since I fought hard before and got nothing.’
This highlights how companies adjust salaries to match market rates, even for loyal employees who aren’t actively job-hunting, because external hiring uses different pay scales. Imagine the peace of mind knowing you’re valued and fairly compensated.
Summary
Despite this feeling counterintuitive, I recommend dedicating a small amount of time each year to exploring opportunities and interviewing.
So, why stay open for opportunity, even if you are in your dream job, here are the reasons:
- Find your career direction
- Shift your perspective and don’t focus on only the shortcomings of your company by comparing it to the market
- Know your worth and get a fair compensation
- Take control of your future instead of passively waiting and complaining
Benefits for Companies:
- Boost employee motivation and upskilling
- Guarantee internal fairness
Design friends, I urge you to dare to explore. You might find you’re already where you belong, or you might find something even better. Either way, you’ll know your true value, and that’s priceless.
