Afraid of the unknown
Comfortable with your surroundings
External commitments and responsibilities
Reluctant to change
These are just four out of a host of reasons why people stay in a job or career long after they stopped wanting to be there.
There’s nothing wrong with the examples listed above or others like them. They’re all natural responses from anyone who has thought about moving on and doing something else.
But changing jobs doesn’t have to be permanent – well not straight off, anyway. A secondment to another job and/or department within your organisation can be an invaluable first step towards making a longer-term change.
It might only be for a few weeks to provide cover, or it could be for as long as two years as part of a specific project. Regardless, taking on a secondment could prove to be a career changing experience.
Test the water
You can try something new without committing to it permanently. If you do enjoy the temporary role, it could lead to a job or career change. If you decide it’s not for you, you can go back to your original post, no harm done.
New skills
While some secondments are only about filling a gap in an organisation, many play an important part in someone’s development. The skills and experience gained can make you more employable as well as increasing your confidence when it comes to taking on new challenges.
New environment
A new department or workplace can provide a welcome change of scene. Combined with new tasks and different colleagues, it can provide a refreshing break from the old routine.
Raise your profile
Doing a good job while seconded can help you to be noticed by senior management and others within the organisation. This could increase your chances of gaining a permanent move or other secondments.
The Career Hunter 