Organisations are different to each other, with different structures, technologies, markets and culture. But this doesn’t mean what you learned in one place is inappropriate to another place.

Once you have learned about her business is structured you can apply this knowledge to other contexts. You may move from a more supportive environment to a less supportive environment or, vice versa. Whatever the similarities and differences, experience gained in one work context has immense value in understanding another work context. The strategies that were successful in a previous organisation may not work so well in a new organisation. You will have to adapt steadily to a new work situation, but you will have experience of having done this before and such experience is invaluable.

Looking ahead

Don’t be afraid to consider new opportunities You may reach a point where you feel you have got as far as you can in your current situation and you know you will have to look elsewhere to go further.

Always consider your longer-term aspirations. Where do you want to be in five years time? Do you want to progress in a managerial direction, or are you more interested in developing your status as a professional? If you are interested in developing as a manager, do you want to become a manager in your current organisation or are there other places you would prefer to be?

By asking yourself these questions from time to time, you can decide whether and when it is time to move to a new job or a new organisation. Just make sure there is a new job or a new organisation to go to before resigning from a present job or doing something that forces you to move on.

Asking these questions and deciding on the direction in which you want your career to go, will also give you the chance to reflect on whether you are best qualified to take the direction that you favour.

Unless you want to stay in the same situation forever, you should always maintain your CV. If you’ve done this, it will be easier to see gaps in your experience that could hinder you moving in the direction that you want to go. It can help you direct yourself within your current job to seeking opportunities to fill gaps in your CV.