You’ve got it down. The office feels like home, your team’s solid, and you know exactly what’s coming next. Your favourite mug has its rightful place in the kitchen, your calendar’s busy but manageable, and there’s a properly juicy bonus just around the corner. Everything’s ticking along nicely and work has that comfortable rhythm that only comes with experience and consistency.
So why on earth would you think about testing the market?
Simple. Because you can.
The best time to look Is when you don’t need to…It’s a bit like dating, isn’t it? – I’m not suggesting you apply the same strategy here guys, but you’re most attractive to others when you’re confident, content and not actively hunting like a desperate LinkedIn lurker. When you’re on a high at work - delivering results and winning clients about it’s the perfect time to explore your options.
Not because you’re ready to make a move. But because, quite frankly, it’s good business sense to know what’s out there and let’s be honest, you’ve peeked at job ads during lunch. We all have. No shame here.
Practice makes Partnership (but not always where you are) If you’ve ever wondered about making Partner or switching firms to find a clearer path to it waiting until you’re utterly fed up is a terrible strategy. That’s when people make rash decisions.
No. Stop that.
When you’re in a good place professionally, you’re in the ideal position to negotiate, to be discerning, and to consider your long-term future. Whether that’s a clear partnership track, a new challenge that actually excites you, higher remuneration, or simply finding a firm where the culture matches your sarcasm levels and your work ethic - it’s exactly the right moment to test the market.
You’re not moving out of desperation. You’re exploring from a position of strength. And that makes all the difference. You can ask the right questions, weigh your options properly, and say “no thanks” without flinching, because you already have a solid gig. You’re not chasing the next thing; you’re assessing whether the next thing is genuinely worth your time. The best moves aren’t made in panic, they’re made in strength.
Curiosity didn’t kill the cat, It got them promoted. Staying curious is one of the most underrated career strategies. Let’s be honest, curiosity gets a bad rap. But in accountancy practice, it’s not a distraction, it’s a power move. Now’s a smart time to ask yourself “Am I steering the ship, or just along for the ride?”
Who knows? That curiosity could be the start of your next big move. On your terms. Don’t feel guilty. Lean into it. The market isn’t just for the unhappy, it’s for the curious, the ambitious and the smartly content.
So, whether you’re a senior professional just beginning to explore the road to Partnership, an experienced Partner in search of a fresh challenge, or simply weighing up your options (and quietly procrastinating because, let’s face it, it’s a bit overwhelming) don’t overthink it. Sometimes all you need is a confidential, no-pressure chat with someone who gets it.
Stay curious. Stay caffeinated.
