Don’t like your job? Change it (don’t just leave it)

Are you thinking about making a move? Maybe you’re feeling stressed in your current role, have role fatigue, or just looking for a change? Have you sat down and worked out what the actual issue making you feel this way is, and whether leaving your current company is going to be the best way to resolve the problem?

Apparently, you’re in good company – 80% of people on LinkedIn reportedly don’t like their jobs. But is it possible that you just aren’t giving it a chance?

Here are my top tips for changing your role for the best:

Focus on what you like about your role and do more of that!

What is it that has kept you motivated in the role up until now? What are the parts that you really enjoy? Maybe you are a Marketing Exec and you love digital analytics specifically but could take or leave some of your other responsibilities. How can you make this into more of a need in your current role? Are you pushing the boundaries, coming up with ideas? Maybe you could take on more responsibility in a certain area or across different departments in the company. This is on you; your manager isn’t going to just hand you what you want, you need to ask for it. Build a well thought-out business case for doing so and present this to your manager.

Put your hand up for other work

Again, this could simply be helping another team out with the type of work that you think you’d enjoy, asking to shadow another manager or you could even ask to become the in-house social event manager if events are something that you love. I have spoken to a good few people who have taken side steps into other departments to move up; always taking an interest in other work and putting their hand up for everything that comes their way. You never know where this may lead you.

De-stress

If the issue is that you are too stressed, see if you can make changes first by yourself. These include;

Making a list for the next day before you leave to go home and stay focused on what is needed to done. Tick off (or strike out in nice red pen as I do) when that task is done. It helps put things into perspective and gives you that little ‘tick’ of ‘yes I am achieving something here’.

Make sure you find the time to take a break. This is helpful for not only your work but for your mental wellbeing. You can find out more about that in my previous blog post.

Switch off when you leave for the day, use the ‘third space’ which will give you a better work/life balance.

Issue with support

If you have an issue with management then sit down with your manager, or even a colleague - don’t suffer in silence and just pack it in. There may be another solution that you haven’t thought of yet.

At the end of the day some issues can’t be resolved and you’ll find the best solution is to move on. However, it is surprising how many candidates I’ve interviewed that decide to move on without talking to anyone internally first. This is especially surprising when some of the problems can clearly be resolved. In situations like these you may end up accepting another offer, only to find your current company can provide what you wanted the whole time. So don’t put yourself in that awkward position; be empowered to ask for what you want from your job and don’t regret not making the most of the opportunities right in front of you.

In the long run, when you feel you’ve truly fulfilled your potential in your current organization you’ll be a much more desirable candidate moving forwards into your next role and you’ll leave on good terms feeling satisfied with your work.

If you would like confidential advice, get in touch! I’m happy to use my experience and knowledge of the marketing industry to help you determine whether staying will be a better option than moving on.

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Signs It’s Time to Hire a Marketer…and how to get it right

By Kristina Gerdov • September 3, 2025

For many growing businesses, marketing is often something that gets added to the to-do list of already busy managers or existing teams. A social post here, an email there, and maybe a campaign when there’s time. But without dedicated expertise, marketing rarely delivers the consistency and commercial results your brand needs to grow. If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to bring in a dedicated marketing resource, here are the key things to consider and how to ensure your first hire is set up for success. 1. The Telltale signs If your demand generation has stalled, you’re struggling to convert interest into sales, or your brand presence feels disjointed, it’s time to stop relying on ad-hoc efforts. A dedicated marketer can build and execute a strategic plan that drives consistent results and positions your brand for long-term growth. 2. What to avoid It can be tempting to look for a “jack-of-all-trades” who can do a little bit of everything. The reality? Even the most talented marketer will struggle without clear goals and defined outcomes on what the business is looking to achieve. Hiring without clarity can lead to underwhelming results and frustration on both sides. Be specific about the expertise you need and the outcomes you expect. 3. Why this hire is so important to get right Your first marketing hire is more than just another role, it often lays the foundation for your brands future growth engine. The right hire can build momentum and shape how your future team evolves. The wrong hire however, can stall progress, waste budget, and leave you back at square one. 4. Fractional vs full-time Not quite ready for a permanent commitment? Fractional marketers can be a great short-term solution to get things moving while you build the case for a full-time hire. Just be clear on their remit. Fractional marketers are ideal for campaigns, projects, or interim support, but they’re not typically suited to long-term brand building or team development. 5. What kind of marketer do you actually need? Marketing as a discipline is broad, as are the tools used to reach your desired target audience. Do you need someone to drive digital acquisition, manage partnerships, develop content, or build brand strategy? Start by clarifying your business’s biggest priorities and pain points, then match the skillset accordingly. The clearer you are upfront, the better the outcome. 6. How to set them up for success Hiring the right person is only half the job. To see results and maximum impact, you need to set your new hire up for success. This means: Clear KPIs so they know what good Vs great looks like The marketing tools and access to the resources they need to deliver Integration into cross-functional conversations with key decision-makers from day one Bec Godkin, Senior Talent Partner says “Marketing can’t succeed in a silo. The deeper your marketer is connected across the business and understands the various levers that shape success, the greater their impact will be” Hiring your first marketer is an exciting step - it signals growth, ambition, and the desire to build something bigger. By being clear on what you need, avoiding common pitfalls, and setting your hire up for success, you’ll give your business the best chance to thrive. At iknowho , we specialise in helping brands make their first marketing hire. If you’d like to talk through what kind of marketer is right for your business, we’re here to help.

What is a Fractional CMO and could one be right for you?

By Kristina Gerdov • June 25, 2025

Discover what a Fractional CMO is, the benefits they bring, and how to know if hiring one is the right move for your business.

How personal branding can supercharge your job hunt in 2025

By Kristina Gerdov • May 13, 2025

In 2025, personal branding isn't just a buzzword – it's important for anyone navigating the job market. The uncomfortable truth is this; you're likely being Googled more often than you're being interviewed. In a digital-first world, your personal brand can potentially boost your career prospects. So how can you leverage it to stand out during your job hunt? 1. Your brand is what people say when you're not in the room Personal branding isn’t just about the polished version of yourself that you post on LinkedIn. It’s what others say about you when you’re not around. Consider how you’re being perceived online and offline. Is your brand consistent, authentic, and aligned with your career aspirations? What would potential employers say about you when they Google you? To start refining your personal brand, think about your values, your goals, and how you want others to perceive you. This means showcasing your strengths, yes, but also acknowledging your struggles and learning moments. Authenticity can give you a competitive edge. 2. Lead with curiosity, not just expertise Publicly asking thoughtful, insightful questions. It positions you as someone who is constantly learning, open to feedback, and not afraid to explore new ideas – a thought provoker and idea leader in your space. In the job hunt, this quality can set you apart from others who might be more focused on offering answers than asking the right questions. So, when you’re engaging with others online or in an interview, try focusing on asking questions that spark deeper discussions. Your curiosity and willingness to learn can make a lasting impression. 3. Your personal brand is about becoming known for the right things Remember, personal branding isn’t about trying to become famous. It’s about being known for the right things – the things that align with your career goals and the value you want to offer to employers. For job seekers, this means ensuring that your online presence and interactions reflect your expertise, passion, and ambition. When crafting your personal brand, be deliberate. Think about the skills, values, and personality traits you want to highlight. 4. Be consistent and intentional The foundation of a strong personal brand is consistency. Your personal brand is built in the small, everyday actions – how you engage with your network. Consistency in your interactions helps shape how people perceive you and helps create a brand that’s memorable. If you're job hunting, it's critical to show up consistently both online and offline. This includes engaging with industry professionals on LinkedIn, contributing to discussions, and demonstrating professionalism in all your interactions. 5. Small steps to narrow the gap So, what's the gap between how you see yourself and how others might perceive you? The goal isn’t perfection, but making small, consistent adjustments that move you closer to aligning your internal brand with how you’re seen externally. It could be tweaking your LinkedIn profile, starting a blog, or sharing your expertise. What’s one small thing you could do this week to move the needle and narrow that gap? Whether it’s posting a thoughtful comment on a relevant post, reaching out to someone in your industry, or sharing a story of a recent challenge, small actions can have a big impact over time. 6. Share struggles, Not just wins When it comes to personal branding, it’s easy to fall into the trap of only sharing successes. However, some of the most credible personal brands are built on transparency – sharing the struggles and lessons learned along the way. It’s interesting to see how you handle setbacks, not just your triumphs. Embracing imperfection in your personal brand helps paint a fuller picture of who you are. Whether it’s sharing a challenging project you worked on or a time when you faced a setback and how you overcame it, these stories can help demonstrate your resilience, problem-solving abilities, and growth mindset – qualities employers are eager to see. In today’s market, personal branding isn’t just a nice-to-have. By being intentional, consistent, and authentic, you can build a personal brand that resonates with potential employers, ultimately setting you up for success in your job hunt. So, there’s no better time to start than now.