Is it Time to Stay or Go?

The grass is always greener and sometimes the job seems shinier on the other side but are you really ready for a move?

There are legitimate reasons to consider a job change but sometimes we bolt at the wrong time and end up harming our career. How can we know when it’s time to go and when we should stick it out?

Factor in these considerations when you evaluate whether you’re ready for the greener pastures of a new job.

Room to grow. Does your current position or place of employment offer you opportunities to develop and move up, or have you hit the ceiling? If your career advancement has been hindered this could be a good time to look for something else. However, if your company offers plentiful areas to learn and to move up and around, you might want to stay put and take advantage of the opportunities.

Sometimes we’re simply unaware of what is available. If you trust your supervisor have a candid conversation about your career and how you’d like it to develop (or speak with a representative from the Human Resources department). You might just discover opportunities exist that you weren’t previously aware of. 

Support systems. Have you developed a positive and supportive network of colleagues, supervisors, and mentors within your organization? If so, this might be a company to settle in with and develop roots. On the other hand, you might also be able to talk honestly with trusted colleagues about other opportunities you’re interested in pursuing and seek out their advice.

If you find yourself alone and isolated in your job, with little support, it is unlikely you’ll thrive and feel that you’re making a valuable contribution to the company and enhancing your career. This could be a good time to look for a situation that provides a better match for your skills, interests, and needs as an employee.

Anger management. If you’ve been overlooked for a promotion at work it can be easy to feel unappreciated, respond angrily, and seek out another job. Seeking out another employer could be the proper response, particularly if your opportunities are limited.

But perhaps you weren’t ready for the promotion? Take a step back, away from the intense emotions, and evaluate your current situation. Perhaps there are some things you still need to learn or skills you need to develop before you’re ready to move up.

Respond to your interest in a career move by evaluating your current situation, opportunities, and support systems, and avoiding reacting hastily in anger or frustration.