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.

High 5 Weekly Career Transitions Roundup: 6 Ways to Work Less But Get More Done

This is our weekly roundup of some of the best career-related articles, interviews, blogs, etc., we've read during the week. We share them so you have some great resources to prepare you for the coming week. Enjoy!

• 6 Ways to Work Less But Get More Done: "Say no to more things than you say yes to. Choose your projects carefully and purposefully. A general rule of thumb is to focus on one thing at a time. Have one goal, or one big thing, that needs to get done everyday, and focus on that."
• 11 Easy Ways to Boost Your Energy in the Afternoon: "The best way to combat a slump is by getting something done. Instead of tackling a tough issue that you’re likely to give up on midway through, send one sincere thank-you email to someone who has helped you on your journey."

• 5 Reasons to Make a Lateral Career Move: "When you take a new job, even if it’s a role you are very familiar with and even if it’s in your department, you learn a lot. Your 'learning muscles' get revved up and your confidence grows."

• How to Make a Great First Impression: "Before meeting someone new — whether it’s a potential employer or a new client — do your homework. Know who you’re meeting, what he cares about, and what he might need from you."
• 3 Brain Hacks to Boost Your Motivation When You Need it Most: "When we know that our work will make a difference to someone else, it makes us work harder."