At some point, all of us have asked ourselves that question. Today I’ll discuss some reasons why – or why not – you might want to start looking for that next opportunity.
Generations since the 1950’s have seen a huge shift in worker mobility. Loyalty, however defined, by both the company and worker, is largely gone. No longer do companies typically keep workers when business tails off. Workers are much more apt to change not just jobs, but careers, multiple times during their lifetime.
As a general rule, as long as your employer seems reasonably financially stable – meaning they aren’t regularly laying people off – then it’s better to try to work things out at your present company. After all, changing jobs is time consuming, emotionally taxing, and there is no guarantee you’ll find the grass to be greener on that other side of the fence.
We’ve all heard the saying, “You don’t quit your job, you quit your boss.” Your relationship with your manager is the most common reason for leaving. Where possible, take steps to work on that relationship. Perhaps speak with your Human Resources department. See whether you could move to a different manager within the organization. Then again, maybe YOU’RE the problem, particularly if you’re often butting heads with others.
A lack of challenge or lack of growth potential is a close second. You’re stuck in a job with nowhere to go up in the company. Do you see yourself doing this same job the rest of your life? Look into what requirements you lack which block you from consideration for other positions. Maybe you need additional education or training.
Quality of life… your “work/life balance”… can drive you to seek a different gig. We’re fine with hard work, yet each person has his or her limits on what’s acceptable.
I’d referenced company stability earlier. Even if you’re in an otherwise fulfilling job, I think you need to be open to change. After all, once a company has shown it’ll lay off good people, what makes you think you’re so vital that they’ll keep you forever?
Family reasons represent a different sort of factor since those aren’t job related. Whether it’s caring for a family member, moving closer to grand children, or simply a desire to move closer to better weather, see whether your current employer has any transfer opportunities. Maybe they’ll let you work remotely.
Notice I haven’t yet mentioned compensation. Leaving a job where everything else is in good shape – simply to make some extra money – is not usually a winning strategy. Many people have gone that route, only to regret it.
We all have motivating reasons for making a change. Think things through. Don’t act impulsively, especially by simply walking off the job and burning bridges.
If your reasoning is sound and you’ve tried to remedy things at your employer, but to no avail, then go for it. Good luck!
