Is it time to say goodbye - why it might be the right time to quit your job, even in the current economy
Is it the time? Do you really think so? Even in this economy? Quit your job. There, I said it. Many of us think about it. You think to yourself “I would love to get out of here – permanently.” How do you determine when it’s time to go? I speak to many people who lament their current work situation; yet, they are loath to do anything about it; plus the economy stinks – there are no jobs. Why? From my experience it’s because people don’t like change; they are nervous about what the future will hold; they think – like we all do, the evil you know is better than the evil you don’t. Nonsense I say. Here are some valid (and maybe some not so valid) reasons to take stock of your situation and take the plunge:
Growth? What Growth?
If you are feeling that you are stagnant in your current position and see no future opportunities to move up the corporate ladder as it were, this might be the time to move on to greener pastures. I know you’re comfortable; I know you like the people you work with; I know that your compensation is fine; I know; I know that you wouldn’t mind staying in your current role. All of these things notwithstanding, you need to understand that staying in one role for too long can present problems. There are no guarantees in life – or in employment for that matter. That being said, pursuing an opportunity to grow and challenge yourself in a new role will increase your marketability. More importantly, you will be energized and reinvigorated in a position that requires that you to continually develop yourself from a personal and professional perspective.
I work for ‘That Guy’
Unfortunately you don’t get to choose your boss. Does that sound familiar? If your boss is making you miserable, this can affect other areas of your life – whether you realize it or not. Working for a tyrant or a softee, or a punching bag may be reason enough to move on. The fit might not be great between the two of you. If there is no beacon of hope indicating that the boss is leaving anytime soon, evaluate other opportunities. You will be glad you did it. Once gone you can look back and thank your lucky stars that you got out when you did. I have many examples of clients who worked for “That Guy.” Many of them look back and wonder how they stayed so long. After frayed nerves and a reduced self-esteem, which takes time to repair, you could have been well on your way to a new and engaging opportunity in a more collaborative environment with a more supportive boss.
ZZZZZZZ
Is your job boring? Do you feel like you are falling asleep at the proverbial wheel? Boredom is a good reason to leave. Part of why you go to work (aside from the obvious – love of working!) is to remain engaged. Learn new things, feel stimulated. Not getting that? It’s time to go. There are millions of possibilities that will allow you to say “I love my job!” When you are bored you will not live up to your full potential and certainly won’t be in a position to make a meaningful contribution. Why would you want to continue to go to an environment where you can potentially underperform? Many of us are defined by our work; if that’s the case no doubt your feelings of self worth and happiness will improve in a more exciting role.
Trouble’s Brewing
Do you detect trouble on the horizon? Are you hearing rumblings of downsizing, rightsizing or some other sizing that causes the hair on the back of your neck to stand up? Is your industry on a downswing? Get going sister. Why wait until trouble is knocking on your door? Take a proactive approach; you will be glad you did. Aside from brushing up on your interviewing skills, you might identify a great opportunity to contribute in a new company.
Are You in a Rut? Are You in a Rut? Are You in a Rut?
You feel like you’re in a rut? Sometimes you just need a change. It might not be a great reason, but why do you need one? It’s ok to feel like you just want to do something different. You actually don’t need to validate this. You never know what the future brings. A new situation might be just what the doctor ordered.
Is it time to bust a move? Only you can decide. I am all for a leap of faith.
Comments and feedback are requested and desired; and you are welcome and encouraged to submit questions to thecareerdoctor.
Debra Wheatman, CPRW, CPCC is the founder and Chief Career Strategist of ResumesDoneWrite, a premier career services provider focused on developing highly personalized career roadmaps for senior leaders and executives across all verticals and industries.
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