When to move on from a job

If you’re at work and reading this, it’s likely you’re having some doubts about your current job. Careers are long and varied and therefore it can be difficult to know what the right thing to do is. Stay and continue to put up with those itchy feet or leave and perhaps find something better. Stability, routine and fear of the unknown all contribute to making leaving a job a difficult decision, so here are some hints that might suggest you should make the leap…

Other opportunities

The most obvious indicator of a good time to move on from a job is when other interesting opportunities are on your radar. If you’re getting offers from elsewhere, don’t be too quick to dismiss them. Having a coffee meeting with someone interested in working with you can give you a better idea of what they’re offering and what the future might hold. It can be scary to leave an established position or a steady job, but if these potential roles fill you with inspiration and excitement, then maybe taking a step outside your comfort zone could result in unforeseen rewards.

That sinking feeling

If you’re unhappy in a job and it seems the company is having difficulty, then putting your hand up for redundancy could be your best bet. Rather than approaching it from a negative standpoint, why not look at what this could offer you. Most redundancy packages include a decent amount of financial compensation. This could tie you over whilst you look for another job doing something that’ll better fit your needs and ambition.

If you’ve had an idea for your own business, why not take this opportunity to put those ideas into action. Knowing you have the time and a little bit of capital to get you started can take the stress out of setting up your own venture or even making something more out of a side project.

Bossy boots

A good boss knows how to lead, encourage and motivate. A dodgy boss can make working life a living hell. If you’re struggling to see eye to eye with your boss and you’ve tried to diffuse or address the problem, this is a sure sign this job might not be the right fit for you.

Unfortunately your boss is a crucial part of the company culture and if you have difficulties communicating with them, then it’s likely the culture of the entire organisation doesn't work for you either. This can lead to stifled creativity, work ethic and results.

Wouldn’t it be better if you focused your time, effort and intellect into a job where they are well received, and you felt understood and appreciated?

It’s worth taking some time to self reflect on the issues you’re having at this point. See if you think there is something you could do better in order to have a more harmonious relationship with your superiors. Sometimes difficulties can be a great opportunity for learning. Sometimes they are the sign you’ve been waiting for to hit the road!

The Great Wall of China

Everyone wants to be heard. In a professional setting this exchange of ideas, values and information is crucial to the success of the organisation and to the individuals who work there. If you are finding your ideas are being brushed off, buried, shut down or even stolen, this is a big red flag.

There are many reasons why this could be happening and it’s best to talk to HR to help you. Be mindful that you may get feedback you don’t like. It’s worth being open to constructive criticism as it could be the key to that next step up. It could also give you the impetus you need to find something better. A role that allows you to share your ideas, contribute to the growth of the company and benefit from the sharing of information, gives better job satisfaction and is likely to help you maintain your ambition and drive to achieve great things.

Dead ahead

Finding every day at the office a drag is a useful gauge to pay attention to. It’s not that hard work should be seen as negative, every job should be challenging in order to help us grow and learn professionally. However, if you wake up each morning dreading the day ahead then perhaps you need to move on.

If you hate your job and the passion and interest isn’t there, every day can be an assault course on the mind and body. Not only is this not good for you or your health, but it’s likely it’s having an effect on those around you. What’s more your chances of success at work are drastically lower and could negatively affect your career progression.

Last rung

This can be a tricky one! If you’ve reached your full potential at a company and feel there is nothing much more for you to contribute or for you to learn, it’s definitely time to look for a new challenge.

Often when people have worked hard to reach the top tier of a company they are reluctant to leave, but stagnating in a job that no longer challenges you is likely to start you on a downward trajectory. After all that hard work no-one wants that!

New opportunities at the same level with a different company can be a great way to keep increasing your knowledge base and expertise, whilst capitalising on all your previous hard work. If leaving altogether isn’t an option then maybe look for board positions or other executive positions out there to help you continue learning and improving.

Tell us in the comments below if you’ve changed jobs and why?

 

Posted by: Sarah Price, on April 28, 2016
Categories: Articles