Should you change jobs? Three signs it’s the right time.

Should you change jobs?  Three signs it’s the right time. 

(3-minute read time) 

Horrible boss.  Toxic culture. Poor compensation.  Lack of meaning.  

These are common reasons we’re dissatisfied with our current roles.  We take these things as “signs” that it’s time to find a new job.  

They’re not.  

Popular culture tells us that if we feel negative and uninspired about our work then we should immediately find someplace else where we can let our passion shine.    

They’re wrong.  At least most of the time anyway. 

Look, we all like to think we’re reasonable people right?  We don’t expect our work life to be rainbows and daisies all of the time.  We anticipate some ups and downs. But how do we know when the downs are really just too much? How do we know when it is actually time to make a change and take our skillset to another role or another organization?  

1. You’ve carefully, purposefully chosen your opinion of your current workplace.   Workplaces and the people in them are completely neutral.  If they were actually “good” or “bad” then 100% of the employee population at any given workplace would agree on whether it was good or bad.  Our thoughts about our workplace have tremendous power over how we show up in them.  It’s ok if your opinion isn’t all positive but it should be intentional.  That “horrendous” boss is often just a human on the planet doing their job the best they know how.  While they may be an extremely ineffective leader, they’re not exactly the bumbling idiot we paint him or her to be at happy hour.   When you can think about your current workplace as a neutral entity and not the source of your dissatisfaction, you are well on your way to being ready for a change.
2. You’re watering the lawn you already have.  We often think that if we jump ship to a new organization then we can finally flourish!  We imagine we won’t feel so stifled. But remember, the grass isn’t greener just because it’s on the other side of the fence.  The grass is greener where you water it. How have you been watering the lawn (job/career) you already have? This part is not just up to the organization.  You’ve got to take initiative here too – ask to be on the big up and coming project, find a professional development opportunity and present a proposal. You may be surprised where the initiative takes you.  I know this can be tough when you are already feeling pretty fed up. But, if you have done Step 1 this won’t be nearly as hard. And, at a minimum, work will be a little more interesting!                    
3. You’ve done your homework.  Before ever looking at the job boards spend some time designing your ideal job.  Get clear on what it is you truly want. Sometimes, when things are challenging at work we’re so focused on finding the escape hatch we don’t pay enough attention to where it will deposit us.    Envision all of the tangibles and intangible qualities you desire. Sure there’s the org structure, possible schedule requirements, and compensation package to consider. How about the culture and values – what would be ideal?  What kind of professional development opportunities does a great workplace offer? What levels of autonomy and support will you have? This will help guide your career no matter whether you decide to stay with your current employer or not.   

Our careers are a big part of life which is why changing them can feel so hard sometimes!  If a change is what you are looking for – either in perspective or your job or both – I can definitely help, just click here to get on my calendar!