The Writing’s On the Wall. Is It Time to Leave Your Job?
Let’s face it, there are many factors affecting career development which need to considered before you up and leave your job, but are you addressing them or ignoring them?
Think back to when you first started. Did you wake up each morning excited and enthusiastic? Did you worry that you were going to be late because you didn’t want to disappoint your boss? Did get that strange tingling sensation when you sat at your desk, a nervous kind of joy stemming from not knowing what the day would bring, but looking forward to it anyway?
Have these feelings gone away? Are there new and disturbing factors affecting career development which are now hampering your promotion goals?
The truth is if you're not doing what you are passionate about, you are not going to reach your true potential. You will fall into the daily grind and your career path will crumble before you. In reality, your career will simply become ‘just a job’, and you’ll become restless and bored.
Perhaps you need a shake up to renew your love of what you are doing, and the only way to do that is look for a new position.
However, just being bored is not a good enough reason to change companies. Remember that you have worked hard to get to where you are now, and that changing jobs brings a whole new set of issues you might not be prepared for.
So, how can you judge whether it is time to leave? Let’s take a look at your position as a whole. That way you can judge for yourself and make the right decision for your career. Are any of the following an issue for you?
You Don’t Get Along with the People You Work With
Look around you. How well do you know the people you work with? Do you have problems connecting with them? If you really dislike the people you work with you could try to work out the problems you’re having with them, but remember it takes two to tango and you could be wasting your time.
Not getting along with your work colleagues will leave you feeling isolated and vulnerable. Not many people work well in this kind of atmosphere. You need to be in an environment where you are appreciated and valued.
You and the Company are Not a Good Fit
If you believe there are ethical issues in the way the company operates, as well as cultural differences, or other issues such as work ethics that you can’t ignore, then you probably don’t fit in.
You have your standards and you should stick to them. If you thought you could do your job properly, and not have to worry about the moral differences between you and the company then you are sadly mistaken. It is important to work for a company where your ethical and moral values are the same.
Your Work / Life Balance is Out of Balance
We all need down time to relax and spend time with friends and family, no person can live happily cut off. Also, you may have a hobby you are passionate about, but you don’t have time to pursue it.
If your work-life balance is one sided and you are spending too much time at work, and no one at work cares then you may need to find a new position.
You’re Not Getting Rewarded for Your Efforts
If you feel you are not getting rewarded for your efforts then no one is going to blame you for becoming disgruntled. You may have missed out on promotions you thought you were a shoe-in for. Also, your duties may have changed or your workload increased, and you are still on the same wage.
Many companies work hard to save money and stay within budget, and that’s great because that’s what a successful company does to stay afloat, but if your team have been moved and downsized, and your work conditions haven’t improved then morale will sag.
If the company is performing well, but this is not reflected in your salary or other rewards then you have every right to be restless.
Moving On
If any of these points have raised doubts then you need to consider changing companies. However, before you rush into your boss’ office and resign take a deep breath. What goals do you need to put into place before you can move on? Take a thorough look at what your career should look like. Consider responsibilities, company culture, compensation, and the benefits you consider worthwhile.
Create a plan with measurable goals and a realistic timeline, and then start looking for that new position which is going to reignite your passion.
And always remember:
Great managers are made. Not born.
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