Ask any current job seeker and they’ll tell you; finding a new job can be tough. That’s why it’s more important than ever to weigh your options carefully before handing in your resignation. Ask yourself these three key questions before making the final decision to ditch your job.
- Am I leaving to further my career? Sometimes you have to move on to a new position with a different company to progress up the corporate ladder. Sometimes, though, career progression is within arm’s reach at your current workplace – you just may not have asked your employer the right questions or signalled your interest in taking on more responsibility.
Discuss your desire to progress with your employer, and ask them what opportunities exist within the company. If none exist, by all means, begin your job search. If career progression opportunities do exist at your current workplace be sure to consider them, and identify some ways you can stand out for a promotion.
- Am I leaving for more money? Money is often a key consideration for employees – after all, the vast majority of people work because they need to pay their bills. That doesn’t make your salary the be-all and end-all, however.
Whether you’ve been headhunted and offered a higher salary, or you’re not getting paid the salary you believe you deserve at your current job, consider your options before jumping ship. Discuss your salary with your employer, and ask to negotiate your package. If they can’t budge on your weekly pay, they may be able to offer greater benefits to keep you. Look at the whole package – including job satisfaction. If your employer simply can’t – or won’t – budge on your salary, and can’t give you any indication of when you can expect your next pay rise, it may well be time to move on to greener pastures.
- Am I leaving to avoid conflict? Leaving a job to avoid conflict or escape a negative workplace is more common than people might think. This may be a tempting option if you don’t like confrontation, but if you like everything else about your job, why let a horrible boss or unbearable co-worker force you out?
Believe it or not, you may well be able to resolve your workplace conflict, keep your job and enjoy a drama-free workplace from here on in. Consider the type of difficult colleagues or bosses you’re dealing with, and endeavour to work towards a solution. If you make the effort, but still find your workplace to be toxic, making a career change could be worth the effort for your sanity.
Other questions to consider
- Am I leaving because I feel underappreciated?
- Am I leaving because I’m bored?
- Am I leaving for greater work/life balance?
- Am I leaving to pursue my passion?
- Am I leaving for greater job stability?
Whatever your reasons for wanting to leave your current job to pursue other opportunities, don’t be hasty or make any rash, irreversible decisions. Asking these questions can help you define your reasons for leaving, and then assess whether there’s a less radical solution to meet your career, financial and happiness needs.
