The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about great change. One of those changes is the “great resignation.” From wanting to work remotely to pursuing an entirely new career, the reasons for employees leaving their current jobs vary widely. Perhaps you have considered whether there is a position out there that would be a better fit. But how do you know if it’s the right time for you and your current employer to part ways? Here are a few tips to help you know when to make a change.
You’re Truly Uninterested in Your Work
We all have days when we just don’t want to work. After dragging ourselves out of bed, answering a single email seems like a Herculean task. Feeling bored, unmotivated, or disengaged at one time or another is normal in any role, but if these feelings become more persistent, it might be time for a change. Not addressing how you’re feeling could also lead to more serious issues, including anxiety and depression. If you’re truly unhappy and uninterested in your daily work, explore alternatives.
You Can’t Work with Your Boss
It’s rare to agree with everyone, even your boss, all the time, but you should feel like you can work with them. Small disagreements or differences of opinion typically can be resolved. However, if there’s a lack of trust, the management style simply does not align with your working style, or you have different ideas about how to accomplish your job and can’t compromise, it is likely time to move on.
You Don’t Feel Valued
Being valued looks different to every employee. For some, it may be based on salary. For others, it may mean access to a flexible work schedule or better work-life balance. Think about what being valued means to you, and whether you are experiencing that. If you aren’t, are there things your boss or company could do to change that? For example, if you feel valued when you receive praise and your manager doesn’t often give praise, you can have a conversation and ask them to share positive feedback when it’s warranted. If the way you want to be valued is in direct contrast to your current role or your employer’s philosophies (e.g., you want to work remotely but your employer requires employees to work on site), then it might be time for a change.
It’s Not a Great Working Environment
Sometimes a colleague or upper-level manager makes the office a less than an ideal place to be. Do you feel there is a lack of collaboration or support? Does the environment feel toxic or combative? If so, this may not be an environment you want to be a part of for the long term.
There’s No Mobility
Many assume the only way to move in an organization is up. But often new opportunities that are lateral or outside your current department can be a good fit. That said, if you see no way to advance or grow at your current organization, it might be time to see what else is out there.
There are a lot of factors to consider when determining if it’s time to make a change. Don't just about your current circumstances, but consider what you might gain if you were to leave. Exploring opportunities not only allows you to see what else is out there, but it also helps you see if the grass really is greener elsewhere. Making a change is not always easy, but these tips can help you figure out how to make the one that’s right for you.
ON TOPIC
Andrea D. Wieland is an AISESS professional member with 25 years of experience working with students in higher education. She has worked at two-year and four-year colleges in both Colorado and California and is currently guiding students at Front Range Community College, Westminter Campus, in Colorado. Her primary work has been focused on career development. In 2022 she received the Rich Feller Award from the Colorado Career Development Association. The annual Rich Feller Award recognizes those who have made valuable contributions to the career development field and have served others as a mentor and colleague.
What should employees consider when deciding whether it’s time to look for a new position?
There are many reasons to consider moving on from your current position. Asking yourself some basic questions is the best way to begin.
Are you overqualified for the position?
If you are overqualified and often times find yourself not engaged in the workplace, this might be a sign that it’s time to move on to something more challenging. However, before moving on, you might want to chat with your boss and see if there are additional responsibilities or promotion potential where you could earn more and be more challenged.
Are you overworked and get little time to decompress?
Are you always on the go and have little time to catch up with various parts of your job? Do you always get asked to stay late while others get to leave? It’s one thing to help out the team, but if you are being taken advantage of, or if you are met with arguments when you ask for some time for yourself, it might be time to move on. One that note, when moving to a new position, be sure to set your boundaries early while still being a team player.
If there is no room for you to advance at the company?
It also might be time to move if you are ready for new challenges but your skills will not be recognized or compensated where you currently are. Looking for your next move might be the next best step for you.
A cultural fit is just not there for you?
We all need to be in a work place that respects and fits our values. If you can’t find that where you are currently working, it might be time to find a place that prioritizes those important values. This includes work-life-balance. Ensuring your values are respected will help you enjoy your job and stay refreshed.
Finally, what if you have found a competitive opportunity that will be better for your continuing career?
This is another sign that it’s time to move on. I always suggest that people create a grid when searching for a career, or even a new job opportunity. This grid could be a comparison between the new opportunity and the old. Assign numerical values between one and 10 that describe how well each of the values is met at the two positions. In the end, you’ll be able to see which position offers the highest value to you.
Sometimes seeing this information as values, helps people make sounder decisions. Deciding to move on is tough. Often you just need to take the plunge and move to the next opportunity. Good luck with your next move — I know you can do it!
