Should you stay in your current role or move on to something new?
Deciding whether you should stay in your current role or move on to something new is never easy. Here’s a checklist to help you.
7 Signs It’s Time for a Career Change.
- Working pretty hard but there’s no real sense of satisfaction any more
- Envious of others who seem to be filled with energy and focus
- Doing enough at work to not get fired but you’re not putting in the effort that you used to
- Small interruptions and other people’s behaviour are disproportionately irritating
- Maybe you’ve had some feedback that your performance is slipping
- The thought of going back to that job on Monday spoils your Sunday
- The sense that there’s ‘something more’ just won’t go away
I’ve certainly been through most of these myself from time to time. The natural reaction is “It’s time for a career change”. But that isn’t always the best solution.
Make sure your motivation is taking you towards something instead of only away from or escaping something.
Should I stay or should I go?
If you are feeling several – or even all – of these, it may be time to move on.
But before leaping to the conclusion that you need to quit the job you’ve invested so much time and effort in up to now, fix these things first…
- Am I just tired?
- When last did I take a day off and do something I really love?
- How long since I last had a decent bit of leave?
- How’s my physical health? Fitness? Eating habits?
If you’re in good physical shape and not overdue for a holiday, again it may be time to move on.
But what if you found a way to re-commit to the job you have now?
- Have you discussed this with your manager?
- Could you negotiate a change to your responsibilities that could freshen things up for you?
- What other roles or career paths might be open to you internally?
- Are you ready or do you need further training or experience to prepare you? If so, what’s your plan for making that happen?
Still convinced it’s time for a career change?
To help cement your decision, there’s a simple model of career alignment that I have used myself several times in my career. Many of my clients have also found it helpful.
Simply think through your key priorities about what you want/need from your career right now, and what you are willing to give in return.
Also, list what your employer needs/wants from you and what they offer to make it worth your while. Not just the money!!
If the items in the 4 ‘boxes’ don’t match well enough it means the partnership is out of balance and the exchange no longer serves everyone’s interests.
If those 4 boxes don’t balance you have 3 options
- Work on making changes to get the balance back
- Live with the pain
- Move on
Whatever you do next it is absolutely critical that you define very clearly
- what you are looking for,
- why it’s the right move or role for you right now,
- what value you bring to the table.
Getting clear on these will help you to pitch successfully for that great next role
Career Assessment Profile
Have you ever had a detailed assessment of your deep career motivators, behavioural strengths, work needs and potential stress behaviours? One of the most robust instruments on the market is The Birkman Method which addresses all of these issues. You can find out more about it here.
The Birkman helps people to gain clarity on ideal roles and organisational environments. The aim is for you to be free to be your natural best in the right role and organisation culture.
I use Birkman regularly in my coaching but please be assured there are no affiliate links on this page
To find out how tailored coaching can help get in touch here
