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We’ve all done it. Had a bad day/week/month, and decided “that’s it, I need a new job”. For some, the whim passes quickly and life goes back to normal, but for others, the idea lingers. Not a decision to be taken lightly, the process by which one makes the decision to leave a job is often a decision to leave a comfort zone as well. Looking at options is one thing, but going for them is quite another. At times like these, it’s important to get a little introspective and figure out just how serious you are about leaving. Here are some important questions to consider as you make the choice.
Why are you unhappy?
Is it just the job? The company? The boss? The career? The salary? Is it a permanent dissatisfaction or simply a bad month? It’s crucial to first pinpoint exactly what it is that makes you want to jump ship.
Have you tried to do something about it?
The old adage ‘the grass is always greener on the other side’ frequently rings true with jobs but the alternative ‘the grass is always greener where you water it’ also holds a lot of truth. Give your current role at least one chance. There are many issues that can be sorted out simply by taking action yourself. Talk to your boss. Tell him or her why you are unhappy and come prepared with possible solutions so that you can both put your heads together to improve the situation. Perhaps it’s not something that your boss can help with but at least provide the opportunity. It’s important to explore all options in order to best inform your final decision, and giving your current role your best shot is part of that.
If you left, where would you go?
Are you leaving the company, the career, the comfort zone, or all three? You need to know this before you can plan your next steps. Have you been head-hunted? Have you applied to other roles and been called to interview? You need to have a plan in place should you decide to leave your current role.
Are your expectations realistic?
It’s easy to get carried away dreaming about the day you leave your current job and walk into that dream role, but how likely is it that it will happen? When you look at what comes next after leaving your job realistically, are you as happy to leave? Be careful to manage your expectations and not get carried away.
Are you ready to commit to leaving?
Picture yourself in the situation whereby you’ve applied, interviewed and have been offered a new job. How does the prospect of imminent departure make you feel? Are you really ready to leave your comfort zone?
Leaving a job is huge move for anyone. Take your time before making any solid decisions to properly assess your current situation before you move into a new one. Are you really serious about it or just toying with the idea?