Figuring out if it's time to make a job change is often a difficult decision, especially if you have a great boss or really enjoy the work you do. If you are fairly happy with your job, you might hesitate to try something new. However, there are some valid reasons to make a job change, even if you enjoy the job you have. Here is what you need to consider before making a decision.
Determine why you are thinking about quitting your job. Is it because you have reached the end of the career path at your current employer? Are you concerned about the direction the company is taking? Before you decide to make a job change, see if there is anything you can do about your concerns. If you are a strong employee, your boss might be willing to give you a position with more responsibilities and opportunities for professional development. If you don't agree with a new policy, speak up about it.
It's also important to consider the reasons why you might want to stay at your job. Check with other employers in your industry to see how much they pay someone with your credentials. If your company pays on the high end of the range, you may not want to give up your current salary. The amount of time it takes to commute to and from work is also an important consideration. Tripling your commute time may not be worth it, even if another company offers you a higher salary.
If you're getting a new boss, don't make a job change just yet. It's not worth quitting your job before you even know if there's a problem. Give your new boss a chance; you might be surprised by how easy it is to work together. The same goes for concerns about new colleagues. Don't quit your job simply because your employer hired someone new. After a few months of working together, the two of you might end up becoming close friends.
Don't forget to consider your family when you are deciding whether or not to make a job change. A long commute reduces the amount of time you have to spend with family members. If you decide to take a job out of state, your spouse and kids have to make the move with you. Balance your personal and professional needs against those of everyone in your family. You might want to hold off on making a job change so one of your children doesn't have to change schools in his senior year, for example.
Staying with the same employer for a long time shows you are loyal, but it can also cause your career to stagnate. If you think you are ready for a job change, weigh the benefits of switching jobs against the drawbacks of making a significant life change.
Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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