Tag Leaving a Job

Knowing When to Stay With a Company and When to Leave

Steve Keating 2 Comments

Some decisions are easy and some are hard. One of the hardest decisions can be knowing when it’s time to leave a company or job you’ve enjoyed. That’s especially true if you’ve been in the job for a long period of time. 

Sometimes you feel “stuck” in a job you’ve never really liked but hey, a paycheck is a payback. It just seems easier to stay then it would be to start over somewhere else. Whatever your particular case may be knowing when it’s time to leave a company can be a complex decision that depends on various factors. 
Here are some signs that might indicate it’s time to consider moving on.

  • If you’ve hit a plateau and there are limited opportunities for advancement within your current company, it might be a sign to explore new horizons elsewhere. Stagnation in your professional development can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction over time.
  • If you find yourself consistently uninterested or uninspired by the work you’re doing, it may be an indication that your passion and skills are better suited elsewhere. Feeling unfulfilled can affect your motivation, job satisfaction, and overall happiness.
  • If the company culture is unhealthy, with constant conflicts, disrespect, or a lack of support, it can significantly impact your well-being and productivity. A toxic work environment can have negative effects on your mental and emotional health. That makes it necessary to prioritize your well-being.
  • When your job demands consistently long hours, excessive overtime, or an unreasonable workload that leaves you with little time for personal life, it can lead to burnout. That negatively impacts your relationships and overall quality of life.
  • If the company you work for is experiencing financial difficulties, frequent layoffs, or a lack of direction, it can create uncertainty about job security and future prospects. Assess the company’s stability and consider how it aligns with your long-term career goals.
  • If the company’s values, mission, or ethics do not align with your own, it can lead to a sense of dissonance and discomfort. Having a sense of purpose and feeling aligned with your organization’s values is important for overall job satisfaction.
  • Sometimes, the decision to leave a company is driven by external factors. Receiving a more enticing job offer or finding an opportunity for growth that aligns better with your aspirations could be a reason to leave. Evaluate potential opportunities and weigh them against your current situation.

Companies and organizations change over time. When the culture of an organization isn’t carefully and consistently cultivated from the very top it can change very quickly. An uncultivated culture almost always changes for the worse. Even if the culture of your current organization used to be very good, if it no longer aligns with your personal values then it may be time to leave. 

It’s essential to remember that leaving a company is a personal decision. The significance of each factor may vary depending on your circumstances and priorities. Consider discussing your thoughts and concerns with trusted colleagues, mentors, or friends who can offer different perspectives to help you make an informed decision.

But when you know in your heart it’s time to go then go.

Running To or Running From?

Steve Keating 1 Comment

I’ve read a lot lately about what employment experts are calling “The Great Resignation.” Apparently there is a whole lot of job hopping going on with the pandemic seemingly coming to a close, at least in parts of the world. That means there is going to be lots of interviews going on. HR teams are going to be very busy. 

No matter the industry or position sought there is one question I’d ask every applicant before I gave them serious consideration. 

I’d want to know if they are running away from the job they have or if they are running to the job they are applying for. 

The difference between the two is huge.

I’d ask the question straight up. No need to beat around the bush on this one. It’s a simple question…are you running away from the job you have now or are you running towards a better opportunity?

How they answer that question, both in terms of the words they use and their tone of voice will be very telling. I’d watch their reaction to the question as much as I’d listen to their answer. It’s a question that many applicants won’t be ready for, at least they won’t be ready for it to be asked so directly.

But I’d need to know. People who are running from a job tend to bring many of their old job’s issues with them. It’s also likely that one of the issues they bring is themselves. I’ve had a number of people tell me that everywhere they have worked they have run into identical problems with co-workers and their bosses. When I ask what all those companies and jobs had in common they are stumped. 

But I remember someone telling me that “wherever you go, there you are.” The point was if you have issues wherever you go then at some point you need to consider that the real issue might be you. 

“The Great Resignation” has people running in multiple directions. These days many companies are excited to be able to add anyone. But before you add a new person to your team be sure to find out what direction they are running in. The last thing you need is a new person with the same old problems.