We are creatures of habit. From a very young age we thrive on the known; breakfast in the morning, a day of school, homework, play time, supper, reading a chapter and then off to sleep to start all over again.
The same can be said for our jobs. We get in the habit of going to work everyday even though it may no longer be fulfilling our life in a variety of ways; salary, respect, responsibility. So when is it time to leave?
Change can be frightening. I’ve heard women state that they stay in a marriage perhaps longer than they should have because it was an “evil they knew versus the unknown.” The same can be said for our job. Our boss may be a jerk, the work may be tedious but it is a known entity. It is a paycheck every week or two, with health benefits and a place and purpose for each day. But if that job is no longer providing what you need as a professional woman, it may be time to take a closer look at the options.
In an article entitled Should I Stay or Should I go, author Robin Madell helps readers understand the thought process of making the career change decision.
Entrepreneurs know that before they quit their full-time job and open their own business they should have been working their new business on the side and amass enough surplus income to sustain them for at least the first six months. But if you are making a lateral move or considering a new industry entirely, there are different things to consider.
Madell suggests that the first step be an evaluation of your current environment and culture. If you like the company and the leadership but the position you hold isn’t a good fit, then you might first consider seeking advancement opportunities within your current company.
Madell says: “…don’t see your decision to accept or decline an opportunity, or to stay or go, as black and white. Through smart negotiation, you can suggest ways to make the role fit you and your skill set better. Kolb advises that “communicating the value you bring to the role is a prerequisite for getting what you want.” You might start by thinking about what skills you’re missing, or that others may perceive that you lack. With this information, you can identify what you need to request that would make the role a tighter fit. And if your current company can’t provide what you need, this may be a reason to consider outside opportunities.”
However, if you have decided that you would like to pursue a career elsewhere, take time to consider the direction you want to take. I’ve created a process that helps you find your Influence and Impact Center.
Finally, check out the 12 questions Amy Shearn poses in her article that appeared in Oprah Magazine entitled “What to Ask Before You Quit Your Job.”
Whatever you decide to do, make sure that it helps move you along your journey!
