Knowing When It's Time To Go
From
www.nytimes.com
I'm getting that restless feeling. I've been in the
same job for a few months (or maybe a year or more)
and now realize that I'm bored and unchallenged.
There's nowhere to move laterally and the only place
to advance is my boss's job ... and s/he has no
plans of moving! What do I do?
This scenario will usually play itself out in
smaller companies that may not have as many
opportunities or career paths as larger companies
might. But keep in mind that this limitation can
also be an advantage. You can use this type of
situation to expand your role and take on new
responsibilities in other areas to develop a more
robust repertoire of skills and experience.
So what's my first step?
If you have a good rapport with your coach, engage
in a career conversation about the options available
in your current department. Discuss complementary
functions that need to be performed in conjunction
with your current duties.
But my current management isn't flexible and
forward-thinking enough to agree to provide this
type of accommodation. Now what should I do?
It may be time to seek a position externally,
especially if your values and beliefs do not match
those of your organization.
So do I just quit?
Absolutely not. It is a truism that it's easier to
find a job when you have a job. You won't exude,
feel, or appear in a state of desperation. You can
evaluate multiple opportunities and wait for the
right one to come along without focusing on taking
anything just to get a paycheck. Prospective
employers won't wonder if you were fired.
Okay, I found what I think is the perfect job and
can't wait to start!
Whoa! Hold your horses. Did you check out the
company culture to make sure that what lies beneath
the glitz and glamour of the recruitment and
marketing brochures and wooing meetings reflects
what really goes on inside the company? Did you look
them up on Vault.com and talk to other employees
within the organization? Did you make sure that you
negotiated a fair, market-competitive salary? You
may not get another chance to get this after you're
working inside the system and its limitations.
Now I've really found the right fit for me and am
ready to resign. I'm outta here!
Congratulations! But remember that this is really a
small world and that you need to protect your
reputation. Don't leave your current employer
dangling. Take the high road and give your boss the
appropriate two-week's notice in a polite and
professional way, even if you think that you may be
terminated on the spot. Leave your work as complete
and transitioned as possible. Resist all temptation
to sabotage anything or retaliate for any perceived
inequities. Don't steal anything. Don't give your
employer any ammunition that can come back to haunt
you later on down the road when your roads cross.
Believe me, sooner or later, they will.
