I never thought about the song Should I Stay or Should I Go by the Clash having any reference to a job decision. And it doesn’t – it’s about relationship issues. But two lines – “If I go there will be trouble, if I stay it will be double” explain what some people feel when they are trying to decide if they should leave their jobs.
Maybe you’re in a job where you’re not being paid what you should, but you know the job and the people. You’re comfortable. Or you could have a truly awful job but you have piles of bills and left another job two months ago. Whatever the case, quitting without thinking it through is never the best way to move on. Sometimes personal reasons propel you into the job search, while other times the company seems to be pushing you out the door.
Personal reasons you may need to look for a new job
Sunday night blues. Most of us don’t like to see the weekend end, whether we’re in school or working. But going into a funk every Sunday afternoon because you dread going in the next day is a sign that something isn’t right.
Your conversations are all about how much you hate work. When you get together with friends or family, has the topic of your job been banned because you complain about it every time you talk to someone?
You’re thinking about a new job – or retirement. If you’re 60, dreaming about retirement isn’t a big deal. If you’re 27, it’s more of a problem. Are you spending nights and weekends considering a move to Fiji or checking job options on LinkedIn?
You are sick/tired/drinking more. Are you finding it hard to sleep or forcing yourself to crawl out of bed? Are you having more sick days, headaches, stress? Is an extra beer or glass of wine seeing you through most nights now instead of just the occasional one?
Work has gone from challenging to a bore. Are you doing the same old thing every day? Is there no path for growth?
Company pushing you out the door
Manager from Hell. We’ve all had crazy managers, people who occasionally went off the deep end or put their advancement or concerns before everyone else’s. However, it’s different if your boss constantly belittles you, shows you no respect in meetings, or downplays everything you say.
Manager won’t discuss pay or give you more responsibility. Do they see you as a constant cog, not willing to give you more challenging assignments or discuss potential avenues for increased pay?
Company in trouble. Are layoffs happening throughout the organization or have you heard that clients are leaving?
Ridiculous hours. Many jobs require more hours at certain times of the year or when a project is hot. Some bosses think every project is hot and you should be willing to live for the office. Are the required hours not aligned with your compensation and chances for advancement?
You don’t fit in. This doesn’t mean you’re in the wrong, it just means you don’t fit with the culture. Some companies are overly political or religious. Others make products that some people have a hard time supporting. Is it just the wrong fit?
Before you jump
Before you decide to leave your job, make sure you’ve given it your all and the timing is right.
Reinvent your job. Have you asked for what you want (more challenging assignments, more money, etc.)? Perhaps you can move to another team or report to another manager, or even split time by doing projects for the team you want to work with.
Time on the job. If you’ve been in the job for a few years, chances are most bosses won’t see that as a negative. However, if you have had several 3-month jobs you may have a harder time finding employment. That’s not saying you need to stay in a toxic or dangerous situation. But you do need to consider how hiring managers will view your work history.
Money. Companies often pay bonuses at the end of the year or you might be coming up on full vesting for the retirement plan. Try not to miss out on money that would be yours if you stayed just a few more months.
Decision time
Whatever you decide, your decision probably won’t be cut and dried. You might find a job with more money but with a longer commute or in another industry. Or you might have to move away from your coworkers who join you for trivia night every week. Yet moving on gives you a chance to reinvent yourself, often for more money than the 3% raise you’d receive by staying.
Try not to jump without a net
When you decide to leave your job, try to have another lined up before you go. If you simply quit, you won’t qualify for unemployment insurance and it’s harder to get a job if you’re not currently employed. Plus, it’s easier to explain to your boss that you’re leaving for a great opportunity with another company versus simply being fed up and quitting. If you need a recommendation down the road, you want a boss who still respects you and how you left.
Make sure you give adequate notice. Two weeks is the norm, but it may differ depending on your contract or personal situation.
If you’re nervous when you meet with your boss, writing a letter is a great way to start the conversation. It’s also okay to show a little excitement, especially if you’re moving into a higher position or going to a company you’ve always admired. Make sure to balance your excitement with how much you’re going to miss your current situation.
Leave it behind
Interviewing for a new position can be fun, especially when you get an offer. When you start the new job though, it’s easy to compare it to what you just left. You may start thinking that the new place has the same problems as the old place. The staff may even remind you of people you worked with. Try to take a break between jobs, even just a weekend, so that you have a chance to leave the old one behind and truly start fresh with the new opportunity.