Is It Time To Move On?

The alarm clock starts beeping. You hit the snooze button as many times as you can, then slowly realize you have to get up. You have to go to work. Problem is you don’t want to go — not just today, but everyday. You have felt this way for a while now, and every morning it’s like fighting with a kid to get up for school. “I need a new job.” Before you take the leap, check out this useful to information to make sure you are making the right choice.

WHERE THE PROBLEM LIES
If you hate your job, you aren’t alone. A national survey conducted this year by Conference Board shows that more than half of the respondents said they dislike their current job. With numbers like that, it’s no wonder we want to quit and move on. Anne Houlihan, HR trainer and founder of Golden Key Leadership, says that women usually “know in their heart” when it is time to move on, and that we plan it out from there rather than up and quit.

According to Houlihan, the most common reasons/situations that women consider leaving their place of employment are:

• No growth opportunities
• No longer challenged
• Not inspired
• Become disengaged
• There is no flexibility
• Become stressed out
• Stagnation

When you have job satisfaction, odds are you are have a sense of commitment to the organization itself, but when you are dissatisfied, more serious problems can arise. Job dissatisfaction can lead to an increase in absences, tardiness, accidents, “strikes” or “occurrences,” even sabotage. There are five major components of job satisfaction:

• General working conditions
• Monetary benefits
• Attitude toward the work group
• Attitude toward management
• Attitude toward the company

It can be said that job satisfaction and your performance go hand in hand, and that one is the result of another. Remember that when you are dissatisfied and your performance and attitude is poor, it can be a red flag that something needs to change before you are the one being handed a pink slip.

WHAT WE DO WRONG
Of course there are the typical turmoil’s when it comes to quitting that women face such as having children or following their spouse on a move, but often times we find ourselves struggling with the emotional, more personal reasons that aren’t so cut and dry. “Women often times make the mistake of not looking at the bigger picture,” says Houlihan. “They need to get really clear what they are looking for in a new job or career, otherwise they will arrive at a new company and still be dissatisfied.”

Another big mistake we chatty women make is telling other co-workers what we are up to. It’s hard not to tell your friends at work that you are looking into leaving, especially when you spend 40 hours a week with them, often times more. As difficult as it seems, don’t say anything until you have officially given the company notice. The rumor mill starts running like crazy, and when so-and-so tells so-and-so, it doesn’t take long to get back to management.

But what if it’s not the company that is the problem, but instead it’s just your job? Don’t be too hasty in turning in your notice if there is the possibility of transferring departments or altering your job description. Houlihan suggests sitting down and communicating your problems with your supervisor to come up with a solution and action plan. She reminds us to stay positive and try to create a win-win situation for both you and the company.

HOW TO MAKE THE DECISION
So you are really considering find a new job. Before you turn in your two weeks, Houlihan suggests asking yourself these questions:

• “What am I looking for?” Do you want to work for a large, competitive company, or a small, more laid back business? Things to look at are the differences in pay, benefits, work environments, and structure. Some people like the more structured, “by the book” corporations, where as others like to have the flexibility and casual atmosphere of “the little man” type business.
• “Will this job be fulfilling? Am I passionate about the work?” Houlihan states that is important to weigh out any commute time, as well as scheduling flexibility. Basically, is the position you are looking at going to be exactly what you want, or do you have to compromise your career desires just to receive a paycheck?
• “Are there opportunities for growth?” Are you a risk taker, or would you rather stay in your comfort zone? Look at your career goals and compare them to what you are doing now. Are you willing to take on new challenges, or are you the type that is content with just sitting pretty? Houlihan also reminds us to ask ourselves which decision will give us better balance and time with our families.
• “What kind of contributor am I? What kind of contributions can I make to this new company?” Without getting too John F. Kennedy here, you do need to ask yourself what exactly you can do and bring to the business. Often, we look too much at what the business can give to us, but what good is that theory if you can’t contribute to the success of the company? Look at what and where your strengths are and try to fit the puzzle pieces from there.

If you are suffering from physical or emotional signs of workplace dissatisfaction, you need to evaluate your career immediately or even make an appointment to see your doctor. Remember, your health should not be compromised for a paycheck. If you just know it’s time to make a change, consider talking to a career counselor, or look into career testing. A few simple questions can make a world of a difference, especially when it comes to where you spend a minimum of 25 percent of your week.