To
leave or not to leave (Is the grass really greener?)
Don Schmitz/Human Resource Staffing
How often
do employees put meaningful thought into why they want to
leave their job? Too often the decision is reactionery to
a particular event; inappropriate raise, boss yelling at them
or dissapointing sales month. The following questions are
meant to assist you in making a sound long-term decision about
leaving or not leaving your position.
Are you inline with your goals?
Do you have written goals? If not, stop and write out your
goals before going any further. Your goals should include
much more than money and benefits. Consider writing goals
about; how valued you feel, your education and preparedness
for what you are doing, the company culture, work ethic and
environment and the potential in your current position to
achieve your long term goals.
What do you need to achieve your goals?
Most people grow by watching and learning from others. A good
mentor can pave the way and increase your chance for success.
No amount of education can replace working with a skilled
mentor who is committed to your growth and success. Many of
the most successful people in business have learned from another
very successful person. Is there someone who can help you
grow? Do your opportunities for advancement seem to have gone
as far as you can grow, what is contributing to your growth?
Are you committed to you personal growth or are you satisfied
where you are? If you haven't had the opportunity to learn
something new in six months or more, your company may lack
the mentorship, challenge or commitment to you that will support
you in achieving you goals.
Is the decision to leave an escape?
The reality is we can find positive and negative experiences
in any company. Moving to a new environment could easily put
you right back in the same place you were with your previous
employer. If the decision to leave is the result of an immediate
event such as, disagreement with a co-worker or supervisor,
an unexpected job offer with better benefits and pay, failure
to get an expected raise or promotion, you might want to step
back and asses all of the components of your pending decision.
You owe it to yourself to find some uncluttered time to think.
Consider taking a few days off, change your routine and reassess
your situation.
Are you being adequately rewarded for your efforts?
Rather than leave, maybe it’s time to record on paper
the value that you bring to the company and schedule a meeting
with your boss. If you can factually identify how you are
contributing to the company’s growth your request should
produce some positive results. In your request remember to
include other forms of compensation besides dollars; the opportunity
for advancement, more challenging work assignments, job title
and responsibility, an increase in benefits, time off and
educational reimbursement.
Are you making a difference?
Everyone wants to make a difference. Your company doesn’t
need to be the leader in the industry but if your company
is progressive and listening to your ideas, a feeling of mutual
ccomplishment is sure to follow. Consider the heart and spirit
of your company and how they align with your moral and ethical
values.
If after answering these questions, you wake up and want to
go back to work, your decision is made. In the end, it's not
about a job that matters, it is the need to make a difference,
feel appreciated and if not love, enjoy your job.
