The old saying that breaking up is hard to do has major resonance in the workplace.
It’s not only difficult to quit a job, in some cases people avoid leaving an employer altogether, deciding they’d rather stick with the status quo than take a stab at a new position with a competitor—or even a new career altogether.
The fear of the unknown keeps many creative professionals from realizing their career potential or seeking out greener pastures where they might be far happier and more fulfilled. While the mindset makes sense, this sort of career paralysis hurts both employers and employees. After all, unhappy, disengaged workers tend to be unproductive and are last to bring new ideas to the table.
That’s why at times, quitting is just the right thing to do, particularly in situations where you feel undercompensated, the structure of your company has changed or a glass ceiling holds you in one position. Then there are the inevitable lifestyle changes—think the arrival of new babies or even age—that demand a corresponding career shift. In short, when you find yourself disengaged in a position, when the company moves in a direction that doesn’t suit your skill set or lifestyle needs, or when Monday morning treks to the office become torturous, it’s probably time to find new work.
Still, I meet dozens of disengaged professionals every week who are seeking new positions, some of whom still aren’t sure whether they’re making the right decision. I deliver the same message to each of them: No one cares about your career as much as you, so now is the perfect time to take control. Despite my pep talks, many of the permanent-position candidates with whom we work go through the interview process and turn down offers because they get cold feet. Others are counter-offered by their current employer. Although accepting an offer of a better position or compensation may give them reason to stay aboard, it should make them want to jump ship because it’s only a matter of time before most of these people will be moved out of their job. Why? When management senses disloyalty, those who threaten to leave are often the first to be shuffled internally—or out the door—when the company’s long-term plans change.
If you’re stuck in a rut and simply can’t decide whether to wave goodbye to the current creative position that no longer has you thinking creatively, it’s time to look at the opportunity cost of not making a move. How will your career benefit/suffer by staying put?
In my next post, how to decide when it’s time to move on, as well as a few tips on finding a new position that suits your career aspirations.
Craig Hodges,
Relationship Manager
Source : http://www.creativeniche.com/our_blog/psychology-saying-goodbye-part-1
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