How can we tell when it is time to move on in our careers? Sometimes we feel that we would be happier anywhere other than our current situation, but it would be nice to come up with something that is more than a feeling.
Try making up a list of the pros and cons of your current job. All you need is two columns and some time. Be as specific as you can in the things you list, including both quantifiable and non-quantifiable items. Consider things like
- Salary
- Benefits (include at a minimum retirement and health insurance)
- Responsibilities
- How satisfied you feel
- Your boss
- Your co-workers
- Job security
- Commuting time
- Anything else that comes to mind
Do this for at least one month; longer would be better in order to give yourself a clear idea of everything that impacts you. Some areas will be more important to you then others; be sure to take that into consideration.
Then, take the list and give yourself a self-review.
Consider your strengths and weaknesses as they apply to your current job. Can you make improvements?
Consider whether your strengths would better suit you for a different career. Where would you find out more about that career?
Be realistic in assessing the economic handcuffs that might tie you to your current job. Are there things that you can do to make your situation more palatable?
Then talk to a career advisor, a friend you respect and trust, or even your manager. Use what you find to determine your future course. Even if you decide to stay where you are, the fact that you took stock of your situation and considered alternative options will help.
If you do decide to move on, the next step is up to you. You have to take action to make change happen.
** John Grobe, President of Federal Career Experts, is the contributing
editor of FEDweek’s The Federal Employees Career Transition Handbook and an expert in employment and job search issues. He provides career advising services to individual employees. John can be reached at
(630) 208-7233 and by email at johnfgrobe@comcast.net. **
