5 Reasons to Look for a New Job

Article Originally Featured on  Levo League

A few weeks ago, I caught up with one of my friends for a chat over coffee. After a while, the conversation steered towards work. She told me that while she was pretty happy with her team, she felt things were getting a bit stagnant at work. Projects were being put on hold, promises of new experiences and responsibilities weren’t being met, and her skill set was not developing.
She questioned whether she should stay in a job that promises new and exciting experiences, but hasn’t yet delivered, or leave. Would she fall prey to the fickle Gen Y stereotype and end up somewhere even worse than where she is now?

When you’re in a toxic work environment, you would probably leave without a second glance. But what about the situations where for the most part you’re happy with your team and your work?

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5 Reasons to Look for a New Job

1. The people, the work, the money

Money isn't everything. It only helps enable you to do the things you want to do. If you’re already doing those things, then why do you need more? If you’re happy with your team and your work, but you feel you could be earning more elsewhere, do some research. There are non-monetary benefits of work as well like good friendships, supportive networks, work location, and training opportunities.

2. Good things come to those who wait… (sort of)

My friend’s problem was that lots of things weren’t being delivered that she was promised for reasons beyond her control. While it is frustrating, sometimes the tide will change—especially if you’re in a new team or a startup business. Focus on the things you can control and set yourself a task list with some hard dates. If they come and go and nothing has changed, then maybe you need to look for a new job.

3. Make your feelings known

It’s much easier stay and work through difficulties within your current workplace than change jobs, face a huge learning curve, new co-workers, and then find out that’s what you expected. Voice your concerns over your pay, your workload, learning opportunities, and see what happens.

Remember that changes won’t happen overnight. Suggest a three-month action plan. If you still don’t see any progress after this period, your choice to look for a new job won’t come out of the blue for your manager.

4. It doesn’t hurt to look

When my friend was feeling frustrated, she searched for new jobs over a few different periods. From those interviews, she found a whole list of skills that she needed to build in order to make the next jump up her career ladder. Do you really want to leave a job only to do the same job in another company or are you looking for a promotion? If it’s the latter, consider your resume and what skills you need to develop to become their ideal candidate.

5. Change is good

Even if you’re still unsure, send out a couple of resumes and test the waters. These things take time. Also keep in mind that you don’t have to tell your manager anything until you get an offer and you accept. The worst case scenario is that you stay in your current job, but you also may receive an offer for a position that will provide you an opportunity to learn new skills, increased salary, and work with an inspiring team. You won’t get any better by being comfortable!

 Article Originally Featured on  Levo League