For some people when asked this question it is anytime others are more apprehensive about entering the open market when the economy is still sagging. To put things in perspective when I landed a job in 1998 with a telecom provider my grandma said to me “Work hard and you’ll move up the ladder and in 30 years you’ll be the boss.” Well, that statement certainly shows how things have changed in both the mindset of the generations and the realities in the job market.
Twenty years ago if you changed jobs more than every five years you were considered a bad hire, today people change jobs more often than they change cell phone providers. Some experts believe that the average worker will change careers, yes careers not just jobs but careers, three times in their professional life. With this proclivity to switch jobs it still creates a time of high stress to switch jobs even if you are looking while you’re still employed.
If you decide to make a change you need to ask yourself some very important questions. Is it worth it? Every job no matter how great they are has some drawbacks and tasks that you may or may not like. There is no such thing as the “perfect” job no matter what you think. Why am I considering a change? It seems like a rather mundane and obvious question but one you must answer to yourself honestly. Does your job suck because of you? Are you the reason for the differences between your boss, the low pay and poor work environment?
Ok now where done with the introspective exercises. Let’s be honest your job sucks because your boss is a tyrant, the company treats its employees like crap and you deserve more money. The answer to the initial question is anytime is the right time to change jobs. If companies are looking and you have the skills you have a chance of landing the job that takes you to the promise land.
In order to make your next job less stressful look at some outside tangibles that will affect your view of your next job or a simple checklist for your current job.
1. Management- Can you see yourself working with this manger. You will inevitably interview with your direct manager. Interview that manger when they are interviewing you. More people leave their jobs due to bad managers than any other reason. If red flags are raised in your mind LISTEN TO YOURSELF!
2. Commute- Traffic sucks. If your drive to work take an hour each way and sitting in traffic puts you in a bad mood it will spill over into other aspects of your life.
3. Satisfaction- Do you wake up every morning and want to be there….ummm probably not but shoot for an 85%-90% number. No one wants to go to work every day but are you happy, is the job challenging and can you honestly say “I love my company” without sounding like you just drank a bucket of corporate kool aid.
4. Appreciation- Are you getting the good jobs when deserved? Do you think this manager or direct report will gives those out when necessary. It seems a bit narcissistic to be looking for accolades before you start a job but you are only looking for the possibility that they will recognize good work and talent.
5. Last but not least MONEY- are you compensated well or does this position bring the amount of pay you are worth. Some things on the list might be worth more than money. The opportunity to work with an innovative manager or organization, they opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a start up, closer commute (with gas prices around $3.30 a gallon this is worth money in its own right).
All in all it really depends on what makes you comfortable in timing a job change. It is important that when you change positions that you don’t end up screwing yourself and end up some place worse than you were. Just make sure to do your homework, Interview your manager and make the decision that works best for you not every else around you. Happy Hunting!
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