You really thought you could build a future with this employer and wanted to try to give it all of your commitment. Perhaps, you initially thought, remaining on this job would be a part of your professional life plan. When you faced prior struggles, you thought things would get better. There was no way things could get any worse, right? Well, apparently they did and now you want to leave your job. Should you leave your job? You are probably constantly wondering whether when is the best time to leave a job. One of the unfortunate realizations that we all have to accept is that sometimes things don’t get better.
When you look at the 1960s and 70s, you hear about ‘company men.’ There is even a movie about the concept. These people stayed with their employer throughout their entire lives and came out on the other side with a handshake and a gold watch. The unfortunate truth is that this isn’t reality anymore. The prevalence of the internet and the interconnectivity of all employers with prospective employees has made the hiring process too easy. Employers are putting up with less in the workplace because they think you are replaceable. In some respects you might believe you could be replaced easily and need to cling to your job. However, this interconnectivity is a two-way street. You can find another employer far easier than they can find another employee. Before you do that, though, you need to assess whether now is really the best time to leave a job.
You’ve Tried To Make Things Right, Should You Leave Your Job Now?
Are you at your wits end? Have you finally had it and want to leave? Before you do, take stock of the situation and try to evaluate whether you have done everything you could to make your situation better. Have you talked with Human Resources? Have you attempted to have a one-on-one with your boss? Did you take your co-worker out for a drink to settle the dispute? Many common workplace issues can be solved in much less time than it takes to find a new job.
You Aren’t Being Properly Valued
Most people feel like they aren’t paid enough to do their job. Do you feel like you are vastly underpaid? Are you putting in a ton of hours with little upside? Are there no incentives for your work? It is time to do some research to find out if it is the best time to leave a job. There is a good chance that you have friends in the industry. Talk to them. Try to figure out whether you are actually being undervalued. If you are being paid far less than your friends in the industry that have around the same amount of output and experience, it may be time to look for another job that will value you appropriately.
Are You Experiencing Inappropriate Behavior?
In our current political climate, we would like to think that higher-ups and fellow employees are dissuaded from making any suggestive comments or contact with other employees. However, this could still happen to you and you need an exit strategy. It is important to speak with your Human Resources representative to try to come to a solution that doesn’t require you to leave your job. Unfortunately, there have been too many circumstances where HR reps do not look out for their employees. If you find yourself in such a situation, get out as quickly as possible. You may even want to talk to a lawyer and ask them if you have grounds for a suit. Remember: Human Resource Departments are there to protect the company, not you.
You Received Another Job Offer That Is Too Good To Refuse
You’ve been killing it at your job and people in your industry are taking notice. Now you have a new job offer. You examined the offer, the money is better, the benefits are better, and even the location is perfectly situated for you. However, you feel a sense of loyalty to the company you are with and they have stuck with you from the beginning. This is the time where you must remain strong. It is perfectly acceptable to approach them and tell them the offer you have been given. If they value you, they will ask you to stay and give you an appropriate offer to retain you. However, if this does not happen, it is time to leave. Have no regrets and look out for what is most important.
You Are Expecting A Child/Need A Leave Of Absence
There are far too few countries that offer paid time-off for maternal and paternal leave. As long as you have been a good employee, most employers will work with you to have a plan of exit and re-entry. Though, sometimes employers do not want to wait. If they attempt to rush your return or insist that you do not take any time off, it may be time to leave.
It is important to remember to have exhibit proper decorum and respect when leaving a job. You never know who your employer may have in their network and you don’t want to disqualify yourself from other positions they may have influence over. Always give two-weeks notice and do everything in your power to make the situation as smooth as possible. Note: Be wary of any non-compete agreements as you do not want to find yourself in the middle of a lawsuit.