How do you know if you are ready for a job change?
People leave jobs for many reasons.
However, the more senior you are in the organization and the longer you have been there, the psychological grip on you to stay there is usually higher. You might tell yourself you are staying for practical reasons like bonuses or vested equity or deferred comp. All of these are valid for sure but really how much money are we talking and have you looked at how that money can be cashed in even if you do stay or leave?
Are you using that as an excuse to mask a deeper fear of the unknown? If you have been at a place for over ten years, it is totally normal to think about how could you possibly find a new job in a different firm and question what would that be like, culturally.
How do you know if you are ready for a change?
Hermina Ibarra provides an excellent survey in her amazing book “Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader” (I recommend it to my coaching clients regulary)
Have a go at answering the questions with a yes or a no.
- Have you been in the same job or career path for at least seven years?
- Do you find yourself restless professionally?
- Do you find your job more draining than energizing?
- Do you resent not having more time for outside interests or family?
- Do you have a changing family configuration that will allow you to explore other options?
- Are you admiring folks around you who are making big changes?
- Has your work lost some meaning for you?
- Do you find that your career ambitions are changing?
- Recent events have left me appraising what I really want?
- Do you find your enthusiasm has waned for your work projects?
If you got 6-10 yeses then you could already be deeply in a career-transitioning period. Make time to reflect on your goals and see if your life goals are evolving also.
If you got 3-5 yeses then you may be entering a career-transitioning period. Work to increase insights and “outsights” which are new horizons that appear from doing new things and meeting new people.
If you got 2 or less yeses then you are more likely to be in a career-building period in your current job so you are busy working on
developing within that role, team or firm.
If you would like to work with Nicki Gilmour as your coach, you can have a free complementary call to discuss what is on your mind and to see if there is a fit and see if coaching is for you. Book your preliminary meeting with Nicki here.
