The Leadership Insider network is an online community where the most thoughtful and influential people in business contribute answers to timely questions about careers and leadership. Today’s answer to the question: How do you know it’s the right time to switch jobs? is written by Tom Gimbel, CEO of the LaSalle Network.
If you’re considering switching jobs, it’s likely for one of three reasons: you don’t like your boss; you want more money; or you don’t enjoy the work you’re doing. My advice? Look for solutions within your current company before running to the next opportunity. Leaving for the short-term is like looking for a quick hit in the stock market. If you want to buy and sell in six months to try to make a quick gain, you’re usually not going to have long-term success. That being said, I realize not every work environment is a great one. There are obviously extenuating circumstances, and sometimes your only answer is to start fresh. Let’s break down the reasons for switching jobs.
You don’t like your boss
Bad bosses can discourage their staff. They can seem insensitive or controlling in certain situations. It’s important to realize that sometimes what comes out of someone’s mouth and what they genuinely mean aren’t the same thing. Maybe they’re working on a big project or under a lot of pressure. That could drive them to say things they don’t actually mean. You have to look in the mirror and ask yourself if you are proactively communicating. Remember, people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. However, if you legitimately feel held back, prepare your resume.
See also: How long you should really stay at a job you hate
You want more money
If you have a great relationship with your employer, receive good benefits and a 401k match as well as training and development, making a move for $3,000 more a year probably isn’t a good long-term decision. In fact, money tends to be one of the worst reasons to leave.
People who stay with a company and build long-term growth and success make the most money in the long run. They give themselves time to develop and work their way up the ladder. It’s the job-hoppers who typically earn in smaller increments and struggle to ever really become an expert in their role. Plus, when times get tough, they’re the first ones to go.
So rather than running out the door, look for ways to grow your career and earn a higher salary right where you are. Sit down with your manager and ask about advancement opportunities. Find out what you could be doing to move up in the department. Then, create a plan for how you’re going to get there. Remember, with more money comes more responsibility. So be ready for that challenge.
You don’t enjoy the work you’re doing
If this is the case, self-reflect and ask yourself exactly what it is you don’t like. Is it because of the team? Is it the types of tasks you’re working on? What specifically don’t you enjoy? Once you can answer those questions, talk with your manager about your concerns. If it can’t be resolved but you want to stay with the company, if possible, look into moving to a different department. Typically if upper management sees you’re dedicated to the company, they’ll be more open to finding you a position that’s a better fit. This is usually a place for a smart person with a great attitude and outstanding work ethic.
Real all responses to the Leadership Insider question: How do you know it’s the right time to switch jobs?
When this happens, you know it’s time for a new job by Paul Sallomi, U.S. and global technology sector leader at Deloitte LLP.
3 signs your job is in serious danger by Matt Mickiewicz, co-founder of Hired.
This is how long it should take to gain new opportunities at work by Adam Ochstein, founder and CEO of StratEx.
Here’s how to tell if your job is at risk by Chris Perry, chief digital officer at Weber Shandwick.
What a failed negotiation could mean for your career by Shadan Deleveaux, co-founder of Technology For Families in Need.
Why a low paycheck isn’t enough to leave a job by Mike Guerchon, chief people officer at Okta.
This is how long you should wait before quitting a job by Edward Fleischman, chairman and CEO of The Execu|Search Group.
3 signs it’s time to switch jobs by Karen Appleton, SVP of industry at Box.
