When is enough, enough and it’s time to change jobs?
Recently I’ve assisted Polish pilots in the process of job interviews with UK airlines. To cut a long story short, LOT pilots and cabin crew were dismissed in consequence of going on strike. Even though the board eventually agreed to bring the fired back to work, they declined. The main reason was not an unsatisfactory salary, it was the treatment they had received. – Myth: The main reason why people change their jobs is unsatisfactory salary.
A few months ago, one of my clients changed her job for one with a salary lower by over 30% but in turn offering a supportive culture and development prospects. As concerned as she was to make the step (Am I doing the right thing? How am I going to live on much less money? types of question), now she is over the moon and not only she’s already been promoted but her salary has gone up too. – Pattern 1: If you stopped feeling valued, or even worse – respected, you may want to consider moving on.
A very ambitious client of mine started to be, let’s say it, pretty bored in her senior marketing position. She flagged the issue asking for more challenging projects, slightly more budget to work with, but her request was ignored on numerous occasions. Feeling frustrated, we applied for different jobs and got a couple of positive answers. It took her a while to leave her comfort zone (What if the new job is too demanding and I will have to sacrifice my work-life balance type of question) but in time she was sure she wants to feel more stimulation. Now, after a short time, she’s more energetic, confident and clearly happier. – Pattern 2: If you find yourself feeling that you are not operating at your fullest potential and that your life is passing you by, think of changing your job.
Other critical reasons for making a change are a bad boss or toxic environment or feeling overworked. A quick case study to wrap it up: one of my youngest clients, (26), has been working in a corporation for two years and seems to be burnt out already. She can’t achieve the desired work-life balance, even with a mentor’s support. She asks me what to do, whether she should keep going or quit. My advice is to give yourself some time but keep your mind open for new possibilities. Perhaps you’re just not cut out for working in a corporation? But then you usually need to have a plan B.
