Time for a job move?

Sometimes, the decision is very straightforward that it’s time for you to move on as a result of the circumstances you are encountering in your workplace; other times, it may require you to sort through the pros and cons because of the impact of such a major decision.

B. Lynn Gordon

Consultant and Ag Writer / LEADER Consulting, LLC

Email B. Lynn Gordon

Why people leave jobs

When I do presentations on employer/employee relations, the audience is always shocked to hear the number one reason an employee leaves a job is because of their “boss.”

It’s most often not the pay, the hours, the benefits, lack of advancement opportunities, location, etc. – it boils down to the respect, connection and appreciation the employee’s boss has demonstrated over time to the employee. Employees seek to work in an environment where they are satisfied with their job responsibilities and working conditions and, most important, are in an environment where their boss appreciates the work they do.

Leaving a job is big decision. Will quitting the job have negative consequences on your future and your current financial situation? Or will staying in a negative work environment with an unappreciative boss stifle your future career opportunities and lead to emotional stress?

Sometimes the easy way is to stay with the known; you might be unhappy, physically and mentally burned out, but even with all that, you still have a paycheck and don’t have to face the reality of seeking out new employment, which can be stressful in itself. Yet if you do decide to quit your job as a result of discontentment with your boss and the work environment, do your best to quit with dignity.

Making the decision

First, assess your dissatisfaction. Are you in a situation you can ride out? Is it a week or two of unhappiness, or have you been dealing with low motivation and lack of appreciation for months? Is it a phase or stress from some other part of your life seeping into your job?

If so, you may be able to eventually see a change in this type of dissatisfaction, but the long-term, big-picture lack of excitement is not easy to change. It can seem unsettling to think of leaving a job – even one you don’t like – but remember, there is life out there after you leave your job.

In fact, you might even find out the next step is more fruitful than you expected, or it may be another bump in the road – but you won’t know until you try. That’s why your analysis of the level of dissatisfaction is a critical first step.

Secondly, look at other options. Don’t leave on an emotional whim. Even if you’re unhappy, take time to see what else is out there. You may find out your situation isn’t so bad after you have conducted some research.

Network with people in your industry to find out about other possibilities. Ultimately, it is your decision, but having people in the know provide you with advice never hurts.

Third, test out your status. See if what you believe is true. Such as: Step up to the plate the next time your boss is looking for someone to take on a specific task. If you are overlooked, your intuition just may be right: Your boss does not understand your skills and what you can offer, and you should move on.

What are you looking for?

You have decided it’s time to look for a new job. Now what?

1. What is your passion? What do you love to do? Start with what you enjoy, what you are good at, and what you have knowledge in. You might take a step left or right from where you were before, but it may actually bring you closer to the “perfect role” for you.

Make a list of things you love and like to do, then when you feel overwhelmed in the job search process, you can always come back to this list to get grounded. Maintain a file of the skills, tasks and expertise you have, as you should tailor your application specifically for each job and pick from this list as needed.

2. A bigger paycheck. If your move means a bigger paycheck, the higher income will bring a spring in your step, motivate you and probably be the final decision in you saying “yes” to accepting the new role.

However, do you homework: Does the high starting salary influence raises later on? What comes with this new financial gain? Does the company pay more in salary expecting you will work longer hours and have less time off to be with your family? Who is responsible for health insurance, you or them? Make a list of questions to research; don’t just be wooed by the high salary.

3. A flexible schedule. This is becoming more popular, especially with the millennial generation as they seek a balance in their work life and family life. If this is what you are seeking, be sure to reinforce this during the interview. In agriculture, we know the hours are long, and when work has to get done it just has to get done.

But a visionary boss knows if he burns out his employees, he will be placing a “help wanted” ad soon. Here is where communication is important. Not only be open that you are interested in a job with flexibility, but be willing to carry the responsibility that comes with that. For example, don’t tell your boss at 3 p.m. on Friday afternoon you have to go to your grandma’s 80th birthday party out of state over the weekend; take responsibility if you want flexibility.

4. Positive environment. A person can only work in an unfriendly, competitive environment for so long before it begins to take a toll not only on their work productivity, but their mental state of mind – and then spreads outward to how they interact with customers, their family and their friends.

If you are seeking a position where you want your input to be heard and be part of a team, clearly speak up about this in your interview. Remember, during the interview process for a new job, not only is the potential new employer/company interviewing you, but you are also interviewing them – to decide “Do I want to work here?”