Monday morning blahs aren’t unusual. The end of the weekend and the start of a workweek bring about a sense of regret and the feeling that it is a long way to next Saturday. It happens to everyone. However, if the Monday morning blahs last until lunchtime on Wednesday, perhaps steps need to be taken. Is it time to move your desk closer to a window? Would a brisk morning walk help? Or, is it time to change jobs?
Whether or not to change jobs is a huge decision! In fact, one of the biggest you will ever make. So let’s look at factors to consider before taking such a step. Answer these questions about your career and position. Together, we will find out if you need to change jobs, or just need to tweak where you are right now.
Is it the job or the commute?
Working five minutes from home is a blessing that most workers do not experience. Likewise, working two hours from home is a curse that most workers do not endure. Some folks love their jobs but find the commute wearing over time. If an examination of your blahs reveal that it is the trip in and out that bothers you, perhaps you need to change your home address, rather than changing jobs. On the other hand, if there is a new job, and it is closer to home…
What is the job culture at your potential new employer?
Do you know anyone who works there? What is the company’s reputation in town? Do their values align with yours? These are questions that can make or break your happiness quotient. Remember that there is more to happiness than the size of the paycheck.
Okay, but…
Yes, the value of your work should be reflected in the compensation you receive. Compare your salary offer to what you currently make. The number is not everything, but it should be commensurate with your talents and duties.
Don’t forget the compensation that is below the surface.
No, we aren’t talking about being paid under the table (what are we, 15 years old?). We’re talking about the benefits that go along with salary. Make sure that you aren’t taking a step back when it comes to vacation time (often called PTO) or insurance coverage. Stock options and retirement perks may be on the table, as well.
How about the future of your old company?
Have things stagnated at your current job, or are there plans for growth and expansion, even in other departments? Try to project forward to see where the two companies will be when that time comes. It may be that patience is best.
Pernicious clock watching is another sign it may be time to change jobs.
Above all, know thyself and to thine own self be true. Someone much smarter than Gildshire once said that, and it holds true for your job plans. If it is time to change jobs, know that you are doing it for the right reasons and the right goals. Conflict with a co-worker that is not your supervisor, temporary frustration, and employment wanderlust are not signals that it is time to change jobs. But, if this checklist leads you down that path, good luck and Godspeed to better things. You have what it takes to be a success in your current place of employment or at another job that more suits your talents. Gildshire knows you will make the right decision.
