Should I go or should I stay ?

Photo by Peewee Gonzales

Every employee, sooner or later , will face the question “to leave or not to leave. “ It will be one of the most stressful moments in one’s career. So, let’s examine each of the things that keep us awake at night.

The grass is greener. It is understandable that some people will make money the main consideration for leaving a current job. Maybe they’re the bread winner and the needs are urgent. It’s admirable that they sacrifice their own dreams and comforts for the sake of family.

But if that’s not the case, it is not good to put primary importance on money. We can make money a part of the decision-making mix. But if it’s the only reason that makes us want to accept a new job, we are accepting it for the wrong reason.

When I’m not interested in the job offer, I don’t let the interview reach the point that we have to talk about salary and perks. It’s irrelevant.

It’s the people ! I know many people who resigned because of a boss they can’t stand. But there is no guarantee that our next boss will be any better. Many have said that they hate the people they’re working with. But there is no assurance that our next office environment will be a heaven full of angels.

There are nice and not so nice people everywhere.

If our present superior is a boss from hell, let us first exhaust all remedies within the office before deciding to resign. Maybe we can ask to be reassigned to a different team. The advice I often give to friends : “ Don’t let one ______hole get in the way of your success and happiness in the current office. “

Some of us cannot resign because we don’t want to leave our friends behind. Trust me, if we’re nice, we can always make new friends anywhere. Even bad people can find friends. Just fill up the Bad People Club membership form.

Office politics. This can be a good reason to leave because we don’t deserve the stress that office factions cause. Politics is truly the downfall of many organizations. However, “politics” is often exaggerated in our minds. Maybe they don’t even exist. We may be only imagining it because we’re not getting what we think we deserve. 

Let us first have an honest assessment of ourselves before we think that we’re a victim of office politics. By the way, the power struggle in the new company we’re about to join may be even worse.

I want to be the boss. This is a good reason. We all want career growth. But the power, prestige and perks should not be the reason why we want to be topdog. The rewards that we want should be good for the soul, not just good for the ego.

Maybe we can grow where we’re planted. Before we conclude that we have reached the end of the line in our current job, it will be good to talk to our boss to find out exactly where we stand.

  

So, what is a good reason for leaving ?

It is a good time to leave when the next job promises to be life changing.

Maybe the new job excites us because we will be doing things we have always wanted to do. We will create new products. Explore new ideas. Serve more people in a more direct way. Change the world. Whatever it is that inspires you.

If a job genuinely excites our spirit ( not our ego ), it is most likely our Element. It is most likely in line with our personal mission statement. ( See related articles in this website. )

A good job is one that gives meaning to our lives and brings out the best in us.

In the world of business, nothing is guaranteed. Our new employer may succeed or fail. But if we’re following a dream and a true passion, the risks are worth taking. If we’re young and good, there will always be another company who will hire us when it’s time to jump ship.

It is a good time to move on if we think that the new opportunity will turn us from a horse into a unicorn, from a duck into an eagle.

Then again, we may not need to move to another company. Maybe we just need to be transferred to a new department. In any case, let us go where we can evolve, grow and become better persons.

If you have concerns about your job or if you wish to suggest a topic, you may email me at rglabayen@gmail.com

I would assume that you’re giving me permission to publish your email ( if chosen) and my reply. Your identity will not be disclosed.