Career paths are often not a straight line and pursing a career can often take you in a new direction. Deciding to quit a job because it no longer meets your career needs is a difficult decision.

There are many reasons why someone decides to leave their current job. We all want to be growing professionally, doing meaningful work, and connecting with those around us. When those basic needs are not being met, it often creates unrest. Or maybe you feel a bit “behind” where you thought you should be in your career, you’re wondering if your work is still measuring up to your bosses expectations.

According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employees people change jobs every 4.6 years and hold a total of 12 jobs throughout their working careers. Knowing when it’s time to leave and how you will exit the company is crucial in maintaining your professional reputation and ensuring a smooth, positive experience for both the employee and employer. 

Before handing in your resignation here’s some things we know about the world of work that you should take into consideration….

Is the Grass Greener?

From our perch we know there is no such thing as a job or workplace where you’ll always find that beautiful patch of green grass and sunshine. Particularly if you’re being recruited away from an existing job or employer, be careful of all those green pasture stories as many of them end up being more like synthetic turf masking some rough terrain.

Often, we are so overwhelmed with dissatisfaction and frustration with our current jobs, bosses or co workers that we forget to realize that a shiny, exciting new job is almost never the solution to all that’s bothering you . Every workplace has challenges – things that are or are not part of the culture that you just don’t like. When you switch jobs you often leave behind some things you don’t like only to find a new set of things you don’t like in your new job. A company may have an upbeat, positive culture from the looks of their social media and they have a great PTO policy, but how do their teams interact when facing a challenge? Will you be okay working independently? without your favorite mentor?

Getting caught up in the “grass is greener” mentality is probably not a good thing!

Don’t Get Caught up in a Moment!

Above all, remember that how you start a job and how you leave a job is far greater to your reputation than anything you did in between. Despite a successful tenure with the company (and no matter how much money you made or saved the company) your former colleagues will likely only remember how you left if it was on negative terms.

While your feelings may be intensified and your emotions are affecting your presence at work or your during your leaving period, this is the time where you will be leaving a lasting impression – so make sure it’s a positive and respectful one. 

Wouldn’t you love to be known as a true professional who was incredibly respectful in leaving the company and ensured a cordial and smooth transition for both parties? Wouldn’t that be what you want your manager to mention when they are asked for an employment reference in the future?

Worried About Appearing as a Job Hopper?

Well – not so much in today’s world of work where leaving jobs to grow your career is pretty much the norm. That said ,if your work history shows you changing jobs every 2 years and not always going to something bigger and better you may have some explaining to do when going for a real career opportunity where job hopping is frowned upon.  

If your work history shows a pattern of taking and leaving jobs without a lot of rhyme or reason, you might want to think about staying put for awhile to change the narrative that your current resume is creating. If you leave your role how will you assure a prospective employer that you aren’t a high-risk hire? Have you gotten enough insight into what does and does not work for you about a job to be able to spot the job that is the right fit for you – for longer term?

What about the current job market?

The job market can change quickly. Some markets are better than others to get you thru a smooth transition to a better job. If you’re currently employed you might want to launch a confidential search so that you minimize any time you might be out of work.

Take a Closer Look at Your Current Role

As difficult as it may be to even think about staying in your role (or trying to work with your difficult co-workers or manager), the “better job” might be a new job with your current employer or a revamp of your current role so that it is a better match to what you are looking for.

Final Thoughts….

There’s lots to think about before you decide to change jobs:

• Am I leaving this job for the right reasons or am I just up against a personal hurdle that isn’t going to go away with a new job?
• What do I need to find in a new job that will make this move make sense down the road?
• Is there something I could do internally to make my current job work for me, or perhaps move to a different job in the same company?
• How is a job change now going to impact my narrative about my career? How will it impact the first impression a future employer might have about my resume?