OFW guide: How to know when it's time to switch jobs

Resigning from work and going back to square one can be intimidating especially if you have no definite plans and are unsure of your decisions. It is thus important to assess your situation thoroughly, considering all the available options before jumping  the gun.

 

There are several reasons why an employee may feel the need to switch jobs, from unsatisfactory working conditions to the need for growth, a report of the news site Forbes said.

 

Before handing in your resignation letter, Forbes suggests considering these four important factors:

 

(1) Growth opportunities

 

Sometimes, you might feel that you have outgrown your current position and are now ready to expand your work horizon. You might want to be promoted but there are no slots available at the moment.

 

Instead of waiting, you might opt to switch jobs. Before you do, consider looking around your company and you might find a department that has room for your promotion.

 

The important thing is to talk to your boss about your career path.

 

(2) Consistency with career goals

 

We all have something we want to be – something we want to do, a profession. However, not everyone is lucky enough to land a job that leads directly to one's ultimate career goal.

 

If you really feel that your current job is too far from your desired career path, it might be time to switch jobs. However, it would be smart to keep your job while scouting for other possible options.

 

(3) Work environment

 

Several factors affect one's working environment but the most crucial is your relationship with your co-workers.

 

When a co-worker does not respect you or is insensitive, this creates tension within the office.

 

However, if you are not directly involved in office drama, then the working environment wouldn’t be a good reason to leave  the company. All offices have their own quirks and politics.

 

(4) Security and salary

 

Although your salary is one of the major reasons why you are working, it isn’t everything. You still have to factor in job security and other aspects of work before you decide to quit.

 

However, if you feel that you are receiving a salary that doesn’t fulfill your daily necessities, it may be time to talk it out with your boss before looking for a new job.

Eight reasons to stay or leave  

Meanwhile, here are eight reasons why you should stay or leave your current job, based on a report of the financial site Money Land. 

 

Why you should stay

 

(1) You need to give your employer and job a chance

 

When it comes to work, second chances should always be given. You will overlook a lot of things if you don’t open your mind and adapt to the situation.

 

Always assess the issue at hand before jumping to conclusions. More importantly, don’t make major decisions when you are in a bad mood.

 

(2) Being a ‘job switcher’ is frowned on

 

If your resume is full of jobs that state you only stayed for less than a year, you might want to reconsider quitting your job because it will reflect negatively on you if you keep on “job hopping.”

 

(3) It’s not easy to search for a new job

 

The key to a happy career is to be content with your job. If you think about it, you should consider yourself lucky because millions are unemployed all over the world right now.

 

Sometimes, all you have to do is to be satisfied with your job and keep working hard. Promotions, bonuses – you name it, will follow.

 

(4) You will have to rebuild an internal network

 

One of the most important things in any profession is having a good network.  

The longer you stay in a company, the better your connections become. Quitting your job means that you leave all of this and start from scratch to rebuild your network.

 

Why you should leave

 

(1) More opportunities, higher salaries

 

Sometimes, you will get to the point that your company can only offer you a certain amount and position which are topped by piracy offers from other companies.

 

If this is the case,  it might be best to move out so that you can move up faster with a larger salary.

 

(2) You want to change careers

 

There's no point in staying if you have already decided that you are not in the career path that you imagined and are already sure about field you want to switch to.

 

Just make sure that you have enough financial resources to back you up in case you couldn’t get into the field you want immediately.

 

(3) Bad working relation with your boss

 

As much as possible, you and your boss should have a good working relationship even if your personal relationship is torn to shreds.

 

However, if you have tried everything to make things work out between the two of you, leaving might be the best option before things get out of hand.

 

(4) Your life situation has changed

 

They say that the only constant thing in life is change.

 

What happens if you get married, have children or have to change residences – even overseas, do you still keep your job? That’s for you to decide. However, if keeping your current job is not practical anymore then you should search for a new one. - VVP, GMA News