Is It Time to Look For a New Job?

Whether working for a company or organization for a year or decades, it is always difficult to decide when to move on to another employer. There are certain signs that any individual can look for around the work place. While may of these seem like common sense, others are more subtle and are just an important, if not more so.

Time in the job

Consider how long you have been in the same job with the same title performing the same function. If it is longer than twenty-four months and a new job for the same employer is not pending, then it may be time to look for a new job. Consider changing jobs within a company or organization every eighteen to twenty-four months. Anything longer labels you as a “lifer” in the role.

Promotion

Are others around you in similar roles and organizations getting promoted and you are not. Ask yourself why. If they have similar functions, skills and background and they are getting promoted about you, it is time to move on.

Raise

Even though it is one of the last taboos, raises and bonuses are important indicators of who is valued and who is not. If others are getting raises and bonuses and you are not, it is time to change jobs. If others are getting larger raises or bonuses than you are, then it is time to move on too. Bosses make lots of excuses and reasons for disparity in pay treatment. Do not let these stories persuade you to stay in place. Follow the money as they say.

Ranking

Many organizations now rank employees within departments, divisions or other teams and work groups. If you are not ranked number one or two – then it is time to move on. The money and the promotions will always go to the top people. Being in the middle or the bottom just means you have a job – and only for the present.

Appraisal

If the six month or annual appraisal is anything but glowing, then it is time to move on. Most bosses are even more generous in performance appraisals than they are with raises and bonuses. As such, if the appraisal does not have you walking on water, then you are less than valued in your current role.

Training

Most companies, organizations and businesses have annual training budgets. If you are only getting the minimum or the mandatory training, then it is time to move on. If you are being offered extra training or special executive training, this may be a good sign when balanced with the other points raised here. Similar to ranking, extra and special training is a sign that you are valued and being developed for beyond the current job or role.

Business Trips

While business trips are often less than they are show as in movies and on television, companies and organizations usually only send the best people to meet with customers and executives. Travel is also a sign of value. If others in your department or team are traveling and you are not, ask yourself why. This too may be a sign that it is time to look for a new position.

Recognition

Beyond pay, bonuses, appraisals, travel and training, recognition is important. When was the last time you got a plaque, a certificate, a letter from one of the top leaders in the organization? If the answer is you never have or it was so long ago that you cannot remember, and then it is time to move on. If what you do is valued in your mind but is not recognized and rewarded, it is time for a new job.

Meetings

While not the sign of prestige that they once were, important meetings are an opportunity to shine in front of peers, bosses and executive leaders. Are you included in the important meetings or told not to bother to attend. If you are told to just do you work and others will attend the important meetings then it is time to look beyond your current job.

Development Programs

Most companies and organization have programs for future executives – for the “jet jobs” or “fast tracks”. If you have been with a company less than five years and you have not been asked to participate in one of these you need to know why. And if the answer is that you were not selected for it but others were, then it is time to look elsewhere.

Promotion List

Companies have “bench strength” also call leadership continuity programs. If leader A is gone then B is ready to step into her shoes. If you are not slated to slip into someone’s position by way of a succession plan after at least two years with a company or organization, then it is time to move on. Again, this is something to talk with your boss or supervisor – or her boss or supervisor – about.

The hard reality of work is some people move up the ladder. Other people stay put. And still others are the first to go when there are budget cuts and reorganizations. Take steps to make sure you are always in that first category. That will not always mean staying where you are working currently. But it will mean that you are taking care of NUMBER ONE – and that is the most important thing in any job or occupation.

George F. Franks, III is the founder and CEO of Franks Consulting Group, a Bethesda, Maryland based management consulting and leadership coaching practice. He is a member of the Institute of Management Consultants (USA) and the International Coach Federation. Franks Consulting Group is on the web at:
http://franksconsultinggroup.com