The world of work is challenging for many of us right now and has many of us thinking of switching jobs.  Reasons that I hear most often when people speak of leaving your job are that you are tired of the long hours, poor leadership, extensive commute, not enough work-life effectiveness and no possibility for growth.

Sometimes these thoughts are so consuming and overwhelming we just want to ‘jump ship’ as soon as we can.  However, as we have heard ‘the grass is not always greener on the other side’.  It can be though if you put proper thought and planning into it.

Consider These 6 Steps before Making Significant Job Changes

1.  What is your rationale for wanting a major change now?  Identify all personal and professional reasons.
2.  What interested you in your previous role when you started? What’s different now?
3.   If you make a change what could you be giving up or getting?

• Pay
• Benefits
• Perks
• Work/Life effectiveness
• Mentor
• Learning environment
• Colleagues
• Prestige
• Title
• Level of Responsibility
•  Opportunity for advancement
• Challenge
• Commute time
• Other that is important to you

4.  If you are giving something up, can you obtain it (them) when you move on?
5.  If not, how important is it to you?
6.  If you review the above information and decide that staying with the same employer for now is the best option, what can you do differently to make change or to adapt to your environment to make it a better experience for you and your employer?

If you would like more information regarding career strategy, or if you are thinking of leaving your job, please check out my Free Resources Tab on my website at www.hrcareertransition.com, like me on Facebook at Conscious Career Planning with Lotte, follow me on Twitter @lottestruwing or connect with me on LinkedIn at Lotte Struwing.