This is never an easy subject to discuss. Many people are reliant on their current income, many people are supporting family members and many people struggle with this age-old decision. We know the stakes are high and that your happiness is on the line, with that being said, here are some questions that can some provide clarity to the difficult situation.
Are you valued at your current position?
This might be the most important question of them all. Here is how you figure it out. Do your superiors speak to you in a respectful manner? Have the executives at your company explicitly told you that they appreciate your work. How did your last performance review go? Were they pleased with your overall performance or was it filled with negative comments?
Do you feel like there is no more room left to grow?
Whether you work in a SMB or a large enterprise, being stuck in a dead-end job will usually create unhappy employees. If you are ambitious and looking to climb the corporate ladder then it is important to have difficult conversations with your manager(s). A question as simple as, “where do you see me or how do you see my position evolving in the upcoming year?” These are crucial yet simple questions that need to be asked.
Can you afford to be unemployed for an extended period of time?
Sometimes these decisions aren’t just about you, unfortunately. Do you have siblings, parents, a spouse or someone else that you are supporting financially? Sometimes you have to take the bigger picture into consideration.
Are your skills in high demand?
Are you well-trained with an “in-demand” skill? If so, this puts you in the driver’s seat. However, if you don’t possess in-demand skills it is definitely something to think about because no one wants to be unemployed for an extended period of time. What makes you special and different?
Do you fit in with the culture of the company?
This is a big one. Fitting in with the work culture can make or break your experience. A toxic work environment can push you over the edge and on the flip side, a culture that aligns with your personality will make you feel entirely at ease.
Now it is time for you to analyze, assess and ultimately make the big decision. Do I stay or do I go?
