Maybe it’s time to leave…

Maybe it’s time to leave? Is this our ‘easy way out’ as millennials. Do we run away because, as they say “we can’t keep jobs”.. (I don’t know who says that but it sounds real). Truth be told millennials are known to have a “Job-hopping” gene engrained somewhere in their genetic make up.. is it such a bad thing though? To change jobs?

Oh…yes this is what this article is about 😁Changing Jobs.

Often times when engaging with my fellow corporate millennials that are “frustrated” or “unhappy” at work, it becomes apparent to us that maybe the only solution in a certain environment is to leave.

Changing jobs should never be a rash decision. At all times it must be thought out and one must be certain that it’s the only solution for whatever issues they might be faced with at work, or the best decision to make in line with one’s plans.

So… I took time and engaged with people that have changed jobs before (myself included), and my fellow instagram-mers shared some of the main considerations that suggest a job change is inevitable. These stood out for me:

YOU’RE NOT EXCITED ABOUT WORK ANYMORE

Snooze, Snooze, Snooze. Going to work doesn’t give you any thrill or ignite your brain in any way. You just don’t want to be at “that place” cause it low-key just depresses you.

When work starts feeling like a monotonous turn of events and you just don’t want to show up! We love the weekend, but when Friday literally lights you up because you get to stay away from work for 48hours then surely there is a problem.

It’s a good thing to enjoy what you do. When you no longer feel the need to equip yourself, prepare for meetings, or respond to requests as promptly as you used to. It’s concerning if you’re not that kind of person.

Are you getting to work late? Taking a 2 hour lunch. Out the door by 5 regardless of what is pending or needs your urgent attention? You just want to get out of that place cause it just makes you BLEGH!

Maybe it’s time to leave.

YOU’RE NOT APPRECIATED/ REWARDED FAIRLY

This one! Have you ever put in soooo much work, been given all the praises then had someone punch you in the face with a raise that doesn’t reflect your performance? With a bonus that suggests you performed just like everyone else yet that’s not what the results say🙆🏽‍♀️.

This one seems to be a touchy topic and despite engagements people have with their superiors, the reasoning or the measures applied to determine the monetary reward are mind boggling. Let’s not even talk about non-monetary rewards. You ask and ask and ask but you seem to be a bother because you’re not in this years plan. Which year is your year? (Rant).

It’s important to engage and make sure your concerns in this area are known. To give your employer and opportunity to do right by you. To find out where you missed the mark and how you can do better.

Request some commitments in writing from your employer. Many managers will hide behind HR protocol and processes, but the truth is, when any manager pushes for their high performing team member magic happens. Don’t let opportunities pass you by without any real assurance of how you will be rewarded or appreciated when you continue to go over and beyond what is set as your target.

YOU’RE NO LONGER CHALLENGED AND FEEL STAGNANT

Becoming comfortable can be a real problem in your career growth. When you are no longer learning anything, or feeling challenged when you do the work you do- change is necessary. This doesn’t always mean you have to “leave” that organisation. You may need to change your job in the same organisation.

Changing jobs isn’t always to a different company or organisation. Change within the same company has great advantages.

You have a track record of good performance and are familiar with the people. You get to learn new skills in a familiar environment. You are likely to get an inflationary based raise, but you do get to acquire new skills, which could land you a BIGGER job later, with all the zero’s you require. (We will talk about money soon lol)

But yes, feeling stagnant is a sign that you need to switch up or change your job. Look within your company if you’re not ready to leave yet, or if you don’t have to leave.

THERE ARE NO “REAL” GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

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“Real” growth opportunities. It is important to know what growth looks like for you and to weigh the opportunities you’re being given. To consider whether the growth opportunities you are being offered are truly for your growth or for the fulfilment of a different agenda.

Remember your career plan? It is not too late to work on it. This helps you identify which areas will get you to where you would like to end up. It will help you take up growth opportunities that are instrumental to your achieving your goal. Ot will also help you identify whether the company you work for is willing or capable of helping you move towards that goal.

I believe that at the end of each year, you should be able to look back and see the impact you have made in the company as well as the impact they have had on you. Has any real investment been made to help you become better at what you do? If the company says they need you just with what you came in with, 1/2 years later then there is a problem. Maybe it’s time to leave.

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At the end of the day, it is okay to just want what you believe is a better job than the one you have.