When is it Time to Find a New Job?

Skirt The Rules / How to Wear Polka Dots at Work

Banana Republic Pleated Top (c/o) / Banana Republic ‘Avery’ Jacquard Pants (c/o) / Tassel Pendant Necklace / Pink Crossbody Bag (c/o) / Rosegold Bangle Watch (c/o) / Ankle Strap Heels

Today, I’m partnering with Banana Republic as part of the What Moves Us campaign to tackle a big work/life question for all of my employed friends out there: when is it time to find a new job?

Skirt The Rules / Spring Work Outfit Idea

I’ve been in a position where I hated my boss and knew that I had to get out ASAP (I had this realization one month into the job, but that’s another story for another time). During my next job, I loved my company and my team, but after three years, I was ready for a new chapter. There’s no set formula for when to start looking for a new job, but there are some factors that can help you consider making your next move.

1. You don’t love what you do (anymore).
When you love what you do, you’ll never have to work a day in your life. Admittedly, it’s cliché and probably not true, but I think this desire to love what you do is a pretty prevalent sentiment in our generation. Sure, it’s important to have a steady and secure income, but these days, satisfaction is right up there with salary. As we grow, both personally and professionally, we develop a keener sense of what we want and don’t want to do. Even a job we loved at first might start to fade, tasks become mundane and you get an itch for something different and new. When you become so disinterested in what you’re doing that the quality of your work product starts to diminish, it’s time to find something that will energize you.

Skirt The Rules / Gigi New York Crossbody Bag

2. There’s no opportunity for growth.
On the other hand, you might be quite comfortable in your job. There’s something easy about the familiar – especially if you can complete your to do with your eyes closed and a hand tied behind your back. But I think there’s a difference between a job (what you’re doing) and a career (where your job’s going). Think about it like this:Is there room for growth? Are new challenges or opportunities being presented to you? Is professional development offered? If you answered no to all of these questions, it’s time to find a company that will offer you a job and a career.

Skirt The Rules / Lavender Pleated Sleeveless Blouse

3. The right opportunity comes along.
Maybe you love your job, the company you work for and the point in your career that you’re at right now. If that’s the case, can you let me know if there are any job openings? (JK, Seb!). But seriously, you’re at a major advantage right now. You have the luxury of making sure your next moves are thoughtful. You can take your time to evaluate opportunities and say no to the ones that seem like a good short-term solution, but might bring back to the same spot you were in before. Most importantly, you have the power to define what the next right opportunity means to you: higher salary, more leadership opportunities, better benefits, a stronger sense of corporate social responsibility – it’s your wish list and the ball is in your court. I just hope, that if the right career comes knocking on your door, you open it and give it a whirl.

Skirt The Rules / Dusty Pink Crossbody Bag

As for what moved me to start looking for a new job late last year … I would say it was a combination of everything. And believe me – it wasn’t an easy decision to make, especially after spending three years developing relationships and feeling really comfortable in my role. But I’m that kind of person that has to keeping moving – onwards, upwards, sideways, whatever. I need new challenges to continuously excite me, and starting to look for a new job was the first step toward a new adventure.

I would love to know: Have you switched jobs before or are you looking for something new to challenge you? If so, what inspired you to make a change?

Get the Look:

Banana Republic Pleated Top (c/o) / Banana Republic ‘Avery’ Jacquard Pants (c/o) / Tassel Pendant Necklace / Pink Crossbody Bag (c/o) / Rosegold Bangle Watch (c/o) / Ankle Strap Heels

Thank you Banana Republic for sponsoring this post!

Leave a Comment

4 Comments

  1. lyddiegal wrote:

    When it comes to my employment, I always choose the path of least resistance, and yet sit there everyday feeling bored, uninspired, and trapped. When I look for new opportunities, even things I might like, I know I’m not qualified for, so I never apply. I feel like I’m so far down this hole I can’t claw my way back out.

    and i love that lilac blouse – definitely at the top of my wishlist!
    http://www.iamchiconthecheap.com/

    Posted 3.23.17 Reply
  2. Elle wrote:

    Good advice about job satisfaction and answering the question should I stay or should i go? That is a tough one, but it i so important to like what you do ,
    and who you do it with.

    Love your dotted trousers and pretty pleated top!
    xx, Elle
    http://www.theellediaries.com/blog/

    Posted 3.23.17 Reply
  3. Couldn’t agree more. In January, I left the small tech startup that I had been working at for 2 years and moved to a better position at a large, global tech firm. I was getting to the point where I didn’t enjoy the work at all and really needed to move on. It helps that it was a salary and position bump too 🙂 I am also someone that likes to stay constantly in motion.

    Posted 3.23.17 Reply
  4. Deborah wrote:

    As someone contemplating a career change, I really appreciate this post (as well as the outfit!)
    I worked really hard in my current field but I think I’ve moved as far as I can go in my current job and I am interested in other things as well so thank you so much for writing this and for all of your great tips!

    Posted 3.24.17 Reply