Previously we looked at the specific reasons arising from our current workplace that “push” us to hand the resignation letter to our boss.
We have heard of the old adage “do not resign without a job offer”. In an uncertain job market – yes, it is always good to secure a job offer before breaking the news to your superior.
On the flip side, there are circumstances when it is wiser to leave even if we have yet to secure a job offer. This is especially if staying longer will hurt your career in an irreversible way, such as an ethical issue.
Personally, I will decide to switch jobs for 2 reasons: the current workplace has majorly negative issues beyond my control AND another employer’s offer attracts me. Today, I will share about the latter.
1. When you seek more growth, and the new workplace offers just that
Perhaps there is a plateau in your current role – where you are good at what you do and everyone is happy to leave you at it. You are itching to switch departments to gain new experiences, but your superior is not agreeable to that idea because you are too indispensable. While it is flattering to receive appreciation for your existing work, there is a feeling of being forced into a particular corner.
You may be comfortable in your current position, but if you wish to seek new challenges and grow beyond your current level, this can be a good reason to start browsing job vacancies.
2. When another company can better utilise or appreciate your skills and talents
You have been contributing lots of great ideas and running major projects that benefitted your employer. Somehow, your superior decides that you are an extension of his/her self and takes all the credit. There is not even a private “thank you” from your superior for your efforts in saving the company from bankruptcy (exaggerating here, but you get the idea).
Another situation may be your employer simply is too small a firm in the industry. Its clientele/portfolio may be too homogenous and limited in exposure. Think an accounting firm where all its clients are private limited companies with only local operations – a freshly graduated accounts assistant could learn all about such clients in under a year. You know you are made for much greater challenges, but the place you are at now simply could not give you that opportunity.
Hence, you start being attracted to companies which boast comprehensive talent management and practise an appreciative culture. Nothing wrong with that.
3. When life happens
You cannot be expected to devote all your time to your job when you are married with kids, compared to when you are a single broke freshie.
A personal situation which renders you unable to perform well at your current job is a valid reason to resign. Don’t let your workaholic manager convince you otherwise.
A health crisis may trigger a shift in your life priorities, like what the founder of Huffington Post (now known as HuffPost) had experienced. It may not be your own health; a cancer diagnosis in a close family member may necessitates you moving towns to be closer to him/her.
A decision to live closer to your spouse and children live can be a great reason to leave your current workplace. For Christians, a calling to serve as a missionary in a different country is often a reason for giving up your job.
4. When you have served your purpose in your current workplace and you are now called to move on
You may be hired by your employer for a specific purpose, such as to lead a major restructuring exercise or to head a new business division. After the huge project is done, perhaps you now wish to use your talents to benefit another employer.
Some of us, however, may feel a need to move to a different workplace without knowing why. We know the real reason only when we have made the switch. My experience: it was a little too easy to join my current employer – I did not even need to submit an application, as it was a recruiter who found me through Jobstreet. After my first day at work, it became clear that God has placed me in this company for a specific reason, which I may reveal in my future posts.
I hope my posts on the “push” and “pull” factors have helped you in deciding whether it is time to make the change. If you have other views on this matter, please feel free to share them with me.
Be First to Comment