Plan your next career move by taking stock of the current situation at work. Take measured steps to determine whether your existing job is worth keeping or whether you should find other job opportunities. Have a plan ready by knowing the answers to several questions first, and then decide to stay or go.
Many millennials, or younger workers in their 20s, see a current position as a launching pad to other companies, better careers or a new path in life altogether. After a couple of years of experience, you could have a better idea of what you want to do with your life. Make your next career move by answering these six questions with regards to keeping your current job.
1. "Do I Have a Good Relationship With My Boss?"
A stressful relationship with your manager can make all the difference at work. Ascertain whether you receive positive feedback from your boss and have a mutually respectful attitude with each other. If you don't get along with your supervisor, perhaps a career move might be a wiser choice.
2. "Do I Feel Valued?"
Everyone on the team deserves respect from others at work, especially since you worked hard to develop a good rapport with everyone. If you feel like others get credit for your hard work, or if you feel a lack of camaraderie from your peers, look for other work. Bad attitudes among a team can quickly devolve into unpleasant situations. Make the next career move before your psyche takes a hit.
3. "Does My Company Care About Me?"
Your company should care about your health and well-being by giving you time off, sick days, training opportunities and other benefits. The organization should invest in human capital, not just in research, development or new equipment. If you don't feel the love, try to find a firm that aligns with your ideals.
4. "Can I Advance Here?"
Ample opportunities for advancement represent one hidden benefit of a job that may not appear in the human resources manual. Ascertain whether you have plenty of ways to move up the ladder, either in your department or others, before making a drastic career move. Look into leadership training and work in other departments to tuck away these experiences for later advancement.
5. "Am I Motivated to Show Up Every Day?"
Determine what motivates you to arrive every morning at 8 a.m. and to stay until 5 p.m. or later. One good measure of your motivation at work revolves around bouncing back from a bad day. If Monday was the worst day ever in your professional life, ask yourself what brought you back Tuesday morning.
6. "Do I Like My Job?"
Perhaps this simple question may be the easiest to answer. Your position should edify your life, not detract from it. Maybe you made the wrong career choice and you really want another way to fulfill your professional goals. The good news is that changing careers remains a strong possibility if you plan it correctly.
Make a career move after taking stock of your current position. Plan ahead to mitigate any surprises as you move forward, no matter what you decide.
Photo courtesy of FrameAngel at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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