Time for a Career Change? . . . How Do I Know?

The beginning of a new year is often a time for reflecting on career progress. Questions like these can be in the front of our minds: --Do I hate getting up on Monday morning to go back to work? --How can I determine if this is the right time to make move? --If I change jobs at this time, will I be considered a job-hopper? Any of these serious questions can trigger thoughts of making a move. However, before you do, here are some important considerations to help flesh out your decision-making. 1. Make sure you're reading your current situation correctly. Look for telltale signs. --Do I get the choice assignments? --Is my input being sought on major issues? --Is the feedback I receive more positive or more negative than what I've received in the past? --Does my boss like me? 2. Here are some additional important questions to help you make an intelligent decision: --Am I advancing? --Have I expanded my skills and responsibilities? --Am I learning and growing? --Am I being blocked from promotion? --Has my compensation kept up with industry standards? --Have I lost the confidence of my boss? 3. The best very time to make a change is when you are on top. When you are feeling good about yourself . . . when you are at peak performance . . . when your current employment picture is rosiest . . . that's the very best time to consider a move. Success begets success. You just naturally exude confidence. So, after doing this important homework, you decide that this is the right time for you, what do you do next? The very next step is to seriously explore your options. Most job changers limit their vision by thinking about moving forward in the very narrow course they've been working in. Taking the next logical step forward in this career direction MAY be exactly the right move. But that decision should be made after you've explored other options . . . some of them outside the box. There is a fabulous system that can help you explore your options and approach prospective employers without jeopardizing your current job. And the system can show you how to select your next job rather than settle for it by helping you entertain multiple offers. Doing it the right way can turn your job-change decision into the career adventure of a lifetime!