I recently spoke with someone who was considering leaving his current position because, while the job paid very well, it wasn’t interesting. This person asked, “Should I leave my current job — even though it pays well — to find something that challenges me?”
Leaving without a plan is not a good choice, unless you can afford it.
If you find yourself in this situation, I suggest you reflect on why you are dissatisfied with your current position. Feeling torn can be what’s called incongruence, a state where your heart and head do not agree. There is a reason you are experiencing career discontent, and taking the time to identify the source of your discontent while you have a job is a smart choice.
Take this opportunity to learn from your present job, and use it to strengthen your decision-making skills.
You also might have a discussion about possible transfers within your company. Most employers appreciate employees who want to learn various aspects of their business and often will consider internal moves. You may find the more meaningful work you want with your current employer.
You also should take the time to consider your finances. Can you afford to step out of a good paying job to search for future opportunities? Bear in mind that finding a new position can be a lengthy process in today’s market, so you’ll want to have enough money to cover several months of expenses on hand.
You may want to consider looking at your current job in a different way. Look for the positive aspects, as this can help you find meaning in your work. While you’re doing that, make a plan to research new opportunities by networking and asking questions that will give you insights on trends and future opportunities.
People often fall into “the grass looks greener” trap when it comes to their jobs. The fact is, a new job doesn’t always fix the discontent.
