Should I stay or Should I go Now?

Seriously, I love The Clash.

So you’ve got to let me know….

If you are now bopping your head and hearing the beat I’m tickled. I had London Calling and Combat Rock albums and for a time they were on constant repeat. Which, at the time, meant I got up, flipped the record over and over again.

Now that I’ve gotten that bit of punk rock/new wave trivia off my chest - you’ve got to let me know - should you stay or should you go?

There comes a time in nearly every career where you ask yourself this question. 

Maybe you realized that your boss is a narcissist. Or simply incompetent. Perhaps your co-workers are stealing your ideas and passing them off as their own - and getting bonuses because of it. Maybe you just don’t feel alignment with the company’s new direction. Doesn’t matter. 

Only you can say for sure if staying or going is in your best interest. 

However, I can give you some things to think about as you contemplate the decision. Ask yourself:

1. Can I afford to live for up to 6 months with no job? (disclaimer, each industry, geography and title have different levels of openings and time to fill - you may well find another retail job within a month, and you might not find a VP of marketing position for a year).

2. Am I willing to take a gap job to fill in my financial needs while I focus on finding a new job?

3. Is my dissatisfaction ongoing or seasonal or temporary? Just like all relationships our connection to our job ebbs and flows. If it’s systemically harmful, remove yourself without wasting time. If it’s a case of FOMO, take a beat to find out if the grass is really greener somewhere else.

4. Who in my network can help me explore new roles and introduce me to potential hiring managers?

5. What new skills and outcomes have I gained during my time in this job and have I updated my resume and LinkedIn profile to show them off?

Having a plan BEFORE you bounce may not feel as satisfying as slamming the door on your way out today. It can, be very satisfying when you land a job that doesn’t suck because you thought through your job-hunting process. 

Big hugs, 

Peggie

P.S. Want to walk through these questions with me? I’m a former corporate and agency recruiter who can give you a clear, unbiased perspective on your next best step. Also, because you are a unpaid subscriber you get 10% off my one-to-one fee (135.00 vs 150) - if you’re a paid subscriber you save 25% - 112.50 vs. 150. Use this link to schedule.

P.P.S - any bands or songs come to mind when you think about your current work situation? Share in the comments!