How do you know it’s the right time to leave?

How do you know it’s the right time to leave?

I don’t think it’s always obvious or clear when to transition and to where and that is why some people remain in the same position or organization all their life. In some cases one may know it’s time to transition but other dynamics like family hinder the move.

Transition could be motivated by career growth, adventure, salary increment, age, to mention some and it could also be forced on you due to redundancy or illness. Whatever the reason, transitions are challenging and before making your decision to move, think long and hard about it.  Also explore opportunities within the organization first. Make sure that it is the best decision for you and that there is nothing that could change (promotion, pay increase, flexible scheduling, etc.) that would alter your decision.

Some of the signs that it’s time to leave are:

1. Loss of Purpose and Passion
Like any relationship, when your career has no meaning, it’s lost its purpose.  When you are not excited about it, then you’ve lost your passion.   If you have grown tired of getting up in the morning to compete for something you don’t believe in anymore – it’s time to move on.  Your happiness is central to your ability to perform and advance in your career.

2. Talent Potential Not Valued
When your talent is not valued, it’s difficult to stay motivated.   This is some cases happens when your work doesn’t grow even after you have gone for evening classes and completed your degree or masters.  The organization you are in may not have a job for you with your increased skills set or they may be inflexible to accommodate your potential talents.
You must value your talent potential more than anyone else.   Never allow your talent to be taken for granted.  If it is, it may be time to move on.

3. Professional Growth Is Stunted
If you are bored, dissatisfied and unfulfilled, you must assess yourself and your career.  For example, are you associating yourself with the right people?  Are you in a comfort zone that is not allowing you to grow?  Are you a big fish in a small pond?
When you go to work each day, are you stretching yourself to do more?  Get out of the comfort zone and put your entrepreneurial skills to the test.   If you are unable to challenge yourself to grow and mature, then how can your employer help you?  Are they investing in your professional development or are they content with your performance?
If there is no solution in sight, you must move on – or pay the price later on in your career when your resume doesn’t reflect enough success stories to merit advancement in your career.

4. Workplace Culture & Values
A hostile work environment that lacks transparency.  This type of workplace culture becomes corrupted and begins to impact your performance and ability to advance.   For example, when your employer doesn’t keep the organizational values that attracted you to the organization in the first place, you should be concerned about its leadership and whether or not your employer deserves your talent and capabilities.

5. Not Sufficiently Rewarded
Your employer can invest in your career in a variety of ways – salary, bonus, professional development, benefits, stock-options, mentorship, sponsorship, promotions, etc.     Only you know your hierarchy of needs – and what matters most to you.
Rewards are not emotional – they are qualitative and quantitative measurements.  If you are not being rewarded for your work – based on market standards – it’s time to consider a career change.

6. Your Personal Brand Remains Dormant
If your employer does not allow you to be your genuine self at work – then it becomes impossible to perform and contribute at your highest levels.   Being genuine means you can think, act and innovate in ways that come most naturally to you.   When you become a victim of an identity crisis that is caused by your employer – it’s time to evaluate your career.

To know when it is time to transition, review these six critical factors carefully and evaluate how they apply to your own career. Do not be in a rush to make such an important decision. Check if there are opportunities in your own organization first. When you finally make the decision, ensure that you transition out with integrity, grace and style.