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It’s fun to imagine dramatic change to your career where everything is different and exciting.  A bigger challenge may be to alter your job situation right where you are.  To consider whether to stay in your current role, reposition at your company, or move on to a new job, here are the points to consider:

Stay Where You Are

● Because your current job isn’t a negative on all fronts, assess what is working and what’s not.  Take a short period of time to do this—a weekend might be enough, but don’t short-change yourself during this thoughtful writing process.  Gauge how important your concerns are.  Certain complaints, like a difficult boss, though commonly the #1 reason people change jobs, can change with help from a counselor or coach.  If the good outweighs the bad, your enthusiasm can return with attention to challenging projects.

● Are you overdue for a vacation?  Last year Expedia research indicated we gave back 421.5 million paid vacations.  If you think you’re indispensable, you’re not.  Others are also aware that your interest level has changed.  Take a vacation before one is given to you permanently and use it to get renewed.

Reposition At Your Existing Company

● If your work is already stale, what other role could you fulfill at your job that will give you fresh opportunities?  Do you seek a more balanced lifestyle and want to find ways to work less, or are you eager to take on more leadership responsibilities?  You might imagine a position that doesn’t yet exist.  How can you convince the powers-that-be it would increase the value quotient for your company if you handled that?

● A good repositioning plan typically includes un-learning and learning.  Ask yourself, “What am I capable of giving up and adding in?” (What you could delegate and what new learning and skills you could get.)  Offer possible solutions to your supervisor, rather than expect he/she will resolve it for you.  Be flexible. e.g. The company may sponsor you for additional training, but be willing to invest in your own development if you want that new work assignment.

Move On

● Good reasons to leave the current job for another might include a higher salary, more favorable work hours, improved stock options or better benefits.  Bad reasons to move would include being lured away by any one of these items.  Consider the complete package—what they will offer you and how you are best suited to the potential job.  Research+Reason is the only way to fully understand what you’re changing from and what you’ll be changing to.

● Your change impacts others.  Be sure to talk with your family members during your brainstorming process, not after you’ve made your decision.  Gain their support to make your transition for everyone more smooth.

Conclusion

It’s true new experiences often foster energy and passion.  But realize shortly after any change it will be up to you to keep it alive.  Before you switch jobs, don’t miss out on opportunities right under your nose.  Follow the assessment, solution, and planning suggestions here and you’ll soon experience a renewed enthusiasm and focus. 

Laurie A. Sheppard is a master certified Life Coach and Career Strategist to mid-level professional women and women entrepreneurs who want to make quality career and personal changes.