Is it Time to Switch Jobs?

 

Switching jobs in an uncertain economy may seem unwise but sometimes it's just time to move on. But how do you know when the time is right to leave the security of your current gig for the unknown?

Know When It's Time to Go

Look closely at your current role. Are you growing? Adding skills? Moving successfully along your career path? If you're in a holding pattern because moving on seems too daunting in this economy, you are doing your career a disservice.

Moving on provides the possibility of finding a role which is a better fit for your abilities and sets you up for future growth. As a bonus: switching jobs can also be more lucrative.

Before you whip out your resume and start cold-calling your network, take a minute to assess your readiness to move on with the Monster.com "Are You Ready for a Career Change Quiz."

Other Factors to Consider

How happy are you in your current job? If the answer is not very, it's time to start looking. Life is too short to be miserable over a paycheck.

Do you have the time and energy to devote to the process of job hunting and starting afresh in a new role? Job hunting and onboarding in a new role takes mountains of time and energy. Be sure you are not distracted by health or personal challenges.

Is your current job imperiled? If your company or role is in jeopardy, job hunting is a no brainer. Don't hang in hoping that something will change; be proactive now before the ax falls.

Have you changes jobs recently? Do you have a history of job hopping? The average American will have 3 to 4 jobs or more in a lifetime, but if you've had that many in as many years, it may be time to hit the pause button and stay in your current gig awhile.