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So much effort is spent apply, to interview, and to get a job that once you’ve solidified yourself in a position, it’s hard to think about leaving. However, changing jobs and pivotal career paths has been an essential part of his career. At forty, the average baby boomer has changed jobs around 11 times. And with the growth of the gig economy and the desire to be your own boss, it’s less and less likely that the first full-time job you get will be the one you stay with for good.
To determine if your current job is right for you, there are many things to consider. Asking yourself if there is potential for growth if you like the culture of the company and appreciate the work you do are all things you should consider before diving back into that job search. And while no job is ever perfect, asking yourself these things is sure to jumpstart your thinking and guide you in the right direction for you.
1. Do you like what you do?
One of the first questions you should ask yourself is, “Do I like what I do every day?” Obviously, no job is completely perfect, and you’re never going to enjoy all of your responsibilities all the time. It is a well documented fact that “finding your passion” is too simplistic advice to be taken when evaluating your current job. But the general idea is that you should be eager to come and do the work that you do every day, and truly believe that it is meaningful. And if you do, you will be 20% more productive. But if you find yourself falling out of bed every morning and dragging yourself around doing a job you don’t even believe in, then maybe it’s time for a change.
2. Do you have a healthy relationship with your boss?
Now, let’s be realistic here. I’m not saying you go out to the karaoke bar every weekend to mash up cocktails together, having a healthy relationship with your boss doesn’t mean you’re best friends. It means that you feel like you can communicate with them, that you are working towards the same goal, and that you feel that they are standing up for you.
It also means that every superior-associate relationship will be different, and that’s okay. Not everyone prefers the same Leadership styles. Some might prefer a manager who is practical and gives a lot of direction, and another person in the same position might hate someone like that. But the point is this, 58% of employees say they trust a foreigner more than their boss, and if you are in that percentage, you should try to look for a change.
3. Is your compensation fair and does it match your level of experience?
Even in a dream job, it’s easy to build resentment if you haven’t gotten a raise in 18 months. Especially if you look on a site like Glass door and find that you earn 60% less than most of your counterparts.
Ultimately, compensation needs boil down to the perks, perks, and salary you need to be successful in your role and live your life. If these are not met, it may be time to ask for a raise or look elsewhere.
4. Is your commute to work feasible?
This is a special thank you to our professionals living in Los Angeles and Washington, DC who are among individuals in the United States with the longest travel times. Daily commutes can be stressful and sometimes not worth it. A 2017 study found that 20 extra minutes added to a trip equates to a 19% pay cut.
Of course, commute time isn’t the only thing you should consider when evaluating your commute to and from work. Can you still live close to your friends and family? Are you near many restaurants, bars, parks and schools? The answers to some of these questions should help you decide if your current situation is the right one.
5. Do you broaden your skills and see a growth trajectory?
Great work challenges you and encourages you to hone your skills while developing your existing talents. For most professionals, an ideal job also encourages continuing education and employee growth. If you don’t see these things in your current role, you might want to look for something more, but before you do, have a conversation with your manager to determine where they envision your long-term role. Maybe even ask permission to attend an event or take a class that will hone your skills. And if your current business isn’t nurturing these avenues for growth, maybe it’s time to say goodbye.
While general, these five guiding points will certainly help you assess whether your current position is right for you. And while it’s important to remember that not all jobs tick all the boxes, you have the right to leave your desk at the end of each day feeling satisfied with the work you have done for your business. Leaving a company and embarking on the dreaded job search can be risky and tedious, but be confident that finding the right position will pay off in the end.
This article originally appeared in Create and cultivate.
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