How do you know when it's time to leave an employer/job?

[whatevergirl]

Or make a career change?


Would appreciate any personal insight, and testimonies from you…thanks.

 

[jrabs]

Hi Sharon.
It’s time to leave an employer when you have daily misery and you bring your misery home to your family. When you cry over your work or over your boss. When it starts impacting your health. When it starts impeding on your Catholic walk…meaning you are bitter, resentful, gossiping, etc.

Thats is what I believe.

When is it time to change careers? Man - tough one. Possibly when you have prayed hard over the decision and God seemingly opens doors quite easily into something else.

You are no stranger to fervent prayer and God’s will. After all, you firmly believe that God opened the door for you to move to Florida.

If this question is for you or your family members ( husband), then you already know that prayer will help calm your soul and help you seek the right answer.

 

[Brenda_V]

jrabs gave the absolute best answer!

Prayers for the job situation in your family.

Brenda V.

 

[BamaRider]

I’d say when you no longer enjoyed going to work, when it become something you dread, or a burden.

I only had 2 jobs my entire working life. My fisrt job was not pleasant. It was a kind of factory job, it paid well but I hated it. I worked it the first 2 years of my marriage, I was miserable but it paid the bills till the fire dept called me.

The fire dept was my dream job. I can’t believe they paid me to do it. When you find your place, your entire outlook on life will change for the better.

 

[whatevergirl]

jrabs…thanks so much. That’s tremendously helpful.

I really like my career…I have been financially successful at it, for a number of years, with the same company. For the most part, I enjoy the people I work for and with. They seem to be appreciative of my contributions to their bottom line. But, the picture that was painted for me last year, prior to moving, has taken a different turn. I don’t cry over work, and like my bosses, actually. But I have been lamenting over it at home, which is something I rarely do…it just seems to be irking me more and more…It really has more to do with growth potential. Have I reached the end in the dept I’m in? I think I’d like to use my teachings background, and teach people what I do in sales/marketing…that type of thing. I’d like to help others achieve their goals, sort of like a trainer, but more of a sales manager…and there is no oppty in my area for that. I was courted by a competitor last year…for double my salary…yet I remained loyal to where I am…I still make a great living, but that was going to be an “oo la la” kind of salary. lol

I am not one to jump for money, but I feel that if this is as far as I can go in my field here…maybe it’s time to look. I don’t think it can hurt to look…

I am just feeling uneasy for the first time ever, where I work…and I’m not sure if it’s the devil trying to rattle me…or if I have true reason to consider looking around. My managers tell me I’m doing great, etc…but, I just feel like I have hit a wall with how far I can go here. I guess I just thought there’d be room for growth–that was the picture that was painted for me, when considering moving to FL.

 

[whatevergirl]

I’d say when you no longer enjoyed going to work, when it become something you dread, or a burden.

I only had 2 jobs my entire working life. My fisrt job was not pleasant. It was a kind of factory job, it paid well but I hated it. I worked it the first 2 years of my marriage, I was miserable but it paid the bills till the fire dept called me.

The fire dept was my dream job. I can’t believe they paid me to do it. When you find your place, your entire outlook on life will change for the better.

Thanks Guy. You know, it’s funny you say this…but lately…I’m not altogether thrilled to be heading to work–not when I first moved here last year. I also did this same job in PA, for years, and then moving to FL, I was managing a region. Which has taught me a lot, and I’ve developed, etc…but, for some reason, just a few things that have happened…it’s leaving me not thrilled to be here. Not miserable…there’s really nothing to be miserable about, but just not enamored.

ANOTHER QUESTION…

Is it wrong to think like this, when so many people are being layed off right now? When people are starving in the world? I am so grateful to God for my job, is it wrong to feel this way? This is when I bury the feelings I’m having, when I start feeling ‘guilty’ for even having them to begin with! That is where I get uneasy also, in thinking that I’m disappointing God, by wondering what else is out there, that I ‘should’ be exploring.

IS THAT WRONG?

 

[jrabs]

ANOTHER QUESTION…

Is it wrong to think like this, when so many people are being layed off right now? When people are starving in the world? I am so grateful to God for my job, is it wrong to feel this way? This is when I bury the feelings I’m having, when I start feeling ‘guilty’ for even having them to begin with! That is where I get uneasy also, in thinking that I’m disappointing God, by wondering what else is out there, that I ‘should’ be exploring.

IS THAT WRONG?

No it is not wrong. Sometimes God opens the doors. Perhaps he had to move you to Florida first in order to cook up something
else for you. If that is the case, I believe God makes the doors open amazingly easy.

Make certain in your heart of hearts that the itchies are coming from God.

Make certain that your recently lost zest for work is not due simply to lack of sleep, lack of exercise ( which you have been frustrated with lately), and dietary changes. Simple things that can skew your point of view.

Also think over the family time. Does your current employer offer you flexible family time? Time to see your son’s sports games? Will a new employer offer the same?

I changed careers 9 years ago. I was a corporate controller for years, hated the job. Worked many hours - rarely had quality time. I had the itching to do something different - more in line with my personality and more accommodating to one with ADHD.

Then one day, while on a job interview, the potential employer stopped in the middle of the interview and suggested a totally different position to me. I took it - and count my blessings that I was able to walk through that door that God opened.

I absolutely love my job…love love love. Love coming to work on Mondays and it is actually my favorite day of the week.

Think hard, pray harder.

 

[puzzleannie]

jrabs…thanks so much. That’s tremendously helpful… I’d like to help others achieve their goals, sort of like a trainer, but more of a sales manager…and there is no oppty in my area for that. I was courted by a competitor last year…for double my salary…yet I remained loyal to where I am…I still make a great living, but that was going to be an “oo la la” kind of salary. lol

I

share this with your manager or dept head, maybe they have been wanting someone like this but did not think to look in house, or did not realize you have ambitions beyond your current position. Make a case to sell them on creating such a job for you, and be prepared to show how it will be to their benefit.

my job changes have usually been involuntary but because I am open minded and flexible always made a step up. my current job arose because I simply asked the person in charge how I would go about getting credentials for it, and the next thing I knew, a pastor hired me. this is my dream job, but we had always planned in our “working retirement” to move on to another location after 5 yrs or so, so we are overdue. I would like to do this job on or near an Indian reservation, or in a town with minority Catholic population that is underserved.

 

[Chirpa]

I left a job over a year ago because I couldn’t handle the stress of some of the professional people who were very rude to the rest of us. I didn’t mind the work and the other people I worked with; but it just got to the point I didn’t like work, and hated getting up in the morning to go to work, and could hardly wait for 5 pm to come to leave! It was then I knew I had to quit. I did and a few months later found a different job and I believe God led me to this new job…I love it and the people I work with, my boss and fellow co-workers…so, pray about it and God will open the door to a place of work that is just for you!

 

[kage_ar]

Does your family depend on your income? If you quit tomorrow, will the family be okay?

If your income is vital to your family, then, you leave AFTER you find a new job.

If your money is not essential, then, you are more flexible.

 

[whatevergirl]

No it is not wrong. Sometimes God opens the doors. Perhaps he had to move you to Florida first in order to cook up something
else for you. If that is the case, I believe God makes the doors open amazingly easy.

I agree–this career move to Florida…was not of my own doing. I was asked to do this, because they wished me to manage their region…which felt good, I’ll say that, but after much prayer…it just all flowed so easily. Even the move from PA to FL was amazingly a piece of cake. So, I agree here.

Make certain in your heart of hearts that the itchies are coming from God.

I know How do you know???

Make certain that your recently lost zest for work is not due simply to lack of sleep, lack of exercise ( which you have been frustrated with lately), and dietary changes. Simple things that can skew your point of view.

Well…dare I mention I’m nearing that time of the month? My husband said…‘give it a few days, honey, and see if you still feel like this.’ No, I have been feeling like this for a few months…not just one week out of those months either!!

Also think over the family time. Does your current employer offer you flexible family time? Time to see your son’s sports games? Will a new employer offer the same?

I have great hours…so there’s no issue there. If I were to take the competitors offer…which the guy left it with me that it’s ‘always open’ for me…the hours would be harder. It’s kept me at bay largely because of that.

I changed careers 9 years ago. I was a corporate controller for years, hated the job. Worked many hours - rarely had quality time. I had the itching to do something different - more in line with my personality and more accommodating to one with ADHD.

I market to controllers, cfo’s, and hr folks all day long, your personality seems different than that of those roles.

Then one day, while on a job interview, the potential employer stopped in the middle of the interview and suggested a totally different position to me. I took it - and count my blessings that I was able to walk through that door that God opened.

Yay–that’s so great! I’m thinking that I’ve walked through the door God wants me in…and perhaps, I’m just needing to see the bigger picture…which I try to. I know that I’m serving God right where I am, and He has richly blessed my husband and me in numerous ways…so, I then put aside my own ‘fears’ or wants or feelings or whatever to stay focused on the bigger picture. I don’t want to make a bad decision…and feel that I have a great career, it’s just…that I don’t personally feel appreciated enough.

I absolutely love my job…love love love. Love coming to work on Mondays and it is actually my favorite day of the week.

I will say that I love my career…I don’t feel altogether thrilled for who I’m doing it for, anymore…if that makes sense. I like my bosses, and they appreciate me…it’s hard to fully explain.

Think hard, pray harder.

 

[whatevergirl]

Does your family depend on your income? If you quit tomorrow, will the family be okay?

If your income is vital to your family, then, you leave AFTER you find a new job.

If your money is not essential, then, you are more flexible.

hi kage…for the lifestyle we lead now…yes, my income is essential. take away the bells and whistles, then we’d be ok. my husband does well, but again, the standard of living we have…and while it’s not like we live in a mansion for pete’s sakes…it’s just pricey to live in the area we’re living in now, near tampa bay. i don’t want to leave…i really like what i do, just have days when i’m not excited about it like i was when we moved here. i thought i would be doing more traveling to various offices, and training…maybe i should bring it up to one of the regional managers.

 

[Larowyn]

If your bosses are racist, you might want to get out of Dodge before you get that reputation. The owner of the store I help out at and her mother hate blacks, Hispanics, and Chinese.

 

[whatevergirl]

If your bosses are racist, you might want to get out of Dodge before you get that reputation. The owner of the store I help out at and her mother hate blacks, Hispanics, and Chinese.

I work for a global company…and it’s far from racist. We are literally in every country in the world–and so there are a multitude of cultural, religious, and racial differences throughout the company. So no, it’s nothing like that. It has more to do with personal growth…am I moving along a path that’s right for me…etc.

That stinks what you describe though. In this day and age, how do companies stay in business with such backward, racist attitudes?

 

[Tinajo]

i don’t want to leave…i really like what i do, just have days when i’m not excited about it like i was when we moved here. i thought i would be doing more traveling to various offices, and training…maybe i should bring it up to one of the regional managers.

If you’re still enjoying your job and don’t have major problems with the company, I think talking to a manager about the fact that you feel you could contribute more to the company as they’re not using your skills effectively and/or that you’re looking for ways to grow and increase your skills/competencies (ah, don’t you love management-speak!) should definitely be the first stop. If they don’t do anything about it, then maybe it’s time to think about moving to another company.

I changed careers because I was becoming a complete nervous wreck - much happier now! - but it doesn’t sound like that’s your issue. Any decent company that values your work should be willing to find ways you can do more (in practical terms it’s both easier and cheaper than training someone new!) and if not, but you still enjoy what you do, a different company in the same sector is probably best.

Where I am at the moment, there’s not a huge amount of career progression available (which may not be an issue depending on whether we have a chance to try for babies soon ) but I’m happy at the moment - if it comes to a point where I don’t feel I’m getting anything new and they say there’s nothing available, I’m planning to look elsewhere in the industry.

Sorry, that’s mostly a ‘what if’ plan from my point of view… hope it’s helpful!

 

[whatevergirl]

If you’re still enjoying your job and don’t have major problems with the company, I think talking to a manager about the fact that you feel you could contribute more to the company as they’re not using your skills effectively and/or that you’re looking for ways to grow and increase your skills/competencies (ah, don’t you love management-speak!) should definitely be the first stop. If they don’t do anything about it, then maybe it’s time to think about moving to another company.

I changed careers because I was becoming a complete nervous wreck - much happier now! - but it doesn’t sound like that’s your issue. Any decent company that values your work should be willing to find ways you can do more (in practical terms it’s both easier and cheaper than training someone new!) and if not, but you still enjoy what you do, a different company in the same sector is probably best.

Where I am at the moment, there’s not a huge amount of career progression available (which may not be an issue depending on whether we have a chance to try for babies soon ) but I’m happy at the moment - if it comes to a point where I don’t feel I’m getting anything new and they say there’s nothing available, I’m planning to look elsewhere in the industry.

Sorry, that’s mostly a ‘what if’ plan from my point of view… hope it’s helpful!

you have given me much to think over…really. Thank you! I went on a business trip recently for a group meeting a few months ago, and one of the top people corporately, told me that he sees my efforts…to be patient with the changes the company is going through (we bought a company recently)…and that he sees me managing a few states…training, the very thing i wish to do. Sorry–people–I left that out. ha! The strange thing is that I have not told anyone here this…so, he must be psychic.

But, still…that was a few months ago, and nothing else was said. Radio silence now. But, I have decided to keep serving God where I am…that is what God expects of us daily. And if we do our part, be His vessel to work through–He will do the rest…Everything we do, is not done in vain, if done for Christ. I am mindful of that, daily…

I said to God today in my morning prayer…‘it’s not you God…It’s the people I work with…’ lol I don’t ever blame God…or anything like this. When I list all the pros, they certainly outweigh the cons…but, after so many years of being here, it is surprising to me, that this move to FL has left me feeling like things were proposed to me a year ago, that just are not happening…growth wise.

I appreciate your sentiments. Think you know where I’m coming from, too.

 

[Ruthie]

…one of the top people corporately, told me that he sees my efforts…to be patient with the changes the company is going through (we bought a company recently)…and that he sees me managing a few states…training, the very thing i wish to do.

There’s nothing wrong with calling him to remind him!

…this move to FL has left me feeling like things were proposed to me a year ago, that just are not happening…growth wise.

Again, talk to your bosses and remind them of this.

You also might mention that other job offer, and check out their reaction. Then tell them that you didn’t take the job because of loyalty to the company, and because of your expectation that you would have the opportunity for job growth.

Praying for you,

Ruthie

 

[yessisan]

Hi Sharon.
It’s time to leave an employer when you have daily misery and you bring your misery home to your family. When you cry over your work or over your boss. When it starts impacting your health. When it starts impeding on your Catholic walk…meaning you are bitter, resentful, gossiping, etc.

Thats is what I believe.

When is it time to change careers? Man - tough one. Possibly when you have prayed hard over the decision and God seemingly opens doors quite easily into something else.

You are no stranger to fervent prayer and God’s will. After all, you firmly believe that God opened the door for you to move to Florida.

If this question is for you or your family members ( husband), then you already know that prayer will help calm your soul and help you seek the right answer.

I ditto this Sharon!

Remember how miserable I was in my last job? If you’re not happy any more, it might be the time to consider a change.

While I was completely miserable in my job and hated my boss, I was going to school to change careers, and actaully, quitting helped me jump start my new career in healthcare. I was able to do my internship in 1 month and was hired right after… the only difference is that you have children and we don’t.

My decision was very drastic and as a consequence we’re losing our house, but I rather lose this house than my sanity and health (which both were deteriorating). Besides, we’re having another being built as we speak, so not a big loss anyway (for us).

 

[whatevergirl]

hi yessisan… I do remember your prior work situation…hey, look at you now! Whatta 180 it’s been! Good for you in getting into healthcare. I hope that works out for you.

I hear you…so true. No, I’m not anywhere near miserable. In fact, I love what I do…I work for a strong, thriving global company…I work in a very fast paced at times tense, atmosphere. I have always thrived in tense, fastpaced environments, I’ve been in sales for a long time…and love it. (you either love it or hate it lol) I believe in what I’m marketing, and so forth…I sell an intangible. I think it has to do with a couple of things that have added up together. Looking at one isolated thing, I don’t feel this way–adding them up, I then start feeling confused.

Ruthie…I have never told a soul about that competitor. It might be the kiss of death around here–I mean they are our rival. I can also see them across the way, right outside my window. Largely, why it would be hard to move forward without people knowing…I really believe if I were to ever leave, I’d leave the industry. It’s just too incestuous of an industry, and if I ever decide to move on–I think it would be in training. I will see what the future holds…hopefully, I’ll be able to do more of that in the future.

I am having a great Monday…wouldn’t ya know, right after I posted this? It’s a sign from God to stay–I believe in signs. I felt this way a few years ago here, and then came the offer to move to Florida…so, God knows where I should be better than me, so maybe it’s just a matter of surrendering and not try to change things that might not be what God wants for me.

The things that I think of are…I make a great living, financially. I have a pension, and not many companies provide this anymore. I have a pretty healthy 401k started now. I have great hours, and I’m there for my kids every evening, and weekend…My dh is home during the week on two days, and I’m able to pick her up from school now, which she is happy about. So, when you start weighing your own ‘feelings’ with these other heftier items, it all sort of washes out. Maybe I want it all.

 

[Tinajo]

you have given me much to think over…really. Thank you! I went on a business trip recently for a group meeting a few months ago, and one of the top people corporately, told me that he sees my efforts…to be patient with the changes the company is going through (we bought a company recently)…and that he sees me managing a few states…training, the very thing i wish to do. Sorry–people–I left that out. ha! The strange thing is that I have not told anyone here this…so, he must be psychic.

Glad you found it helpful It’s great that they’ve already spotted your strengths and aptitudes… now all you have to do is remind them of that, as Ruthie pointed out

I am having a great Monday…wouldn’t ya know, right after I posted this?

So glad to hear this - best of luck with talking to “them upstairs” about the possible promotions and stuff