Thinking About a Job Change? Make Sure It will Really Work Out for You

Changing jobs can be one of the best career moves if you find a new opportunity that lands you in a workplace that encourages and energizes you to excel.

But it takes work to make sure a move will be good for you and your career. Often, I find people make a switch for the wrong reasons. I don’t want you to make that costly mistake.

3 Questions You Must Ask Yourself When Considering a Job Change.

1. Do I dislike my job, or just one person? Look, if your direct manager is making your life miserable, and you see no way around it, then maybe it’s time to make a change. But before you go that route, think about whether you can manage around the situation. Confiding in H.R. can sometimes be iffy, but if your H.R. department has a good reputation for being focused on all employees, then schedule an appointment to ask for input on how to handle the situation. If there’s no workaround, would transferring to a different department/manager be a good solution, rather than leaving?

2. Do I need to change my job, or my attitude? Dig deep and try to identify what is really eating at you. Is it the logistics of this actual job, or crazy office dynamics? Those are very good reasons to consider moving on. Or is it because you are hard on yourself—and everyone else-and constantly angry or frustrated? If that’s the case, then changing jobs isn’t going to make you happier. You are just going to take your baggage to the next job. I recommend spending some time trying to change your attitude. You not only might find your current job suddenly improves a lot, I think you will generally feel a lot better about you.

3. Does it make financial sense? Before you accept a new job you must carefully review the benefits package. Will you be required to pay more for your share of the health insurance? Is there a company retirement plan, and does it come with a matching contribution? And if you are considering relocating to a job in a new state, what’s the cost of living? If you’re moving from a no-state tax to one that levies an income tax, you better factor that into your decision. If you are not careful, a 10 percent salary bump for a new job could be erased by a less robust benefits package, or a steep change in your tax situation.

I am all for making a move when it makes sense: professionally, personally, and financially. Make it your job to carefully consider if a change would really pay off in what is most important: a happier, healthier you who loves what you do.