Thinking of Changing Jobs? Here’s Why You Should Pause

After 15 months of staying put, people are starting to mix things up.

That includes looking for a new job. Maybe you like remote work, but your company wants you back in the office. Or maybe you like your coworkers, but your company wants you to stay remote. Or maybe you just feel ready for a change.

Summary

Many workers, especially in tech, are asking when to change jobs as work habits change.

The article says to slow down. If you are asking, "Should I change jobs?", first look at why you want to leave. Then think about the pros and cons of changing jobs.

A new role should fit your work setting, benefits, time off, daily life, and core values. The author also shares a personal view and says Genesis10 fits his values.

Current job-changing climate

You are not alone. A Harris Poll survey found that most U.S. workers are thinking about a job change this year, and 44% plan to do it. Another 21% say other companies have better roles.

Tech workers feel the same way. Nearly half say they may find a new job this year, up from 40% at the end of 2020 and 32% a year earlier. Because tech skills are in high demand, many tech workers feel sure they can get a better role.

I say: Not so fast. As my parents used to tell me, the grass is not always greener. It sounds like a cliché, but they had a point.

Make a List

A simple job change checklist can help. List the pros and cons of changing jobs. Then compare them with the pros and cons of staying. Sleep on it. Do not act on a feeling alone.

Questions to ask before quitting your job include:

• Work Environment. Will the new job challenge you? Can you grow there? Could a degree or certification help you earn more?
• Benefits. Does the employer offer good health plans? What about dental, vision, and life insurance?

• Time Off. How much vacation, sick time, and personal time will you get each year? Are all your days combined into one PTO bank? If so, does that work for you?

• Your Lifestyle. Will the commute take more time or cost more money? Will the new role move you closer to your long-term goals?

Another Question: Do Core Values Align?

As for me, I tend to look inward. What is driving my interest in looking elsewhere?

If the company has not caused the problem, then the fix may be with me. As the old saying goes, "No matter where you go, there you are." A new employer will not solve every issue.

I think about how leaders treat people. Do their core values and beliefs match yours? If they do, that is a strong sign you have found the right place.

Since 1999, Genesis10 has focused on people and communities. It works to create prosperity in America, protect our planet, open jobs in local communities, and build tech talent through training.

The values of CEO and Founder Harley Lippman and the leadership team run through the company, and they match mine. That is why I work for Genesis10.

Q&A

Question: Why does the article recommend pausing before changing jobs, even when opportunities seem abundant?

Answer: Many workers, especially in tech, think a new role will be easy to find. Still, the article says not to rush. First, ask why you want to leave. Then weigh the pros and cons of changing jobs. Make sure the new role fits your work setting, benefits, time off, daily life, and values. These are the main questions to ask before quitting your job.

Question: What specific factors should I list and compare when considering a job change?

Answer: Make a two-sided list. On one side, write why you should stay. On the other, write why you should go. Check the work setting, benefits, time off, commute, and long-term goals. A clear job change checklist can make the choice easier.

Question: How do core values factor into the decision to stay or leave?

Answer: Look at how leaders treat people. If their values match yours, that is a good sign. If your unhappiness is not caused by the company but by personal factors, a job change may not fix it. If you want to know how to know when to leave your job, start by checking whether the problem is really the job.

Question: What evidence does the article cite about the current job-changing climate, particularly in tech?

Answer: A Harris Poll survey shows that most U.S. workers are thinking about a job change. About 44% plan to do it, and 21% think better roles are out there. Among tech workers, nearly half expect to find a new job this year, up from 40% at the end of 2020 and 32% a year before.

Question: Why is Genesis10 highlighted, and what values are associated with it?

Answer: The author uses Genesis10 as an example of value fit. Since 1999, the company has focused on people, communities, jobs, and tech training. Those values match the author's own, which is why he works there.