Deciding if and when to make a professional move

KNOWING if and when to walk away from a job is not always an obvious or straightforward exercise. In fact, this decision ranks among the most nerve-racking, stressful and potentially overwhelming challenges professionals can face in their careers. While no one wants to feel like they are making the “wrong choice”, many also fear the possibility of winding up with no options at all.

- TIFFANY UMAN

For long-term professional well-being and career growth, it’s crucial to put yourself first and make decisions that set you up for sustainable success. This is particularly important when you find yourself in a job that is no longer serving your best interests — whether that means limiting your career development and growth potential, or compromising your well-being.

Long-term aspirations

Making this decision goes beyond simply weighing the immediate pros and cons. It’s about determining which path forward is most beneficial in contributing towards your long-term career aspirations. The actions you take (or don’t take) today will directly impact your career trajectory — for better or for worse.

The decision to stay or leave generally falls into one of three categories:

• Perhaps leaving your company altogether would be the right move.

• Perhaps staying in your company but moving into a new department would be the best option.

• Perhaps making a complete career pivot is really what you need.

Regardless of where you find your-self right now, the best thing to do is keep your options open and available. Feeling like you have hit a dead-end is only going to limit your mindset about what is truly possible — especially if you are already dealing with feelings of uncertainty, stress and discomfort.