5 Signs It’s Time to Find a New Job

By Ron Blair, President & COO

Managing your career path is a lot like playing jump rope: It’s a bit daunting to stand before that whirring cord. But once you dive in and get in sync with the rhythm, your world adjusts itself. You don’t notice the speed of the rope that much until you start thinking about getting out. Then it gets tricky again — making a successful break is a matter of timing.

So how do you know when it’s time to move on? Here are five clues that may indicate you’ve come to an important decision point in your career:

1. YOUR MENTAL AND/OR PHYSICAL WELL-BEING HAS DECLINED

You dread going to work. This is not the “I had a great weekend and now I don’t want to be an adult again” scenario that we all experience now and then. No, this is the dark cloud, the heaviness that envelops you all day, every day. The resulting stress may manifest itself as migraines, insomnia, depression and low immunity to disease. Your family, friends and co-workers may be telling you that you’re not the person you used to be.

2. YOU’VE HIT THE CEILING

You’ve grown as far as you can in your present position, and there seems to be no impending opportunity to advance within your organization. If you still want to grow, transplanting yourself may be the only option.

3. YOU’RE UNDERCOMPENSATED

Compensation is a complex and emotionally charged issue. While you may feel you’re not being paid fairly, your salary may be competitive within your market, so leaving your job may not help. However, if you know for sure that you could be commanding a higher salary elsewhere — either in your present position or by moving up the ladder — changing jobs may be a smart move.

4. WORK IS NO LONGER STIMULATING OR CHALLENGING

You’ve lost the joy and sense of purpose you felt when you started your job. Maybe you feel trapped by month-end close and similar tasks when you really just want to work on projects. Perhaps you’re tired of being in the same surroundings all the time, and you crave the stimulation of working in various companies and on a wide range of projects.

5. THERE’S TROUBLE IN THE WORKPLACE

Disputes and feuds with your boss or co-workers can take a toll on you — mentally, physically and financially. If you’re tired of office politics, you’re never consulted for your opinion, and you feel you’ve been pushed out of the information loop, it may be time for a change. It’s worth trying to repair relationships, but if your association with your boss and/or co-workers is truly irreparable, leaving may be your only good option.

Next steps: Mapping out your future

So you’ve made your decision to move on — to leap from one whirling rope to another. What now? As a financial professional, you have at least two excellent options: Go into another full-time position with a firm or step into project-by-project consulting. The choice between the two really comes down to your career goals.

Do you see yourself more as an expert practitioner or an employee manager? If you enjoy building and managing a longstanding team and/or you desire to move up the ladder in a particular company, you’re probably better off looking for another full-time position. However, if your focus is on producing well-executed projects, you might prefer consulting.

Give consulting a chance

The greatest benefit of project consulting is flexibility. Consulting can be a bridge back to full-time work, if you so desire. You have a great opportunity to earn an excellent income while expanding your knowledge, capabilities and professional network, and you’ll be exposed to a number of great companies you might be interested in joining in the future. And if you decide to continue consulting, you’ll find that your earning potential may even be greater than what you experienced in full-time work — particularly if you’re willing to work overtime, travel and/or take on particularly challenging projects.

Another bonus: Consulting generally removes you from the corrosive effects of office politics. You still get to work for quality organizations, but you only have to complete the current project, then leave when it’s over. So if you’re looking to get out of your current job, don’t forget the lessons from jump rope: Time your move carefully. Make a clean break and leap into a more enjoyable and rewarding future.

Are you ready to make that jump? Search our latest jobs in your area today!

3 Repercussions of Ghosting That Job Interview

People can be flaky — this isn’t anything new. But an emerging phenomenon that seems to be stumping employers? Ghosting. At work.

In a market that has more job openings than job seekers, companies are facing unprecedented challenges. It seems the tables have turned. Rather than leaving hundreds of applicants in the dark, hiring managers are now left to play the guessing game — wondering why their calls are being unanswered, interviews no-showed and offers left on the table.

And as candidates have more and more options available to them, this trend shows no signs of slowing. But, job seekers, beware: it does have significant ramifications to your career in the long run. We break down what ghosting in the workplace says about you.

1. POOR TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS

We’re a society of multitaskers — juggling responsibilities, tasks and calendars isn’t a plus, but a must. Especially to potential employers. Flaking on a job interview — a period when candidates are expected to be on their best behavior — offers a poor preview of your performance as a future employee. The simple, yet important, ability to meet scheduled appointments reinforces your accountability. Without that, you not only risk your professional reputation — but the company’s.

2. DISREGARD FOR OTHER PEOPLE’S TIME

Time is money. Ghosting or canceling a meeting on a late notice shows that you have little regard for others’ schedules, as that time could’ve been designated to address other business opportunities. Bottom line: being inconsiderate is frowned upon in both personal and office settings.

3. WILLING TO BURN BRIDGES

This point is probably one of the most damning for job seekers. The job search — no matter how quickly technology advances — will always consist of making connections and building on your professional network. Skipping out on a planned interview illustrates your willingness to destroy potential opportunities. And hiring managers and employers don’t forget. Recruiting firms keep a steady log of candidates’ strengths, weaknesses and behavior on the job — not wanting to risk the company’s standing by working with those who have little regard for their own.

Check out these tips to ace your next interview!