Is It Time to Move On? Knowing When to Leave Your Job
Deciding how long to stay in a job can be challenging, but it’s essential to align that decision with your career goals and how you feel about your current role. You might enjoy the company culture and feel content, but if there’s little opportunity for growth, it may be time to evaluate your next steps.
One key milestone many professionals strive for is promotion. If your employer is not offering clear career progression—whether due to performance concerns or a lack of available positions—then it might be time to explore new opportunities.
While there’s no exact timeline for how long to stay in a job before seeking a promotion, many agree that around two years is a reasonable period. During this time, you gain valuable experience, build relationships, and earn important employment rights that can strengthen your negotiation position. Additionally, two years is often seen as a good marker to show that you’re not complacent and ready for new challenges.
Why Do People Leave Their Jobs?
There are numerous reasons people move on from their jobs, and everyone’s motivations are different. However, the most common reasons include seeking career advancement, improving work-life balance, and finding a better company culture. If your current employer cannot meet these needs, you may find yourself ready to look for a new role.
Key Questions to Ask Before Leaving Your Job
It’s crucial to thoroughly assess your situation before deciding to leave your job. While change might seem appealing, it’s worth ensuring that you’ve explored all options at your current workplace first. Here are some key questions to ask yourself before making the leap:
Will a Job Switch Advance My Career?
This is perhaps the most important question. Investigate whether there are growth opportunities at your current company. Does your employer offer the career progression you’re seeking, or would switching to a new company better support your long-term goals?
Can I Improve My Current Situation?
Before jumping ship, see if there are ways to enhance your current role. Could flexible hours, training opportunities, or a lateral move to a new department make a difference? Speak with your manager or HR to explore any potential options for improvement.
How Will I Explain My Move to a New Employer?
When interviewing for a new position, expect questions about why you’re leaving your current role. Be prepared with a clear, positive explanation that outlines how the new role better aligns with your career goals and why you’re the right fit for it.
Am I Leaving for the Right Reasons?
Think carefully about your motivations. Are you moving for a better salary, greater responsibilities, or better work-life balance? Ensure that your new position will be an improvement over your current situation. If you’ve outgrown your current role or feel undervalued, a move might be the right choice—but only after exploring all possibilities with your existing employer.
As Keeley Callan, Commercial Director at KPI Recruiting, points out: “Communication with your current employer is vital. They may not even be aware of your concerns. There could be reasons you’ve missed a promotion, or they may have plans for your development that you’re unaware of. Open discussions could help resolve issues and keep your career on track.”
If you’ve reached the end of the road with your current employer, we invite you to explore exciting new opportunities with KPI. Take a look at the latest vacancies available through KPI Recruiting and make the next step in your career journey.
