Do you consciously notice the small sparks that make you think maybe it’s time to move on from your current job? What subtle clues and interactions over time subconsciously get filed away? What is it about that moment where you start to think, “Is this really where I want to be? What’s out there that will allow me to do more, do better, and grow?”
I’ve recently pondered this and can now better recognize this moment. For me, it’s a combination of, “Oh no, are you really thinking this?” and “You know yourself best so pay attention to your inner dialogue.” Yet I find myself simultaneously doubting my inner dialogue and feeling over the role. It’s an odd combination. I can admit that I’m self-aware enough to know I sometimes overthink things. But I’m curious, do you have this initial moment of consideration? Can you identify it? If so, how do you feel? Is it an isolated incident? Or a feeling that just hits you at some point in time?
Earlier in my career, I didn’t change jobs very often. I was at the same company for over nine years. It was a large company where I had many different opportunities. But that changed as my career progressed. I am about to join my third new company since 2016, which means on average, two years each at the other companies.
But why so many changes? It’s because I am now listening more closely to my inner dialogue. I’ve been thinking about the anticipated end of my career. How many years do I want to work overall? What kind of impact can I have in the world? How do I want to spend my days at this point in my career? Working backward from my timeline, where do I want to go next?
I love design, user experience, and technology. I’ve come to realize what’s important to me in my work is how I can contribute to a company and ultimately, the world. My goals are now more about having an impact on improving people’s lives and less about working for companies where it may be harder to see my direct impact on the product, teams, and the end-consumer.
It’s important to think about what is working for you as much as what isn’t. What experiences can you gain from your current role that will benefit you and your employer? What stories can you tell about the problems you helped solve and, sometimes more importantly, what you would have done differently?
Finding Workable Positions
Are your needs currently being met? What are your driving factors? For me, I have the need for achievement in becoming the best version of myself. There are several things that drive me, but here are three I know for sure: having the chance to improve people’s lives via experiences in a way personally relevant to them, having positive working relationships, and receiving recognition. I care more about people than the product. When I say people I mean both end-consumers and the people I work with. And if you care about the people it will show in the product.
Think about what your needs are. Once you identify your drivers of purpose, try mapping them to your current situation. Then consider asking yourself these questions: Is the grass greener? Am I truly unable to grow and learn here, or am I running away? And if so, from what? This will help you identify if and when it’s time to go.
One Last Thought
If you do find your next gig and you’ve made the commitment to a new company, exit your current role graciously. Send a nice goodbye email and encourage everyone to continue doing great work. Your final days around your resignation might be some of the last interactions you will have with your friends and colleagues. Show how much you appreciate all the relationships and experiences. And thank the leadership for the opportunity. It’s possible you might work with some of them again. And then, onward!
