Ask Yadi: Is it time to switch jobs?

CLEVELAND, Oh – Is it time to switch jobs?

Reader question: I have been at my job for almost ten years. My friends have been telling me it’s time to consider making a move and finding a new job. They feel that I am stuck in a job that doesn’t pay me enough or appreciate me; that I have become complacent and scared of change.

Many of them have switched jobs multiple times over this same time period. They never seem to stay at a job for more than a few years. Not necessarily because they don’t like it or their employer but because they get bored or feel that they got all they could out of it and need a fresh challenge. And of course, are looking to make more money.

My parents worked at the same job most of their adult lives so for me it isn’t abnormal to find a good company and stay there. Could I be making more money? Most likely. Am I comfortable where I am? Sure.

Are my friends right in thinking I am too comfortable where I am and am doing myself a disservice by staying put? Should I look for a new job even though I like where I am?

Answer: Times are definitely different when it comes to jobs. While some previous generations landed on a good job and stayed there for many, many, years that no longer seems to be the case.

I too know of many individuals who only stay at a job for 2-3 years. They’ve told me the same thing that you said: looking to make more money, get bored, want more challenges and to diversify their resume.

Some of them land on better opportunities, while others seem to regret their decisions.

Does it hurt to put your resume out there? Not necessarily. Yes, change can be scary but if you don’t try, you don’t know. Only you will know when it is time to make a move. Don’t let fear hold you back. But depending on where you are in life, you need to decide what’s important to you. Even if something is offered to you, that doesn’t mean that you have to jump ship and take it.

If you are looking for more money, see if that’s possible in your current position.

Yes, it’s easy to get comfortable, but don’t let life pass you by without exploring other possibilities because it might be too late.

Check out even more prior Ask Yadi columns here.

Do you have a question or an etiquette predicament that you want advice on? Send me an “Ask Yadi” email at [email protected]