I battled really hard to move on from my last role! A stable, reasonable pay, good work/life balance and flexible working! Why would I ever want to move.

I work in the capacity as a lead business analyst for one of the top charities in the UK. The people are great, the work is linked to a cause close to my heart and apart from a slight change to my role due to some structural changes in the team I feel pretty secure and content, at first I didn’t feel like I had a strong rationale for looking elsewhere.

But being in the same organisation for over 7 years it felt the right time to consider a change.  It would be very easy to stay in the organisation for the next few years and not stretch my skills and experience, but there is a reality where your mindset and skills can start to be impacted if not actively applied. I’m taking the leap to start a role that will be pretty challenging and different to what I am use to, it’s of course new and scary- but that doesn’t mean it won’t be worth it in the long run- plus if it doesn’t work out, I’d like to think I can find something else in the future.

I’ve had a few colleagues who have also made a brave decision to leave and we have provided support on those difficult days (thank you to those individuals, who will remain nameless for now!)

Here are some of my top lessons

  • Utilise trusted advisors (although ultimately the decisions need to made by you)
  • Be Brave, it’s not going to be easy!
  • Make considered decisions- it doesn’t have to be rushed with no thought
  • Is it a bigger risk staying where you are?
  • There is no magic formulae (ie you should move every 2 years etc)
  • Make your own criteria of what you want for your next move (Salary/Development opportunities/culture) as a decision-making tool
  • Don’t burn any bridges, regardless of the situation or if you agree with decisions, you must still respect them, the company and the people (after all you are a professional)
  • You will probably wobble (if like me…A LOT!), use the tools above to help reinforce decisions and use your network to help validate (you can do this with a new employer to certain extent, but don’t overdo it, or you might get them questioning your own stability!)

 

Here are some questions to ask yourself to help support a decision on whether you should leave your job

Are you comfortable in your job?

Are you developing your skills and experience?

What is your progression route?

Are you willing to take a risk for potential reward?

If it doesn’t work out what would your back up plan look like?