By Maurice GIlbert
I spend a lot of time on the phone with incredibly bright, talented, ambitious people. They’re hotshots in their field and they’re not unaccustomed to getting phone calls from guys like me. I’m an executive recruiter, and I’m always searching for the best of the best. If I haven’t called you yet, maybe I will.
If I do, I’ll ask you a lot of questions and I’ll listen very carefully to your answers. I’ve been doing this for more than 20 years and I know, within a few minutes, whether I’m going to move forward with a candidate or not.
Will I linger on the line with you or politely wrap it up after a few minutes? Your answer to this question often determines that: “So tell me. Why are you considering leaving your present place of employment?”
If we’re on the phone, it’s because you’re no longer satisfied where you are, or you’re convinced there’s something better in what I’m offering. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be having a conversation.
Such a simple question. Could you answer it? You’d be surprised how many people cannot. And they tend to be surprised at how quickly the conversation is over.
These days, the most successful professionals have adopted a change strategy for all areas of their careers. They’re poised for change at every turn: new technology, new management, new software, new paradigms, new policies, new snacks in the vending machine, etc.
So is it time to make a career change? Ask yourself the question before someone like me asks it.
Here are 4 signs the answer is Yes:
1. The Thrill is Gone
If you’ve lost your passion and purpose, it’s time to move on. As with any relationship, you might be able to get it back for a while, but when it’s truly gone, it’s over. Time to break up and move on. There’s a certain amount of happiness that is central to good performance in the workplace. If you can’t change the way you feel about your job, time to change your job.
2. You’re Under-Valued or Under Compensated.
You’ve done all you can, and you still aren’t getting shiny star stickers on your chart. Your talents and contributions consistently go unacknowledged or unappreciated, or your paycheck is a thin blanket that doesn’t cover your feet. Feeling valued is central to career success. If you’ve tried and tried and still aren’t feeling the love, it’s time to leave.
3. You’re Stuck in the Middle
For whatever reason, maybe there’s no place or no way for you to advance. You’re the biggest fish in the pond and the pond’s never going to get any bigger, either. Five, 10 years from now you’ll still be blowing bubbles. Time to go.
4. Toxic Workplace
Your execs aren’t trustworthy; information is in silos; you’re integrity is challenged by what’s expected of you. This list could go on, but you know what I’m referring to. Does this company even deserve you?
Okay — do any of these apply to you? And if you’re a manager, remember that retaining top talents relies on these factors, too.
If it’s time for a change, be ready for it. And review this list regularly – especially right before I call you.
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Maurice Gilbert is Managing Partner of Conselium Executive Search, which specializes in placing Compliance Officers and Legal Counsel for clients in the U.S., Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific. Maurice is also CEO of Corporate Compliance Insights, a worldwide publication devoted to governance, risk and compliance issues. Maurice can be reached at maurice@conselium.com
Published by Conselium Executive Search, the global leader in compliance search.
