The Exodus begins …

Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights. ~Pauline R. Kezer

A recent report in the Memphis Business Journal on a nationwide survey (http://memphis.bizjournals.com/memphis/stories/2010/08/16/daily6.html) reported that 40% of professionals want to quit their job and are planning to begin to change jobs after Labor Day – 40%! That is one of the highest numbers I have ever seen in my 22-years in this business.

So what does that mean to you?

Take a hint. It may be time for you too to move on if you have survived the layoffs, cut wages, changed work culture or other factors tht just don’t make your work – or employer – fulfilling any longer.
So as we celebrate Labor Day, I repeat the signs that it is time to move on in your career. Enjoy Labor Day – and then get ready to get back to a new, fresh season! Think about these situations, and if one is you, time to move on!
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Know the difference: Bad Day/Week/Month or Really Time to Move On
We all have had a bad day, week or even a month in our job or business. It happens. It is important to evaluate any situation and carefully answer this question: Is this ongoing or just situational - driven by an internal business condition that will change? If the answer is yes it is situational, deal with that first. If it appears to be systemic (in the "grain" of the organization and not likely to change) or if you cannot answer the question, then it is likely time to move on.

Have you lost that "loving feeling" or Passion? Maybe Bored? Move On …
This is very common and a clear sign to move on. You enter the job or business full of enthusiasm and vigor, and it wears off. You are not challenged, you lose interest or you don't see growth, challenge, etc. It's not that there is anything wrong with you or the company, you have just outgrown each other; it is time to move on.

If your job affects your life -- health, family, relationships --- Move on
Job stress can kill you (take it from an "expert"). It can affect your health in many ways including sleep, eating, clarity of thoughts, etc. Excessive job demands will affect your family and relationships, and when this becomes an issue, move on.

Changes don't fit you … Move on
Change helps grow businesses and at times, changes just don't fit everyone. If you feel that company changes are not right for you, and you see no light at the end of the tunnel, time to move on.

You are marginalized --- or work for boss you do not respect? … Move on
Everything is going great and then there is a new player or a new strategy that results in you being marginalized - not included in meetings, or not involved as you were before. You become disconnected. Top that with a new boss who you just don't click with and you know it is time to move on.

You are not growing … Move on
This is the number one reason why people leave jobs - no growth or learning opportunities. Some companies "get it" and provide this environment; others do not. The result - you find you're "stuck" --- not growing, not learning, and not advancing. Talk to your management team and if there is no positive resolution, move on.
Change is good for all. When you are disconnected from your job, your performance suffers and that is not good for the company. It's best for both that you move on --- with a great experience under your belt and with a new set of skills and friends.