When it’s finally time to move on…
A candidate recently told me that when she gave her notice, her boss said to her:
"I think you will find the grass is not greener where you're headed. If that turns out to be the case, call me."
I know how she was feeling after that comment.
When I left my job as an underwriter to try my hand at producing, my boss was in disbelief.
He basically told me it was a bonehead move and that no carrier rep in their right mind with a salaried job and a company car would move to a commissioned sales role.
He topped it off with a backhanded comment about how I probably didn't truly understand the compensation structure I was getting into {insert eyeroll}.
(For the record, I loved producing and my new boss was the best I've ever had. I also made more $$ in year oned of producing than I had as a field rep.)
It still pisses me off every time I think about.
Not just for myself, but for everyone who's ever wanted to “go for it” and been discouraged by someone more senior who should be offering guidance and support, not negativity and fear mongering.
I've found that people with this kind of attitude are typically one of two things - scared or jealous.
They fear the thing you're going to do and would never have the strength to do it themselves, so they project that fear onto you.
Or, they are jealous of where you're going and/or that they don't have the guts (or opportunity) to do what you're doing, so they are bitter.
I've had bosses like this.
Fortunately, I've also had bosses who take the approach of: "I'm so sad to lose you, but know that my door is always open! Congrats and good luck - I know you'll crush it in this new role!"
The world is hard enough already. If you're a boss or mentor and one of your people is ready to move on - please be the latter.
So, how do you know when it’s time to move on?
You’re bored, not challenged, seeking something new
Your boss or company culture are toxic.
If you’ve been there 15+ years, you’re more than likely underpaid – probably not a bad idea to test the waters unless you absolutely love everything about your job and money isn’t a priority
When an exciting new opportunity you just can’t stop thinking about comes your way – go for it! It’s not a marriage, it’s just a job. You can always pivot if it’s not the right fit.
And the easiest test….On Sunday nights, do you dread the upcoming work week? Big one right there!
It’s not easy to make a change but if you’re feeling pulled toward something (or pushed away from something else), maybe it’s time!
If we’ve worked together in the past and you’re with one of my client companies now, I have utmost confidence you’re loving life in your new role and have seen that the grass can be greener! You know I only recruit for companies where I’d personally work!