When a New Job is Not the Answer

I posted recently about a friend of mine and his search for a new job, even though he is still currently employed. After a couple insightful comments on that post from Advice from My-Recruiter.com, I got to thinking about the importance of would-be job seekers determining that they should in fact be looking for a new job - and that their true preference isn’t to stay with their current employer under better working conditions.

The distinction, I think, is a very important one and it should always be made before determining a course of action. The first step is to establish why you are unhappy in your current job. After clarifying that point, you can determine whether you can resolve the issue with your current employer or, instead, should be out searching for a new job with a new company.

In many instances, a dissatisfaction at work results in the impulse to “get the resume together” and start firing it out to would-be employers in the unrealistic hope that someone might be willing to pay you more than you’re worth to do whatever you want. It never happens. But what does happen is that people submit resumes and get responses and offers that require action. They need to decide whether they really want their current job and if it is worth leaving to pursue a new and unknown opportunity. In these instances, the employee is forced to make a decision when he may not have all of the information. After all, even with proper due diligence, it is difficult to know what the work atmosphere will truly be like at a new company.

In my opinion, a good employee will always have the most negotiating leverage with their current employer. If you’re having issues with your current job, talk to the boss and/or management and make them aware of the problems. Emphasize your wish to stay with the company and your hope that they can help you resolve the issues you’re having, whatever they may be.

If that approach proves to be a dead end, THEN it is time to start looking for a new job in earnest. This approach should help to eliminate any uncertainty when new offers start coming in. At that point the decision will simply be to choose the best new opportunity, rather than having to decide whether you really want a new job.

Tags: career advancement, job satisfaction, job seeker tips, new jobs, workplace negotiations

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