I'm thinking of changing jobs because my future is limited here, but what if leaving reverses my good fortune?
Maynard Webb
Founder, Webb Investment Network; Author ‘Dear Founder’; Board member Visa and Salesforce.
I have a good job at a good company. I’ve been there 10 years and am as high up as I can go. I don’t think it’s a fit culturally and my division is not seen as important strategically. But with so many layoffs I feel lucky to have a job and have security. Am I being ungrateful? You know what they say, better the devil you know than the devil you don’t...
-Wanting more but worried about change
Dear Wanting but worried,
I understand your predicament but if the devil you know isn’t going to lead you to your dreams, you need to go to a place that will.
领英推荐
To make the most of your career, you must always be learning and growing and being offered new opportunities. It sounds like you are at a very big company. Most big companies want to retain their talent and try to find ways to do so. I know you are at the top of your division and there’s nowhere else to go in your group. But are there any other areas that you can go to? As I've suggested previously, it can be beneficial for your career growth to move around.
I’m asking these questions about your current workplace because even if you do leave, it’s important to optimize everything at this company and still do a great job and learn as much as possible while you are there. (I hate the idea of quiet quitting!) But when it comes down to it, based on the information you provided, I think it might make sense for you to look for another job.
You do not need to feel guilty or ungrateful about moving on. Yes, of course you are lucky to have a job, but your employer is just as lucky to have you. You’ve put in a lot of time, so you are familiar with this company and what it provides. Similarly, the people there also know you. You need to be offered opportunities to grow, and you need to feel comfortable. It doesn’t sound like these needs are being met.
Don’t be afraid to take the next big step and start looking for a new job, one at a place that needs your skills and experiences and offers room to grow. I would look for a place that is a better fit culturally, one that makes you (and everyone) feel valued.
You’ve already put in 10 years, don’t ponder this any longer. Go for it. Good luck!
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Every week I respond to a new question. Ask me your question in the comments section.
Results Driven Executive | Author | CIO | Finance | Operations | Speaker | Board Advisor
8 个月Excellent advice! Knowing when the time has come to open a new life chapter is difficult -- but the saying "nothing ventured / nothing gained" still rings true. Follow-on question: With the pace of new technology accelerating -- in particular AI and its impact on application development -- is helping companies with employee reskilling tenured staff going to be the next hyper-growth "green field" consulting opportunity?
Software and Technology M&A / PE Dealmaker | I write about Tech, M&A, Strategy and Entrepreneurship
8 个月It can be a tough predicament. Yes - be thankful and appreciative of having a good job with a good company - but never put that ahead of an opportunity that can push you even further forward. Loyalty is one thing, but loyalty to the point of injuring your own best interests is something else. Be sure, no company will ever look out for your interests and the interests of those you care about more than you will.
Experienced technology innovator/leader, I've built products for small, medium, and large companies, using a mix of insight, process innovation, and a passion for operational excellence
8 个月One tidbit to add. As you plan the next step on your journey, spend time researching what activities you are world class at, what activities bring you joy, what will people pay for, and what the world needs. The intersection of those will bring you success, fullfillment, etc. It's the Japanese concept of IKIGAI. There's books, videos, etc about it, many simple variations, but I like the idea of using this concept to inform your path/choices. Good luck!
CEO and Founder at Door Space Inc.
8 个月Everyone needs to take a good hard look at themselves and ask themselves if they have Stockholm syndrome because it seems to me so many people are getting abused and cheated by their employers, and still they think they need to be loyal to their wage-slave masters
Transformational leader of technology, operations, supply chain, logistics
8 个月Fabulous edition this week Maynard Webb - one of your best!