When to leave your job - Millennial Edition

If I had a dollar every time someone asks me “how do you know when its time to move on?” though I believe that this is more a personal choice, there are other signs we millennials should consider when we start to wonder if is time to look for another corporate home. 

Before we dive in important to address some stereotypes I have come across as I was doing research for this article. 

“Millennials have short attention span”, yes well, so does everyone else, humans, in general, have a short attention span (in a few seconds they decide if they are interested in something) that is shorter than a goldfish, this is not just millennials. 

The reason I wanted to bring this up is because there is some truth that this generation is known for moving on from companies quicker than any other generation. Here are some tips to help you decide if the time is right for you to move organizations. Stay awhile, really master the job you are in, it takes at least two years to master a position in which you can feel comfortable for you to call yourself an expert in. 

HOWEVER, if you are not learning, evolving and growing then there is no point in staying, forget about what others will say, do what is going to help you grow as a professional and helping you build up your skillset. 

You know you are learning when you are faced with new challenges, things outside the regular day-to-day and mundane tasks that you have to do regardless because they are part of your job duties. When you are doing something you have never done before and that task adds to your skills overall, you, my friend are learning. Remember companies that really care about their employees will train you to become more marketable. Richard Branson once said to organizations: “Train people well enough so they can leave. Treat them well enough so they don’t want to.” 

“Millennials are lazy”, this is a stereotype is for all generations wouldn’t we agree. It is interesting to always hear that we should go above and beyond for our companies because apparently, it is what makes us good employees. I totally agree that if you are passionate about the work you do you should not stay within the boundaries of just what is in the job description. Sometimes doing more than that is a great way to learn new skills and to stay top of mind when it comes to be recognized or promoted. If you are bored even when doing things outside your regular job duties than it might be a sign that is time to move on

In conclusion, ultimately you are the best person to decide if you are ready to move on but if you are learning and acquiring new skills, I recommend you stay as long as you are happy. Remember all jobs are temporary!