Ten Reasons Not to Quit Your Career Yet

You’ve been thinking about making a career move but keep wondering if it’s the right time, the right decision, the right direction. There are often many valid, wise decisions for taking a risk to gain something better. There are also reasons that it might be a bad choice, at least at the present moment. Here are ten reasons NOT to make that move right now:

1. You can’t financially afford it. No matter what move you’re considering, it won’t work if you can’t pay the bills. It’s much wiser to a) have at least six months to a year’s worth of income tucked away before making any big moves and b) make a move to something that will pay at least as much as you currently make or more!

2. You’re frustrated by a situation at work and just want out! This can be a very good reason for changing your job or career, but often isn’t reason enough. First, look at your current job overall. Do you like the company? The culture? Is the industry doing well right now? Does your future there feel secure except for this one thing? If the answer to all of these questions is yes and there is really just one circumstance or person that is bugging you, then look at every possible way you could solve this issue. Can you make an attitude adjustment? Is there a conversation you’ve been avoiding that would address the issue? Can you make a change in your physical environment that would help? Problems can have a way of following you from position to position if you don’t address them effectively. Try solving them before bailing out.

3. You’re less than two years from becoming vested in your retirement fund (or other important benefit). If you have worked hard for long-term benefits, don’t throw them away at this point. I once had a client who was a university faculty member, and though she was extremely frustrated with academia, if she stayed a few more years she would then receive life-long health care insurance. Instead of sacrificing security, bide your time and use this opportunity to formulate plans for your next move while still being paid!

4. There is something else in your life that you’re not dealing with. Often when things aren’t going the way you would like, your job seems like the easiest thing to change. While that may be true, you may just find yourself in a new job with the same old problems. If things in your personal life aren’t going well and it isn’t at all because of your current employment situation it is better to deal with what is really going on than to disrupt your work life.

5. You don’t have a stable work history. Granted, there are industries and careers where frequent change for advancement is not unusual. However, if you have a history of frequent job changes, think twice. A CEO client I know once referred to the “two year resume” which he immediately discarded from the potential candidates stack because of perceived instability. Unless you have been offered an opportunity that is too good to turn down, stay where you are and build credibility.

6. Changing just because you are “bored.” If you have felt restless and unmotivated for a long time and have exhausted every way to turn this around, then change is due. But if this is something relatively new and there is opportunity to improve your situation where you are, try that first. Boredom tends to be a personality trait and if you are someone who easily becomes bored, it is important to identify what you need from a career to prevent boredom before launching into a new one or you will find yourself in the same situation all over again.

7. You don’t have a plan. Giving up a career that pays and sustains you without having a new plan will rarely have a positive result. If you have invested time, education and sweat equity into your current career and now want to make a sweeping change, that is o.k., but don’t act impulsively. Make a plan and be sure that every step you take moves you forward within that plan.

8. Your move will adversely affect those whom you support. If you are the primary breadwinner in your household, the financial implications of a career change are obviously critical. It goes with reason number one. What about the emotional impact of a big change? Will it require a geographic move and will it be positive? Will there be financial adjustments that affect everyone? If your move requires great sacrifices on the part of other members of the household, be sure that the long-term benefit will outweigh the temporary discomfort. If not, then don’t make the move right now.

9. You don’t yet possess the skills or education to pursue your dream. This one seems fairly obvious, yet we have all seen people give up everything to pursue a dream for which they really aren’t well qualified. If further education or experience are necessary and you are set on a particular dream, then stay where you are and get the education on your own time. To get experience you can moonlight or volunteer for a related project. You don’t have to give up the dream, but you may need to postpone it while you gather the tools.

10. You’re in a career that doesn’t allow you to return once you make your exit. There are many careers (healthcare, law, education, technology) that require continuing education throughout the duration of your career. If you quit even temporarily it may be next to impossible to return to the field if you haven’t kept up with industry developments. If you’re not crystal clear about whether or not you want may want to return to this career one day, give it some more time. Find a way to evaluate other options while you stay involved in this career – work with a coach, reduce your current workload to part-time, volunteer in areas related to your other interests, get another job and moonlight in this field. Do what it takes to make this decision from an informed perspective.

There are often compelling reasons to make a big career change, or even make a lateral move within your current career. But there may also be strong reasons why it may not be right for you right now. If this isn’t the right time for you, continue where you are and use personal time to build toward a great move in the future. Just do what is necessary to keep moving forward in a positive way.