Sometimes, in a hurry to change a job, for an attractive compensation or progression in terms of role and designation, one makes a hurried call. But it is advisable to do soul searching and keep a few points in mind before taking the final plunge, says Sanjoe Jose
Money is prime but is it the only parameter you have deliberated while making comparisons. It is quite possible that you have had lot of opportunities to go one up on your compensation but the performance wasn’t satisfactory to let that happen for you, whereas in contrast your peer level has gained considerably on money front. If you feel left out it might not be different at a new work place, since the parameters to gauge your performance could well be the same and a year later you are due for another switch and so on. It’s not the time to change loyalties.
Career Progression
You would assume that the opportunity that has knocked at the door is actually a career progression and would be a combination of set of responsibilities that you have aspired for. Do you possess that capabilities to deliver or have you been trained to shoulder a larger gamut of responsibilities that you have been entrusted. Many of the times when you would address the question to yourself, the answer is not affirmative.
The present organisation has well-developed training mechanism that facilitates treading a well laid out career path. The present environment is conducive for learning and you have been given substantial growth opportunities but you have been casual in approach to shrug them off. It’s the time to ponder again.
Downsizing
The economic scenario is quite volatile. We are gearing up for another recessionary phase after the low we have seen in 2008, the recovery was marginal and the times are not conducive to make a transition. If you make a change and unfortunately the fortune of industry or company changes you might run the risk of elimination by applying the golden rule of last in first out whereas with your current employer you enjoy a good working relationship and they have the big appetite to retain you in the difficult times. Thus, think before you delve into something serious.
Emergence of New Sector
It pays to have a first mover advantage and yes moving into new industry sector that looks promising should be good choice to make that necessary transition. Here again, did you researched it well what lays in store for you, the late 90s saw the dot.com boom and eventual burst of the same, similarly Retail was supposed to be next thing happening after telecom but that also met up with similar fate.
Though after early setbacks the sectors have started seeing an upward trend but the approach is much more balanced and for sure that initial fizz is missing. You have to evaluate and envision whether the emerging sector can hold its ground for a sufficient time, is the customer ripe enough to lap upon the offerings by the sector. Also, evaluate the environmental, statutory or for that matter Government regulations could give it a smooth run. If you have doubts, think again.
Be your own boss
Why work for someone else when I can be my own boss, the question rings the sweet bell in the ears and that too constantly. It is generally observed that if one is managing couple of people down under or is a individual contributor par excellence or has grown up to senior middle management position tends to get distracted and wishes to stand on his own.
He sees the glorified picture and assumes all is green and takes on that bigger challenge to set out for a journey – to build on his own empire. The adage — all that glitters in not gold — holds very true in the situation. A word of caution, do a reality check and if you are convinced you have all that takes to become a successful entrepreneur, make sure you have enough finances available at your disposal to make the killing. Else stay and check back your organisation seeing your passion might give you that opportunity to become an intrapreneur.
(The writer is co-founder, Talview.com)