Changing Jobs: Important Questions to Ask Yourself before Leaving

By Susan Hoffman
Contributor, Online Career Tips

Imagine the following scenario: You’ve just heard about a great new job opportunity. You’re tempted to pursue it, but you’re unsure about leaving the security of the job you have now.

It’s normal to be attracted by what a different job offers, such as a big corner office or a better salary than what you currently earn. But it’s also important to give some thought to how a new job will contribute to your professional development and your career goals before changing jobs.

Changing Jobs Should Be Done Strategically

If you are going after a new job or thinking of accepting a job that just came your way, take the time to think about everything a different job will offer and how that will fit into your career strategy. Consider the following questions:

• What is the job going to offer me besides a better salary and benefits?
• What are my career goals and how will this job help me to reach them?
• What motivates me?
• How will the job stretch my current professional knowledge and abilities?
• Will the new position allow me to acquire new skills for future use?
• Will the job help me to build my leadership abilities?
• What new responsibilities will I acquire and enjoy?
• Does the job lead to personal development opportunities, such as attending conferences or training?
• What are the current and future trends going on in my industry and how will this job help me to remain competitive in the marketplace?
• What do I like and dislike about my current job?
• What do I value in my working life?

Be sure to give a lot of thought to what you want a different job to offer you. You will then be better equipped to make the important decision whether or not to change jobs and if moving to a different job would be good for you.