Okay, so maybe fire is a bit of a strong word choice but just hear me out.
In our employment search, we may find desperate times, that requires us to work at less than favourable companies, for less than stellar people. While I think it’s important to work somewhere that is aligned with your personal values, I understand that good intentions pay the bills as well as rainbows and butterflies. In the long term, I strongly suggest taking a good look at your employment situation and asking yourself a few tough questions.
Am I compromising my personal values/morals by working here?
What are my top three values/morals I live by?
Do the values of my employer and/or direct boss force me to sacrifice my personal beliefs in order to do my job?
If you’re confident your employer’s views are consistent with your own, then that’s one mark for the positive but if you find yourself on the other side of the equation it might be time to look elsewhere. Let’s face it, we spend a lot of time working and being forced to violate your beliefs will take a toll on you emotionally and maybe even physically.
Does my current position challenge me?
If not, what am I missing? Is it possible for this position to challenge me if I approached my boss and asked for more?
When we aren’t challenged we get bored, lazy and inattentive, then likely replaced. Be proactive about your employment situation. If you’re not being challenged, and there is nothing new to learn there then it’s time to move on.
Am I making enough money to survive?
If not, how much money do I need to survive and how much would I LIKE to have to be comfortable?
You may love your job, but if you can’t feed yourself or keep your lights on, it’s not working for you. It’s important to have a goal in mind about what you’d like to make in the future. What one person lives on comfortably, another person may consider a struggle! This is about YOU and YOUR needs.
Is there room for advancement within this company? If not, am I happy staying in this position for the long term?
I believe growth is important. For me, if there is no chance of advancement within a company I’d be less likely to stay. If you’re satisfied in your position and its fulfilling you’re needs than by all means that’s excellent but if you answered no to either of those questions, it’s time to look for something else
Looking for a new position doesn’t always have to hold a negative context. In fact, deciding an employer doesn’t work for you and leaving before it becomes a negative is a powerful decision. If you have found other employment and you’re moving on, I suggest keeping a few things in mind.
Never talk badly about said employer. Just because it didn’t work for you, doesn’t mean it won’t work great for someone else!
Don’t forget to ask for a letter of recommendation. If you’re confident in your abilities you presented on the job, and there are no hard feelings, they should be happy to provide you with one!
Don’t check out until you’re actually out. There’s nothing worse than making your co-workers suffer because you’re moving on and no longer care about this position.
Don’t burn a bridge. You never know what will happen that could cause you to come back to this company or work with someone that currently works there!
Have you ever fired an employer? Tell me your story using the #AmandaMarieBiz tag.
Chat soon,
Leave a Reply