How do you know when it is time to look for another job?  This can be a daunting question to answer without knowing all the facts.  Many of us at the beginning of the year start to think about a fresh start in a new job, a new department or a new company.  We picture what it would look like, how much we would get paid and what our life would be like.  Are you looking at a new opportunity through rose-colored glasses?

Rose colored glasses are fun to wear and use to dream a little when you need some time.  But when you always look through them to analyze your situation you can make a poor decision and get stuck in something you didn’t mean to happen.  This dog looks funny with them on and so do you when you wear them.  Take them off and start looking at your working life with the right perspective.

Instead, it is so very important to really look at what is going on with you and your job.  Sometimes you don’t need to change companies.  Instead what you might need is a change of pace.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when analyzing your current career situation:

1. If you have a personal conflict with someone, try to work it out.  You might need to change a little and so might they.  If it cannot be worked out, have a discussion with your manager and see if you might fit into a new role in a new department.  Find a place where you can explore other areas of your experience.

2. Never make a decision when you are too high (excited) or too low (frustrated/depressed).  Decision making must be made with a clear head.  If you don’t you risk making the wrong decision.

3. There are times when we have to do what we are doing for other reasons.  If you have gotten yourself in debt or have a family, you know what it is like to have to work hard for a period of time until your situation changes.  That is normal and should be a reminder to not let yourself get in a tough situation again.

4. You can only fix yourself; you cannot fix others.  Try working on your own attitude or your own internal struggles with your job first.  Give the benefit of the doubt to others and try to fix yourself.  Swallowing some pride pie can really go a long way to any conflict situation.

5. Life is NEVER fair.  You should have learned this back when you were 10 years old.  Life has a way of not being fair sometimes.  You get overlooked because you are too old or too young, too heavy or too skinny, too ugly or too good-looking and others.  Life isn’t fair and sometimes you need to accept that the cards you were dealt are not all aces.  Get over it and focus on what you can control and take advantage of.

When considering what you are going to do in 2012, keep yourself grounded.  If you are ready to take a chance and get yourself out in the job search market then stop waiting.  If you gut is saying something is not right.  Look inside to fix the outside.  You will be glad you did.

Let’s Get Started!

Jeff