When performing the same job year in and year out, it’s easy to become content in your role or company. You know the dynamics, you understand the expectations, and you are comfortable with the organization as a whole. But what if it’s time to move on? How do you know when is the right time? Does a certain event happen, or not happen? Is there a sudden moment when the feeling is right?

Let’s break down how you can know when it may be time to move on from your current company.

You’re Stagnant
A major benefit to working in a corporate environment is the ability to advance, whether through your skills and responsibilities, or position. If you’ve noticed that there has been zero growth in any of these areas for the past several months, or even years, it may be time to consider moving on.

However, do note that stagnation doesn’t always have to be solved with an exit. Schedule some time with your leader to let them know that you are ready to take on additional or different responsibilities and share with them your career goals. There is a chance that because you haven’t voiced your desire for change, they are assuming you prefer things how they are.

There’s Constant Attrition
Companies experience highs and lows with their retention rates. Some years, everyone wants to work at a certain organization, and other years, that same organization may struggle to keep employees happy. However, if you’re noticing a consistent pattern of co-workers leaving the company for other opportunities, that may mean it’s time to pause and consider a change for yourself. Most of the time, if large amounts of employees are leaving the company, that means that there are better opportunities elsewhere.

If you’re have strong relationships with co-workers who are saying goodbye, sit down with them (preferably out of the office) and respectfully pick their brain as the why they’ve decided the company is no longer the right fit for them. Who knows, their reasons may solidify your decision to stay, or, you may recognize your desire for change as well.

You’re Having More Bad Days Than Good Ones
Work is called work for a reason. It’s not always supposed to be fun, easy, or something that you’d want to do in your free time. However, it should be relatively enjoyable, and something that you have some interest in. If you’re realizing that every day is draining, upsetting, or burdensome, it’s time to move on. While work isn’t always a walk in the park, it shouldn’t be severely affecting your quality of life.

You Simply Want To
There doesn’t always have to be a major reason to desire moving into a different company. Sometimes there’s simply an itch, and it’s okay to follow that feeling. Take your time and look around to see what’s out there. However, do not share with your employer (or anyone at your company if you can) that you are looking around at other opportunities. That is a sure-fire way to lose out on potential promotions, raises, or even your own job before you have another plan in place.

There isn’t a simple answer if you are questioning when it’s time to move on. However, if the thought has crossed your mind, it may be time to explore and simply see what exists out there.

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About Debi
Debi is a coach to high performers, leaders and business owners wanting to achieve more and grow beyond what they believe is possible. Known for her clarifying insight and a pragmatic approach, Debi brings her clients to the next step by asking the right questions during strategy development and supporting them during strategy implementation. With experience in management, recruitment and employee development for various industries, she has a wide scope of expertise and will confidently guide you towards a successful future in your career.

Ready to take your career to the next level?
Let’s chat. Schedule a call to discuss innovative solutions to your specific needs.

No matter your industry, being involved in a mentoring relationship is crucial to your understanding of your work and of others: both as a mentor and a mentee. However, establishing a mentoring relationship can be a bit tricky. Asking someone to be your mentor, or accepting someone’s invitation to be a mentor can weirdly feel similar to a first date. What if they say no? What are we going to talk about? Is this the first of many meetings?

Never fear, a mentorship can be an amazing way for a mentee to grow in their career, and a seasoned mentor to give back and advocate for someone just starting out. With a little guidance, setting up a successful mentoring relationship can be rewarding, exciting, and fun!

How to Find a Mentor
First, let’s talk to the individuals looking for a mentor. If you’re reading this, chances are this is your first mentorship, and you may be a bit lost on how to find and establish a relationship with your mentor.

1. Firstly, you need to identify an individual that you highly respect and admire within your circle. This individual should be a bit further along in their career, be a positive role model, and be in a place where they can adequately dedicate time to being a mentor.

2. Once you’ve identified your mentor, prepare yourself for the ask. Asking someone to be your mentor is more than just a “Hi, can you mentor me?” request. Before you ask them, you need to be ready to tell them why you want them to be your mentor and what you would expect from the relationship. As the mentee, it is your responsibility to establish the pace, communication, and expectations of the relationship. Remember, your mentor is doing you a favor here, you need to treat them with the courtesy they deserve.

3. Next, schedule some time with the individual to inquire about if they’d be willing to mentor you. Let them know why you’d like them to mentor you, what you’re looking for out of a mentorship, and what style/frequency of communication you’re looking for. If they’re up for it, then congratulations! You’ve found your mentor!

4. Lastly, work on setting up a framework for the relationship. How often will you meet? Where will you meet? Will there be an agenda for conversations? Will you be wanting feedback, advice, or advocacy? Share the structure with your mentor and get their thoughts. If they’re on board, then your all set!

How to Be a Great Mentor
If you’ve been approached to mentor a friend, colleague, or someone else, congratulations to you! Clearly, you’ve demonstrated a quality that the mentee values, and they want someone like you to pour into their lives.

While much of a mentorship relationship is the mentee’s responsibility, it’s vital that you provide a few key elements to foster a strong, engaging, and worthwhile relationship.

1. Ensure that you have adequate time to dedicate to the mentorship. If you’re constantly overwhelmed and stretched thin, this may not be the proper time to mentor someone.

2. Be a positive role model. How would you want your mentee to behave and make decisions? Be sure that you are displaying those qualities in your everyday life. Your choices and actions are clearly of value to your mentee, so ensure that you are making positive ones.

3. Listen, but don’t make decisions. More than likely, much of your mentorship role will be listening to your mentee walk through decisions, choices, and trying to understand what they should do. As a seasoned mentor, it’s tempting to simply tell your mentee what to do. However, keep in mind that while you can offer up suggestions or help them process, decisions need to be made by them. This builds self-confidence and personality responsibility in your mentee.

4. Lastly, remember who mentored you. What did you like about that relationship? What did you not like? How did they help shape you into who you are today? A mentor is a pivotal individual who can build up a person beyond what that person thought was possible. Be the mentor you had, or would have wanted to have.

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About Debi
Debi is a coach to high performers, leaders and business owners wanting to achieve more and grow beyond what they believe is possible. Known for her clarifying insight and a pragmatic approach, Debi brings her clients to the next step by asking the right questions during strategy development and supporting them during strategy implementation. With experience in management, recruitment and employee development for various industries, she has a wide scope of expertise and will confidently guide you towards a successful future in your career.

Ready to take your career to the next level?
Let’s chat. Schedule a call to discuss innovative solutions to your specific needs.