You were excited when you first applied for your current job, and you were over the moon when the company made you an offer. Since then, you've had a mix of good and bad days, absorbed plenty about the industry and learned the ins and outs of the professional world.
But somehow, even though you've grown as a professional and you've been paid fairly, you're starting to become restless. Sure, you could ride this feeling out and see if it just goes away on its own. But perhaps it's time for you to move on altogether.
Here are the telltale signs that you either need to move up in the company or start scouring the job boards.
When It's Time to Move Up
If the following situations sound familiar, it's time to reach out for a promotion:
You've held the same position for at least a year, and positions at the level above you open up on a fairly regular basis.
You received a glowing, or at least above average, performance review this past year.
You've witnessed the promotions of peers with similar skill sets who have been at the company about as long as you have.
You haven't made any terrible or costly mistakes during the past year.
You've decided that you want a promotion. You enjoy your work, you like the company and you're ready for a greater level of responsibility.
You've decided that the opportunities you can find at your current company are better suited to your ambitions than the opportunities you could find elsewhere. (Check out LiveCareer for job market overviews and industry news.)
If these statements ring true, start putting your career wheels in motion. Arrange a meeting with your boss, and be ready to explain exactly what you want, how you've proven yourself and how promoting you can help the company or department.
When It's Time to Move On
Sometimes a promotion within the company isn't the answer, and sometimes in-house advancement opportunities aren't available or appealing. If you run into any of the following situations, it's time to start looking for work with another employer:
You've applied for a promotion and you've been turned down or passed over twice. Once means you just weren't ready. Twice means your work isn't being recognized and you aren't getting the respect you deserve.
You can't reach for the level above you because there is no level above you. A job with a small company may mean there's only one manager in the room, and he or she isn't leaving any time soon. If this is the case, start turning your gaze outward.
You're being paid less than market value. If you've done the research and you know you can make more money elsewhere, ask for a raise. If your request is denied, it's time to head to LiveCareer and polish up your resume.
You're simply not happy. You don't have to stay with a company if you're bored, frustrated or experiencing chronic levels of conflict and stress. Do what you can to salvage the situation and your relationship with the company, but it might be time to move on if your efforts go unrewarded.
Don't be held prisoner by fear of a weak job market. If you're ready for the next big step, then no matter what your boss, TV economists and the Internet may say, it's time to go. You can do better, and you will.
But somehow, even though you've grown as a professional and you've been paid fairly, you're starting to become restless. Sure, you could ride this feeling out and see if it just goes away on its own. But perhaps it's time for you to move on altogether.
Here are the telltale signs that you either need to move up in the company or start scouring the job boards.
When It's Time to Move Up
If the following situations sound familiar, it's time to reach out for a promotion:
You've held the same position for at least a year, and positions at the level above you open up on a fairly regular basis.
You received a glowing, or at least above average, performance review this past year.
You've witnessed the promotions of peers with similar skill sets who have been at the company about as long as you have.
You haven't made any terrible or costly mistakes during the past year.
You've decided that you want a promotion. You enjoy your work, you like the company and you're ready for a greater level of responsibility.
You've decided that the opportunities you can find at your current company are better suited to your ambitions than the opportunities you could find elsewhere. (Check out LiveCareer for job market overviews and industry news.)
If these statements ring true, start putting your career wheels in motion. Arrange a meeting with your boss, and be ready to explain exactly what you want, how you've proven yourself and how promoting you can help the company or department.
When It's Time to Move On
Sometimes a promotion within the company isn't the answer, and sometimes in-house advancement opportunities aren't available or appealing. If you run into any of the following situations, it's time to start looking for work with another employer:
You've applied for a promotion and you've been turned down or passed over twice. Once means you just weren't ready. Twice means your work isn't being recognized and you aren't getting the respect you deserve.
You can't reach for the level above you because there is no level above you. A job with a small company may mean there's only one manager in the room, and he or she isn't leaving any time soon. If this is the case, start turning your gaze outward.
You're being paid less than market value. If you've done the research and you know you can make more money elsewhere, ask for a raise. If your request is denied, it's time to head to LiveCareer and polish up your resume.
You're simply not happy. You don't have to stay with a company if you're bored, frustrated or experiencing chronic levels of conflict and stress. Do what you can to salvage the situation and your relationship with the company, but it might be time to move on if your efforts go unrewarded.
Don't be held prisoner by fear of a weak job market. If you're ready for the next big step, then no matter what your boss, TV economists and the Internet may say, it's time to go. You can do better, and you will.
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