Answer these Qs before you say 'I quit'
DIFFERENT people have different reasons for quitting a job, so what is yours? When you decide to quit you might be asking yourself the same question. Resigning a job,though, cannot be for a single reason. Mostly it is a combination of factors that force an employee to quit. It could be better job opportunities or a less stressful job, peer pressure or lack of camaraderie with the boss or co-workers or even ill health.
Also as any career counsellor will tell you, staying in the same job for years can mean inertia and being in a comfort zone. You might find it difficult to escape from the situation. If you want a fast-moving and successful career you should be able to make the right moves at the right time.
Let us look at some of the reasons that may force an employee to resign. Introspection would help you rationalise and decide whether you should quit or continue.
One reason for quitting a job is when you are passed up for promotion, more so if you were expecting one and are denied it. If a colleague gets the coveted post for which your boss has all the while been grooming you for, it can be like a slap in the face. But before you decide to quit ask your boss the reasons and justification for the decision. If your boss promises you better things, you could consider staying but if the reasons are not convincing enough, then you might want to move on.
Sometimes during shuffling of positions in the company, you may be given responsibilities which are not exactly to your liking. For instance you may be asked to take care of customer service, which is a shift from the research and development activities you have been involved in so far. Or probably you are transferred to an unfavourable location. Sometimes you may find yourself with fewer job responsibilities and waiting for a decision on your position from the management. This can be frustrating. It could also mean that you are the scapegoat to fill an undesirable position in the organisation.
If this is the situation, then you need to question your position in the company and the value you have there. It is better to sort out the issue with your boss and find out about the management's intentions before making a decision. If you feel the reasons are evasive and you feel you have been devalued, then it is time to look elsewhere.
Another reason for quitting could be the breach of trust. If your boss has promised you a raise or a promotion but nothing seems to come through then it is better to leave. Confront your boss on this and if you feel that you have been taken for granted then it is time to quit. There is no point in waiting for promises which may never materialise. If you feel that the share price of your company is declining or if there is talk of a takeover or a fall in sales or profit, then keep your eyes and ears open. If there is any indication that the company is going to downsize then it is better you start looking elsewhere well in advance before everyone else rushes to the exit. When your boss quits the job, discreetly find out the reason for the departure. If there are valid reasons then there is no need to panic but if the reasons are unclear then it may be a warning sign. It makes sense to commence on a job search. When to quit is as big a decision as taking up a job offer. Sometimes a quick exit can be good for your career. You have to learn why and when to do it.
HEMA GOPALAKRISHNAN
faqs@cnkonline.com
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