When To Search For a New Job

Sooner or later, most of us have a desire to search for a new job.  This situation can arise from negative things like personal conflicts and lack of challenge or can be looking for a better position.  In any case, there are good and bad reasons and timing for a job search.

We will quickly get the most apparent situation out of the way.  There are times the market is perfect for getting a job, and times when it is not.  These tend to be highly visible (a lot of people looking for the same type of job, or a lot of unfilled positions) and not under our control.  The market is what it is.  However, we do want to avoid searching for a job in a bad market.  Sometimes we have to be patient and suffer a little longer to get a new job that is a positive move.

The best way to keep your options open is to stay current with the market.  This approach is one that we take in our efforts to be a better developer.  Our skills are current, and we have been exposed to some of the new ideas out there.  When we do this, we are better positioned to see when a new technology wave is coming that may be an opportunity for us to advance.

One of the critical things in thinking about when to search for a new job is in our control.  We will always be better off when we move to something new rather than flee a bad situation.  We do not know when things can turn into a bad situation.  However, when we keep our eyes out, we are more likely to be aware of the potential steps up in our careers.

I feel a need to point out that we should not always be chasing greener pastures.  That is a fool's errand.  Instead, we should have our career roadmap with goals.  Then we should be prepared for opportunities where a new job can move us forward on that roadmap.  Have specific, career-based goals that drive your move to a new job.  Avoid getting distracted by shiny things like a simple raise or avoiding a problematic project.  Sometimes the best way out is through, and desperation is never good in a job search.

Episode Challenge: Take a brief look at the current market and your career roadmap.  Is now a good time to step into your next goal?

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