TRACEY’S PRACTICAL EMPLOYMENT TIP
OF THE MONTH*

NOVEMBER 2007: DON’T BE AFRAID OF LOOKING FOR ANOTHER JOB

Often times during a consultation I hear from my client that they knew that their position was at risk for some time prior to the actual date of termination. My first question following that statement is almost always to ask whether they had started looking for another position as soon as they sensed there was a problem. Invariably, the answer is no.

Like any relationship, it is hard to accept that it might come to an end. Most people want to pretend it is not happening and hope that some outside event will come along to save the day. In addition, voluntarily seeking a change to a new job where you do not know the people and the culture can be quite daunting. However, I cannot stress enough the importance of beginning a new job search as soon as you sense that your current position might be in jeopardy. First, sending out resumes and interviewing for new opportunities is a chance to get a sense of your value as an employee. You may just find out you could be doing so much better both in title and compensation had you just looked around.

Second, whether you find something you would consider or not, going to interviews and getting job offers will give you a sense of empowerment that will allow you to better cope with the situation at your current position. Indeed, many of my clients wind up with a windfall because they began their job search at the first sign of trouble. They were able to obtain a new position shortly after being let go and therefore bank all of their severance instead of having to live off of it. That is the ultimate severance coup. Third, it is always better to look for work while still employed. In the event you were mistaken about the risk, the worst case is that you spent some time that you might have used for other pursuits. (In most case, the risk of your current employer finding out about your job search is minimal unless you are using the office computer and email to conduct your search.)

In fact, continuing to explore your opportunities, regardless of whether your position is at risk, is always in your best interests. Both for the reasons above and because in the current job marketplace you are more likely to advance your career and compensation by changing companies than you are by trying to move up the corporate ladder at your current position. I also cannot tell you how many times I have heard from clients that the best thing that happened to them was that they found a new job.

Next Month’s Tip: WHAT IS REASONABLE SEVERANCE?

Monthly Tip Archive

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