I originally posted this post on my blog a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.
The best time to look for a job is not when you're "let go."
It's when you don't need one.
- You're not desperate to pick anything to just pay the bills.
- You can use your new offer as leverage in your current job.
- You're in a better position to negotiate.
- You don't have anything to loose.
That was a lesson I shared with a group of friends and ex-coworkers the last time we met to catch up.
After the usual catch-up questions (where you're working these days and how you're feeling in your new role or job), one of our ex-coworkers answered he felt good in his new role after a couple of years and he wasn't looking for something new. Then I shared that lesson. I wish I knew it earlier.
It doesn't matter if you want to leave your current job or not. Don't outsource your career decisions your boss or something else. At least, set a direction for your career and be conscious about the jobs you pick.
For some years, I make the mistake of outsourcing my career choices.
A couple of years ago, I knew it was time to leave my job, but instead of making a hard decision, I asked for a raise. If they refused to give me a raise, that was the sign to leave. And, surprised, surprise, I got the pay raise. Arrggg!
Vacations and pay raises won't change an unfulfilling job. They will only move a death sentence further away, like kicking a can.
That taught me that the best time to look for "greener pastures" is not right after a layoff, it's when you don't need a new job.
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