It is easy to find yourself in a comfortable situation when you have been in the same place for a while. You are used to how things work and you don’t need to make much effort anymore. Comfort and stability are nice but they can lead to complacency. And in any technology-focussed environment – or any fast-changing environment for that matter – it can then lead you to becoming obsolete. So the question I ask myself is when is it the right time to move on?
I have been working in the same company for over four years now. I have tremendously enjoyed the first three years. The last one has been more challenging. Having considered my options I am faced with two choices:
- Stay and possibly take on a different role.
- Or move on and take on a new challenge altogether.
When I have to make important decisions I always try weighing the pros and cons of each option against the other ones. In this particular instance there are a few reasons why I should stay, not least of all being that I have had the chance to progress so much during my time there. This, however, is balance out by the fact that I don’t feel I am learning so much anymore. And if I don’t get intellectually challenged I lose motivation. Lack of motivation can too lead you to complacency. Plus, as one of my friends says, a change is a good as a break. And I could use a break right about now.
So, when is it time to move on? Well, if you are lucky enough to have options – which is a luxury in these difficult times – and you have become a bit too comfortable it is probably time to look for a new challenge. That is the line of reasoning I have followed up to now in my career and it has so far always worked out. So with that in mind I know what I have to do.
