MARCH 23 — You know you’re doing something right when you have people ask you to consider leaving your current position. The question is: should you?

The economy being what it is right now, it seems a better idea to just stay put where you are and not take unnecessary risks. Especially if you have heavy financial commitments such as a mortgage or family to support.

Sometimes, staying where you are makes sense. Sometimes, too, staying too long means wasting opportunities and stunting your career growth.

It’s much easier if you’re single and have nothing holding you back from, say, moving to other countries. Should you be in a position to fly far and gain experience overseas, it’s an opportunity you should probably not pass up. It will look good on your resume after all; it proves that someone was willing to take enough of a chance on you.

Still, even if you have a family, some companies have generous relocation benefits and if they will help make your transition overseas painless, then the decision to move will be made easier.

If you think that an overseas placement might give you the chance to emigrate, best temper those expectations. Immigration is now a testy issue with many Western countries becoming less keen on letting in foreigners and need to assuage fears of the populace who fear losing their jobs to interlopers. Also remember that in times of economic hardship, companies will most likely let go of their non-local staff first before they fire locals as expatriate pay is usually much higher.

The writer says it’s important to be pragmatic about a job change, but at the same time, don’t be tempted to stay somewhere too long. — AFP pic

Now, for jobs that just take you to another company, you have to think not in the short-term but the long-term. Is there room for advancement? Is the salary worth the jump? How likely is that you will be able to transition well to your new environment and responsibilities?

Think not just of the best-case but the worst-case scenarios. Weigh whether you would be able to weather the fallout should things not work out—if you don’t get confirmed, or if you’re let go during a restructuring. 

Perhaps talk to friends in your fields and get a few different opinions. Of course your spouse might have different views on your move from your colleague and different stakes to consider. Weigh all your options carefully and don’t feel too pressured to go one way or the other.

Also make the effort to find out how your potential employers treat their staff. One warning sign is if the position you’re offered is one that is constantly advertised—a sign that the company sees a lot of turnover. It might mean that either the job is very challenging or that the environment is so toxic new hires don’t last long. Do the research; you don’t want to end up stuck at a job because you need to keep paying the mortgage and can’t leave the job too soon.

It’s important to be pragmatic about a job change, but at the same time, don’t be tempted to stay somewhere too long. Career stagnation can be a very bad thing and in this day and age, you can’t afford to be seen as someone dispensable. Always be ready for the next opportunity but remember to do a good job wherever you are right now. 

May the next headhunter you meet have the opportunity of a lifetime!

* This is the personal opinion of the columnist.