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Unsure whether you should keep your job or seek greener pastures? Instead of looking for what's wrong in your current position, watch for these 10 signs that could tell you you're fine right where you are.
1. You're Happy
We're not talking mere complacency here, but genuine happiness. If you're happy, you're going to be more productive, and that will impact the company's (and your own) bottom line.
2. You're Learning
You can race up the corporate ladder with agility, but if you don't learn anything on the way, you won't enjoy a lengthy stay. Anything you learn is another bullet on your resume.
3. The Company Is Hiring
This is not the hiring you saw in the '90s, but rather the new and improved smart hiring that will help your company get to the next level. You want to see your employer putting new employees into positions that directly support the company's goals.
4. The Company Listens to Its Workers
Employees are often a company's most valuable asset. If processes don't work or morale is low, the workers are the ones to know. But remember: Decisions are based on the big picture, which may include some facts every employee cannot be privy to.
5. The Company Has a Plan
Does your employer have a mission and clear goals? Is there a plan for reaching those goals? Clarity is important for every worker, and it's even more important for the larger business.
6. The Company Fixes Its Problems
Everyone makes mistakes, and true virtue lies in how they're corrected. If your company actively tries to mend itself, then you know it's getting ready for the long haul.
7. The Company Promotes from Within
This goes back to employees being a company's biggest asset. Does your company reward its workers and promote accordingly? That shows the company is willing to invest in you, and your investment in the company could have a payoff.
8. The Company Is Open About Its Financials
If your company shares only its successes, beware. But if your employer shares information around profits and loss, it's inviting you to be a partner and is empowering you with the information you need to help.
9. Your Accomplishments and Contributions Are Noticed and Valued
Do you get credit for the work you do? No one should be taken for granted. If your employer notes your accomplishments, you're more likely to move up or be able to take on more challenging projects.
10. You Look Forward to Monday
Everyone enjoys a day off, but do you look forward to returning to work? Whether it's your job, your colleagues or the office culture, if there's something that stops you from dreading Mondays, you've struck career gold.
Improve Your Situation
If you realize your current employer and position are not right for you, you need to take some action. Start with these four steps:
1. What's Wrong?
Are you unhappy with your current job, or are you concerned for your company's future? You need to determine the current problem before you can find a solution.
2. Assessments
Introspection can only lead to more clarity where your career is concerned. Look into taking career assessments to discover where your interests and aptitudes meet, and determine what type of workplace culture would be best for you.
3. Update Your Resume
Even if you're completely content in your current position, you should always keep your resume updated. You never know what might happen next, even at a thriving company.
4. Network
Talking to people is one of the best ways to learn about job openings or even a new field you had never considered for yourself. Don't just join professional organizations, but be an active member. You need to put yourself out there and take some risks to find the job that's right for you.