Good morning Dinks. Let me ask you a question, are you happy at your job? Last week I took on new responsibilities at my work and moved from external communications to the position of community manager.
I did feel bad for leaving my already small team with one less team member and with no doubt the best writer on the team, but at the end of the day I had to do what’s best for me. Does that make me a total traitor? I just keep telling myself, it’s not personal it’s just business.
How long should you wait before looking for a new job?
To tell you that I am actually really happy at my new job would be an understatement because I absolutely love my new job. I can now say that I have one of those cool, creative online jobs that didn’t exist ten years ago. As a community manager I get to use my blogging skills, sales skills and writing skills in my new digital marketing team. Not to sound like a total self-centered douche-bag but once again I landed a really great job and once again I owe it all to my blogging experience.
I know what you are thinking – WOW she changes jobs a lot. In case you are keeping track, over the last two years I have gone from financial planner at a bank to an external communications analyst and now to a community manager. That may seem like a lot but before you judge keep in mind I worked in banking since I was 19 and now I’m 33, so that’s a long time.
Would you look for a new job if you were truly happy at yours?
OK here’s my follow up question, are you in the market for a new job? Maybe you like your current job but you are but are looking for a new challenge. I didn’t hate my old job, although I wasn’t fond of one of my co-workers. I was getting bored in my old job, even though I had only been there a year. So when this job as a community manager came up I knew it was a perfect fit and I couldn’t let the opportunity pass by.
I am happy that I had the opportunity to grow my career with the same employer, but that is not always the case. To be honest I was also looking outside of my organization for a new job but then this opportunity as community manger came up and it was a sign to apply.
Should you be loyal to your employer?
I probably wouldn’t still be at the company if this job didn’t come up because I was not happy in my previous team. However at the same time I felt a sense of loyalty to the organization because they gave me my first chance at a career in communications after working in banking for so many years. I still work in the financial sector, but I am no longer on the front lines in the branch. The industry didn’t change, but the job description definitely did.
For that reason I felt a sense of loyalty to my employer. I wanted a chance to grow my career with them before I started looking outside the organization. Thankfully it worked out.
Photo by MuchRamblings
Dual Income, No Kids launched in the spring of 2006 and is now part of District Media, LLC. With over 10 million visitors and syndication on Google News, District Media delivers high-quality personal finance news and advice. Our 58 blogs inform, empower, educate and entertain the public -- free of charge, with all operating expenses financed by advertising. 
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m not actively looking, because I really have what’s basically a dream job, but if the perfect opportunity were to come up… I think you always need to put yourself first, because no company will. Business is business.
I felt horrible leaving my last job. I worked at a very small firm and they relied on me a lot. I spent many nights dreading the day when I would have to go in and put in my notice.
However, I wouldn’t change a thing now though. I love what I do! :)
While I always hated the whole job search process, I would never hold myself back from a position I felt was better for me and m family. I bet other members of your team wouldn’t hesitate to leave if better opportunity came their way, so neither should you. Best wishes for a great experience.
Companies are not loyal to their employees, so there’s absolutely NO reason to be loyal to your employer. While I work at my current employer I will do my job to the very best of my ability. I will also not look for a new job if I’m happy, however……but the minute things sour at my job and I become happy I’d have zero problem with looking for a better situation, and If I find it – I’d walk away in a heartbeat.
I love it when I hear people like (or love) their jobs – that’s amazing. I am happy to say that I am now one of those people :-)
Leaving a job is always awkward but at the end of the day I have to do what’s best for me – and my bank account.