Good Reasons for Leaving Your Job

Changing jobs can be a scary and stressful endeavor in the best of times. With the economy sliding into recession and eight straight months of job losses, most people wouldn't even consider leaving their current job right now. But there are good reasons for a job change even in hard economic times.

The most common reason people change jobs is for better pay. Money is a strong motivator, particularly since it's the main reason most of us work at our current jobs rather than something we'd rather do that doesn't pay the bills. Salary can't be the only motivating factor when considering a job change, but it must be given a great amount of weight in the decision.

When you are offered a higher paying job, take into account all of the other factors that can make more money not really worth the change. Is the increase significant? Unless you are miserable in your current position, changing jobs for a dollar an hour just doesn't make sense. Will you be traveling more or spending more time at the office in the new position? That could easily offset the increase. Better benefits, especially better insurance coverage, can be another important consideration.

More free time or more time with family can be a good reason to change jobs. Many of us have long commutes (mine is 50 miles one-way), but if you have a commute of more than an hour each way, the amount of time you will save by finding a job closer to home may be worth it. It could mean more time for kids' soccer games, church, or just watching Monday Night Football. Eliminating the cost of a long commute can be a positive factor as well.

Escaping a dead-end situation is another good reason for a job change, even in a weak economy. If you have advanced as far as you possibly can within your company and have only 2% annual raises to look forward to for the rest of your career, it's time to seek greener pastures. You may also be in an adversarial situation with your boss or other management personnel; if there's no way to rectify the relationship it may be best for all involved if you take your skills elsewhere.