Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Posted on the May 26th, 2008 under Careers & Education by Philippe Desrochers

Should I Stay or Should I Go? Cure for career on life support.

Question:
I have been with my current company for one year and two months. How long should I be in a job before I leave it?

Answer:
My brother asked me this very question nine days ago. He is an electrical engineer and has been working for engineering consulting company. He likes his work. Then he heard of a great engineering opportunity in manufacturing. He also loves this type of work. He was concerned, however, that if he left his current position too soon he would burn bridges.

What I taught him

Make a move after one year. Changing companies has risks (not liking the people or company culture) and therefore you must ask for a minimum of a 10 percent raise. He interviewed for the position and they offered him eight percent. He wanted 20. He negotiated but they would not budge. He then asked for a review in six months with an increase of 20 percent at that time. They did not agree. He accepted an eight percent raise because he thought he will love the job and he was told, “they aren’t shy to pay for great performers.” He then handed his boss a letter of resignation. His boss gave it back. Always a good sign. My brother told him it was not about the team or money and that it was an important career decision.

What he taught me

He then personally walked into the offices of everyone he got to know and told them he was leaving and that he enjoyed working with them. He spent eight hours doing this over a period of a week. His company was impressed with his approach that they gave him an open invitation to return and asked for his personal phone number. To top it all off, my brother will be throwing a going away party for himself at his condo with a packed house.

Next step

In short, if you have a better opportunity leave your company after one year. Ask for a 10 percent raised (the dollar amount). Write a letter of resignation and personally approach everyone in your company thanking them.

Weekly remedy

Google “letter of resignation” to find a template you can personalize.

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