Should I stay or should I go?

I read a great article on LinkedIn recently by +Moz Hussain in which he discussed the big Hamletian work question, 'To stay or to leave (my job)?'

Many of us have probably been in that predicament, a bit miffed that maybe we were overlooked for that promotion or that old chestnut of 'overworked and underpaid', so it's fairly easy to go down that route and entertain the leaving dilemma. 

The right mindset

Moz makes the obvious point that if you feel you're not getting anywhere, than you should perhaps do yourself and your company a favour. Quit complaining and move on. But he also points to the negative mindset and victim mentality that can seep in, which may well have nothing to do with the work environment. In fact, "That's something that moving companies won't solve," Hussain stresses.

As well as following your passions ("Do a job that you love and you'll never work another day" as Confucius allegedly said, or words to that effect) the article also talks about taking "step jumps", in other words looking for opportunities to develop. And the final point Hussain makes is about getting your work-life balance right, which is of course a key consideration.

Make the most of this opportunity

All very sound advice and it got me thinking about that doyen of creative thinking and advertising heavyweight, Paul Arden. In his brilliant book, 'Whatever you think, think the opposite' he advocates not staying in a job too long and that if you're constantly fighting an uphill battle to get your ideas accepted, then you should resign - "It takes courage but it is the right move" according to Arden.  

Whichever route you decide to take, whether you stay or ultimately go, make sure you make the most of the opportunity you're given or as Arden puts it, "The one you have in hand is the opportunity".

If you're not happy, then it might well be time to go - but who's to say that the pattern won't repeat itself. And as we all know, the grass is not always greener on the other side. 

Read Moz Hussain's article on LinkedIn