Changing jobs!

Other day I had an interesting conversation with a few of my friends on whether there is any "decision making process" for changing jobs. I don't know whether one exists, whether there can be a uniform process for everyone, where does "objectivity" comes into picture, etc., I tend to trust my gut for most of my decisions, but tend to do an assessment of the following three parameters when it comes to my career:

1. I try to remain as close as my stated objective "Facilitate Impact thru innovation. Contribute. Learn. Enjoy", with a particular emphasis on enjoying myself. If enjoyment is missing for a large part of the time, it is the signal for me to perhaps see what is going on. The above objective, which I came up with after a lengthy and time consuming exercise, provides me with motivation and warning signals.

2. I keep asking myself these questions "who am I?", "do I matter?", "does my work matter?". I get bothered if I feel that things would continue fine even if I'm not around in this place. I'd like people to remember me for something long after I've left the organization. If I get a feeling that may not be the case, its a clear warning signal.

3. My long term goal is to retire from "salaried job" by 2016 and after that I want to consult. To consult, you need to be a specialist and not a generalist. I fancy myself as a Technology Specialist and I need to work as one, preferably retire as a CTO by 2016, to give credibility and attract clients for my consulting work. If my current role is not taking me there, it is a signal to do something.

I evaluate myself twice an year - once in Dec and once either in May or in Jul to see where I'm, how I perceive myself progressing on my career and how I've done with my own goals and objectives. This exercise typically done as a part of 3-day solitude in my village, gives a good amount of clarity on things that are going on fine and things that aren'tt. To an extent, the clarity would also emerge as to whether I'm in control (and therefore effect changes) or I'm not (if there are too many things that are bothering me and most of them or not in my control, isn't it a good indication to move on?).

The three parameters also help me to "objectively" evaluate an offer vis-a-vis my current role. Normally most people tend to move out from the existing job and that acts as a prime motivator (the push factor) and might make the mistake of going back in their careers. Having any set of parameters help overcome such mistakes and articulate what does one want in their new job. I'm confident because it has helped me.

Have a great day,

RamP!