Ten Key Questions - Renew Commitment Or Seek New Opportunities?

So much is written about finding the right job, the right relationship, the right career. Little is written about how to know when to stay committed to the present course or seek new opportunities. Knowing when to move on - look for new opportunities, relationships, and challenges - is critical to success. Commitment to goals; not wanting to leave a job undone; loyalty to people and organizations; a sense of obligation; all play a huge role in deciding when to move on or when to persist. The other alternative - the military calls it "R. I.P - Retire In Place" - isn't worth discussing.

I have a very close friend who is wrestling with this question. She has worked hard for three years to make a success of a new branch of her employers business. For the first two years she was applauded and rewarded for the growth and success of her branch. Unfortunately, due to circumstances out of her control, the revenue requirements for continuing the business are not being met. She works hard - long hours - and continues to promote and market her branch - albeit with declining support from the staff people at the headquarters location. There are solutions to the low revenue situation, but they require an expenditure of capital to make the enterprise more attractive and to expand its offerings. Others agree with that - but in today's economic climate it's not going to happen.

She worries that decisions will be made that are not, in her opinion, the right ones for the long term growth of her business. She worries that if she does leave, the branch will suffer. She's at that fork in the road - stay and persist, or look for new opportunities.

For most people, particularly where there has been a high level of commitment to their enterprise, staying or leaving requires a close analysis of what will be - in the end - an emotional decision.

To help make that decision, here are ten question sets. They were developed from discussions with leaders who shared with us the decision making processes they used in deciding to stay or move on.

1 - What are my goals and how are they affected by staying - or leaving? Note - If your goals aren't clear, or if you don't have them, the first step is to get or clarify personal goals. Without clear goals, it's difficult to plot a best course.

2 - Am I convinced that I am adding value in my current situation? Just as importantly, do others share that view? What have I been able to accomplish in the last six months?

3 - What is the price of staying? What are the rewards for staying?

4 - What is the price of leaving? What are the rewards for leaving?

5 - What changes can I make in the current situation that would cause me to stay? Are they realistic and do I want to pursue change?

6 - Is staying a matter of comfort, or a matter of commitment?

7 - Have I given it my best shot? Have I had the opportunity to give it my best shot?

8 - Every endeavor has its ups and downs - am I just reacting to frustration - and is there enough reason to feel things will get better - or is that simply wishful thinking?

9 - Have I given it enough time? How much time is enough time?

10 - Are there mitigating circumstances that affect me - like health, family, money? If there are and I stay because of them, can I continue to operate at a high level of commitment?

There are no right or wrong answers. The important point, as the leaders that shared their thinking made clear, is that this kind of self examination be made. It's critical to making the best possible decision, and taking as much of the spur of the moment emotion out of it as possible.

We all find ourselves in stay or go situations - be it job, relationship, career - from time to time. When that happens, use these questions to arrive at the best possible choice. And then don't look back. No regrets.