Internal Job Move: Should I Stay or Should I Go?
What factors should be considered when deciding to change jobs within the same company? How do we know if we should go for it or stay put?
This is a great question I received from a reader. Perhaps you have asked yourself these same questions? I’ve worked for my current employer for almost 14 years. In that time, I’ve held 5 different roles so this is definitely something near and dear to my heart (and career!) I’m excited to share some tips based on what I consider when I’m contemplating applying for a new opportunity internally.
Things to Consider
Question 1: What’s the driver behind your interest in this new role?
Are you unhappy with where you are? Is your desire to move rooted in frustration with a current boss, coworker, or client-base? Or are you genuinely motivated because you’re ready for a new challenge or opportunity? Your main point here is to determine what your motives are. It’s not always wise to rush into another job if you’re simply escaping one for unsavory reasons. Such haste can lead you to leaping into a poor choice.
Question 2: How does the potential job align with your current career path?
Some companies are really great about developing internal talent in such a way that they can take on a variety of roles successfully. However, it doesn’t mean that each person should jump into a new division every time an opportunity comes. If you are considering another role at your organization, it’s important to consider if it’s something that helps you move closer toward your career goals or not. If it’s not a positive career move, then you may need to back up and re-evaluate your response to question 1…
Question 3: Is the job a promotion, lateral move, or demotion?
If the job is a promotion, that’s easy to understand why you’re tempted to make the leap. However, if the job is a lateral move or demotion, heavily consider the value and if the pros outweigh the cons. I personally know some folks (myself included) whom have made risky career moves that paid off well later on. However, it’s never overnight so make sure the lateral or demotion move is worth the challenges that will accompany them. Also, can you explain with a strong business case why this move makes sense for you and the company? If not, then again – you may need to re-evaluate your response to question 1…
Time to Investigate
Now that you’ve taken time to consider the above questions, you’re well on your way to clarity around considering the move. Another readiness measure can be to investigate unlisted details about the job. Through doing a little extra investigating, you can get clearer in your decision to pursue (or not).
Investigate Item 1: Go beyond the job requisition and find out what you can about what the job really looks like. A wise friend once taught me to find someone currently in the role or whom has recently vacated it and ask them 2 questions. 1. What do you love about the role? 2. What do you not love about the role? You may just find that you still love it and want to go for it! Or, you may find that you are not interested in it after all…
Investigate Item 2: What are some unique demands of the role that you don’t currently experience? Such as, are there more or less incentives opportunities? Is there more or less business travel? Is your schedule flexibility about to drastically change (better or worse)?
Investigate Item 3: What is holding you back from putting your name in the hat? Are you afraid? What are you afraid of? If you’re someone whom prides yourself on being a subject matter expert (SME), then you need to give yourself grace to be ready to be the learner for a while. You will certainly bring transferable skills into any role, however you will need to go into the role expecting a learning curve.
I’d love to hear from you in the comments, what are things you consider / research when contemplating your next career move?
(originally posted on 11/29/20, repost due to site-reconstruction in 2023)
