As a finance and accounting professional, you’ve invested much of yourself into your career and into achieving the status you’ve earned in your present role.
But what if now, it’s not enough?
To or From?
When experienced professionals come to us contemplating whether to leave their present positions we often ask the key question: “Are you running away from something — or towards something?”
“Running towards” will result in better outcomes. But first, recognize the warning signs that it might be time to move on.
Following are a few indicators that point to the need for a career shift:
- The thrill is gone… The fresh passion you started with may temper over time. But when it wanes significantly, that’s a signal to rethink where you are and what you’re doing.
- …and so is the challenge. You may feel you’ve accomplished as much as you can in your present role. Even if you haven’t, you may have little desire to accomplish more where you are. You need a new challenge.
- Culture mis-fit. The culture you entered when you began may not be the culture you’re now working in. Perhaps there’s new leadership or other factors have resulted in a significant cultural shift. Regardless, you don’t want to invest your precious time and energy into a place that doesn’t align with your values.
- Climbing fatigue. Ascending that corporate ladder can take its toll, especially in your personal life. Has it started to feel that you’re working solely for your organization’s success and not also for your own? If so, it’s time to think about a new ladder.
- Just plain fatigue. If you chronically feel exhausted, can’t sleep and struggle to focus, these are signs that a change is in order. It’s wise to make that change before complete burnout kicks in.
- You want his/her job. Do you find yourself pointing to other people’s jobs in other fields that you are genuinely, constantly jealous of? Turn that jealousy into inquiry. What void in your current work do these other positions appear to fill?
- You feel undervalued. You’re not able to use your skills in meaningful ways and don’t have opportunities to develop new ones. Being demoralized like this is often a sign to decamp.
Weighing Options
As an accounting or finance professional, you have many available options: The skills you’ve honed transfer to other industries and career paths.
If you’re ready to make a move, consider each of these areas, which are covered in detail in a blog from earlier this year.
- Have a clear understanding of your long-term personal and professional goals.
- Explore multiple avenues, including referrals, online job boards, networking opportunities, social media and, of course, recruiters and staffing firms.
- Carefully research all new opportunities. Research their growth and reputation. What can you find out about their culture, current team, turnover rate and employee satisfaction.
- Be honest with yourself and ask yourself the hard questions.
You may also want to consider becoming a Finance and Accounting Consultant, which offers significant benefits, including more autonomy and flexibility, continuous professional growth, network growth, experience in diverse industries and roles, and increased work-life balance.
Thinking about jumping careers? The ARG team is always standing by to help you navigate career decisions and find the best possible placement for your skills, interests and values.
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