It’s finally happened. That little voice in your head keeps telling you that it’s time to change jobs. There are some solid reasons to consider a new job opportunity, but there are also reasons to stay put. You let these thoughts go for a while and then, at the least opportune time, you start thinking them again. Maybe your favorite customer just called to tell you there is a problem, or your boss is holding you accountable for a recent mishap, or you’re on your way home from work when that little voice starts asking you if you’d be happier somewhere else.

Let’s face it, we all go through this at some point in our lives. The decision to change jobs is not something you should ever take lightly. There are some big ramifications for making a career move the most important things revolve around your quality of life, receiving a paycheck, staying healthy, paying bills, finding enough free time to enjoy your life, and spending time with your loved ones.

I’ve found that the questions that we ask ourselves during this process are equally as important as the decisions that we make. The quality of our thoughts often revolves around our most basic fears, needs, and feelings about ourselves and the work that we do. Whether you realize it or not, some of the questions you’re asking yourself could be framed differently, therefore, giving you a different focus and point of reference.

For example, perhaps you’re asking yourself, “Why is my boss such a jerk?” when you could be asking yourself, “What is it about my current boss that I can live with and live without?” When you frame the question differently, you may find you’ll get a better answer that will lead you to a better decision.

How you answer these types of questions in your career are paramount to finding lasting happiness. Trust me, I know… I’ve been there.

When you’re faced with these types of questions, I find that it’s best to write them down on a piece of paper (yes you can type them out but there is something more powerful about writing).

Make a chart and write down the pros and cons of this situation.

Evaluate it, and make sure you cover all the angles including the past, present, and your potential future.

Ask your partner, spouse or loved one to review it with you to make sure you covered all angles. Remember, their opinion matters to them, but it’s ultimately up to you to live with whatever decision you make.

If you’ve decided it’s time to make a change in your job, then I’m sure you have some very valid reasons. After working with professionals for over 15 years, I’ve seen a litany of different reasons for making a job change. Some of the most valid reasons include:

· You deserve to make more money for what you do

· You work with a management team or a boss you hate

· There are managerial changes at your company that will impact your future

· Your company is going through a merger & acquisition, being bought, sold or shutting down

· The company is having major financial problems that are affecting your work or pay

· You were promised a promotion, bonus, commissions or benefits that you didn’t receive

· The writing is on the wall, and the company is going to fire you or let you go

· You feel underappreciated by your manager or company for the work that you do

· There is some type of favoritism, discrimination, or abusive behavior at your work

These are just some of the reasons you should consider a job move. Before you start asking yourself, “Do I want to change jobs or stay put” maybe you should ask yourself “What are the main reasons why I’m looking to change jobs?” and “Will I be happier and more fulfilled at a new job and a new company?”

Deciding to change jobs can be the easy part but understanding what motivates you to make the change can be the factor that pushes you over the edge. Once you make that decision, never look back until you’ve found a new opportunity where you are convinced that you’ll be happy at for a long time.