November 2007

Alfred Mariani

           These are a variety of reasons that justify one's re-evaluation of their career/job situation.

• Is your company is experiencing financial problems? This is usually evident in a number of ways. The most obvious are public financial records. Other tell tale signs include hiring freezes, budget cut backs, reduction in travel and other expenses, and layoffs.

• If you are employed in an industry that is in decline. For example: the manufacturing of industrial products is consistently being outsourced to find cheaper sources of labor.

• Your company is actively seeking outsourcing. This is more common with some occupations and less with others. The most vulnerable jobs appear to be manufacturing, call center operations and software development.

• If you have a job versus a career. A career provides opportunities to advance through merit and hard work. A job is a position that you will occupy for an extended period of time with the hope of obtaining an annual cost of living adjustment, and little hope for serious.

• No matter how hard you work, you are consistently past up for advancement opportunities. Your corporate culture is highly political and promotions are not based on actual accomplishments. Instead, they are based on political alliances.

• You are persona non grata. No matter how hard you try, you cannot gain access to the inner circle. You are left out of the decision making process, you are conspicuously not invited to key meetings, and you are not assigned to meaningful projects, or given exposure to executives.

• You work in a negative culture. Your efforts are not appreciated, you’re micro managed, and the management style is based on intimidation rather than empowerment.