Every working professional at one time or another considers if and when is the best time to look for a new job. Once this tiny thought surfaces, many charge ahead without factoring in some major issues prior to leaving their current organization. Looking for, and ultimately accepting, a new job can have major consequences for you, and your family’s future. Rather than charge ahead aimlessly it is often helpful to ask some questions prior to finding a new employer.

What are questions that can help you decide if you should look for a new job?

When I have determined to look for a new job I have found the following four questions are crucial to the process. Your answers to these questions can effectively form “Time To Stay” or “Time To Go” lists that’s right for you:

1. Are You Motivated?

If you notice your energy level or performance suffering due to lack of motivation you may need to find an organization that better fits your personality. Lack of motivation in a job can often breed a lack of success.

It is important to enjoy what you do; after all, you make the choice every day to get out of bed and come to work! Low motivation can turn a job into a terrible experience quicker than anything else. This can lead to a downward spiral — less motivation leading to less success. That spiral may continue until you cannot take it, or are relieved of your duties.

2. Do You Believe?

Do you believe in the mission statement of your company? Do you believe in its management, the job you are undertaking, and your organization’s future? This encompasses lots of areas and sounds like a “feel good” question, but it is critical. If you do not believe in the foundations of your organization, how can you ever succeed or enjoy it? If your motivation is lacking, but you do believe in your organization-- perhaps a new job is not a necessity. Sometimes a change of role is all that’s needed. Or maybe just a talk with your supervisor about new responsibilities you could take on. However, if you do not believe in the organization, its goals, and infrastructure—those could be signs that it may be time to move on in search of an organization you can truly believe in!

3. What is My Future in This Organization?

This addresses whether or not you can likely expect to receive a promotion, raise or both. This answer can differ between employees of the same organization. Frustration and problems occur when your position’s upward mobility/future does not coincide with your career goals and expectations. Be sure to align yourself with an organization that fits your personality and career expectations. Even if your motivation is there and you believe in the organization—you still need to envision a good future for yourself. Because if you do not see a fulfilling future — your motivation can quickly dissipate, leading to a stale work experience.

4. Am I Happy with My Salary or do I Deserve More?

If you feel you have outgrown your salary there are clearly two roads to take: You can ask for a raise or find a new position. In many instances you will find that another company is willing to pay more for your talents than your current organization. However, in contrast, many top companies have the ability to recognize talent and keep it in place with a raise.

Sometimes there are barriers to receiving a raise such as education, certification, or accepting new responsibilities. In the end this is a very touchy subject for both employees and employers. But as an employee you have a very limited amount of time in your working life and you deserve to maximize your earning potential. In the end leaving your company solely for a salary increase can be a very large risk. However, when evaluated in the context of your answers to the first three questions — the overall answer that’s best for you may jump out immediately!

The Overall Picture

When evaluated separately your answers to the above have limited power in determining whether you should find a new job. But when considered in relation to one another, answers to these four questions create a powerful tool to aid in your making the right decision. Once these questions are asked in the context of your existing position — ask them in the context to whatever new position you might seek.

Think of your answers to these questions not as a checklist, but rather as an intuitive tool for evaluating the major factors that govern any career path. There are a number of factors to include when considering a position — but all are secondary to the “Time To Stay” or “Time To Go” lists.

Once the above factors are weighed properly, the right decision for you may become very clear. This exercise can help prepare you to approach the job market with the vigor and confidence you need to help make the right decision for yourself and your family’s future.

Rebecca Matthews is a recruiter at Maryland General Hospital, Baltimore, as well as a member of the Maryland Association for Healthcare Recruitment.