Software developer… you’ve arrived here bleary eyed on a Monday morning. You likely Googled “should I quit my job?”. We hear you.
If you’re umming and ahhing over whether, when or if you should call it time on your current development position, we know that making the leap isn’t easy. If you need a helping hand working your way through this choice, you’re in the right place. Let’s work it out together…
If this, then quit.
Bugs. They’re seriously starting to bug you.
Software development is a fast paced, innovative industry – full of opportunities for the next big challenge. If the exciting countdown is over and your software product has been unleashed to the world, things can get incredibly boring, incredibly quickly. If you’re now tasked with hour after hour after hour of testing and bug fixing (and those hours are creeping by ever more slowly), it could be time for pastures new.
The pressures (and orders) from above are becoming unbearable
Google “Product manager/software developer meme” and you’ll be met with a million+ images that depict the troubling relationship between management and on-the-ground developers.
If this chimes with your company culture, it could be time to discover a business where your team’s opinions and feedback are valued (and where middle and upper management are formed from ex-software devs who’ve been there and done it).
Your skills, potential and promise are unappreciated
Feel like you have so much more to offer than what’s currently being offered to you? Feeling stuck in your role and as though your skills are frequently overlooked for promotion? If so, then prepare for rapidly approaching bitterness. If you know that you’re capable (and ready) for bigger and better things, it’s time to make your move.
Business goals versus your personal mission – is there a mismatch?
The world has changed. The ongoing demand for software developers has resulted in a significant shift away from professionals who’ll stick around longer than they should, to professionals who choose to move on based on their own long-term mission.
Consider the following questions…
Can you see a clear career path that suits your ambition?
Are you travelling too much?
Are you achieving your idea of the perfect work-life balance?
If no, yes and no, you may want to take a look around at what’s available.
Your company isn’t treating you as the asset you are
Employees are the most invaluable asset of all, and you should be treated as such; far from simply being another management buzz term to soon pass by, ‘employee engagement’ is alive and kicking in companies that truly appreciate the power of the employee.
When workers are engaged, they are passionate, committed, creative and connected with the mission of their company.
If your business isn’t investing in active steps to nurture these qualities in you, and develop you as a professional, it’s time to discover an employer that will.
Money matters. Are you worried?
Constantly concerned over the next pay packet? Seem to be worrying all the time about whether or not you’ll meet all of your bills this month? If your finances aren’t wildly out of control then you should consider whether you’re being underpaid.
Else…
Timing. You may need to wait it out.
Sometimes the signs are all there, but the time simply isn’t right – such as in the run up to a house purchase, an expansion to your family or the countdown to clearing a big debt.
But it’s worth noting that you’re not in any old business - as compared to many others workers, you’re in demand (and this demand is expected to grow 17% year on year all the way up to 2024). So you can afford to be plenty more ambitious with making the move with just a little groundwork put in place.
You do battle with the spawn of Satan each and every day.
Your boss. He’s the reason that most people leave. His way of doing things, his attitude, his way of working doesn’t only impact your working life, but also your happiness outside of the office too. But the thing is, you like your company. If this sounds familiar, it could be time for a lateral move across to another team. Not possible? Then you should know that tyrannical bosses very rarely change. It’s time to head to the jobs board (albeit reluctantly).
You face a no win situation
Feel as though you’re on a losing streak? Like you can never win? Rather than jumping ship without another thought, first you should get to the bottom as to why you’re experiencing this feeling. Are the expectations placed upon you unclear? Are the projects you’re part of suffering from unreasonable deadlines?
These issues are widespread in this industry, and you could leave your company only to discover these same problems elsewhere. Our advice? Talk it out – be part of proactive change.
We spend 12 years of our life at work. Make your next decision a well-informed and carefully considered one. Where next - onwards and upwards to your next position, or time for some tough talk where you’re at currently? Discussing your options with a software recruitment specialist could and should put you in the complete picture for your next move. Let’s talk.
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