You’ve decided to make a change because your present position and/or company doesn’t offer the potential for growth you seek. You have looked at your decision to change both logically and emotionally, and it’s the emotional decision that is the hardest. That old axiom, “don’t let your heart rule your mind” is much easier to say than do. But the fact remains, your needs are not being satisfied! Sure, the company has helped you progress professionally; sure, you’ve made many new friends; sure, you even feel comfortable because you can handle the job well.

However, as certain as you’re reading this, your objectives and goals are secondary to those of the company, and it will always remain that way. As soon as you thought about changing jobs, subconsciously you knew this was true. Top executives agree that the days of a watch for 30 years of faithful service are gone. In fact, experience at several good companies is considered an asset because your horizons are expanded. Today, changing jobs is a necessity if you expect your career to grow. Your changes cannot be too frequent and you must be able to demonstrate that by making the change your background was enhanced.

Don’t resign until you have another position. Experience has shown it to be easier to find a job if you are presently employed. Let’s face it. It is natural to resist change and avoid disruption, and your present employment is no exception. If you are doing a good job your employer will not want to lose you, and you can expect a counter-offer even though you have accepted a job elsewhere. So long as you haven’t started your new position, the company and your boss are going to woo you.

You’ll be enticed with more money. You may get, or at least be promised a promotion. The appeal will be emotional in nature. There will be an apology made in the form of not knowing of your dissatisfaction. Your boss may even enlist a senior Vice-President or the President to help convince you that you’re making a mistake. It is guaranteed, that you will hear the following in some form or another:

1. “We have plans for you that will come to fruition the first of next month —it’s my fault for not telling you.”

2. “I shouldn’t do this, but I’m going to let you in on some confidential information. We’re in the process of reorganizing and it will mean a significant promotion for you within six months.”

3. “We’ll match your new offer and even better it by ‘x” percent. This raise was supposed to go into effect the first of next quarter anyway, but because of your fine record, we’ll start it immediately.”

4. “When I told our President of your decision, he told me he wants to have dinner with you and your wife as soon as possible. You just tell me when, and he’ll drop everything to discuss this situation with you.”