Before sending that resignation letter to your boss, take a moment to assess what you're leaving behind in a job change. Nostalgia can blur memories—you might miss those Monday lunches with the accounting team, Friday drinks with sales, or fashion tips from Julia, whose partner works in the industry. Your current role may feel boring, but your established reputation means colleagues trust your effectiveness. Remember the perks: company-paid health insurance, meal vouchers, works council benefits, seniority, and your individual training rights. If a promotion or raise is on the horizon, it might not be the ideal time to leave, even if you're eager for change.
If you're planning major personal milestones—like securing a home loan in spring or starting a family—hold off on resigning. Even with a better-paying offer elsewhere, probation periods can undermine your stability. Avoid multiple upheavals: don't quit if your partner is leaving or if you're expecting. Balancing pregnancy with new job training is tough. Life events like marriage, adoption, spouse's job loss, or family illness demand flexibility—check if your current employer can provide it before jumping ship.
Despite the comforts, if your role stifles growth—unattainable goals, limited skills, hierarchy conflicts, or total demotivation—it's time to act. Leverage your individual training rights for professional retraining. Start with a skills assessment to identify the right career path.
