Photo by Lee Cannon on Flickr
Europe is weighing the impact of Greece’s exit from the European Union. They’re trying to determine if giving Greece a last minute bailout will strengthen their geo-political ties and economy, or if allowing Greece to default on their loans and force an exit will actually bolster the EU’s global position and spare the potential turmoil associated with a Greek departure. So how is Greece’s loan default and potential EU exit related to you deciding to leave your job? Your decision to leave and the EU’s upcoming ruling on Greece have a lot more in common than you might expect.
1. The EU isn’t sure it wants Greece to exit, and you might not be sure you’re ready to leave your job either.
For the EU, it’s a combination of political, financial and survival factors driving its decision to either allow Greece to renegotiate its loans, or default. For you, your decision to leave your company might also be political (you’ve just survived a personnel restructure and you don’t like your new role), financial (you’ve received the maximum in additional compensation for multiple years), and survival focused (you’re part of an industry that is shrinking and you can’t see a robust career path for you). While your decision to stay or leave might not be clear cut, make sure you weigh all the factors, and know what you want out of your next role before pursuing it.
2. Greece sees their economy faring better as part of the EU, the EU sees the future of the Union as more stable without a Greek exit. You might want to try to negotiate with your boss too before planning your departure.
The EU is allowing Greece to put together a fresh proposal for loan restructuring that will be voted on by all 28 members later this week. Have you tried talking to your boss about what you need out of your current position to feel professionally fulfilled, appreciated and moving forward in your career? If not, you might want to see what kind of “restructuring” your boss could do for you. For example, is your commute killing you? Would a flexible start and end to your day make a difference? Could working from home ease some stress when the weather is terrible or life throws you a curveball like a flooded basement? Before you exit your company like Greece exiting the EU, you should consider discussing your terms with your boss. Your boss, like the EU, might be more willing than you think to negotiate with you in favor of keeping you on the team.
3. The EU can’t be sure of the total impact of a Greek departure. Do you know how your life will be impacted when you leave your company?
If Greece leaves, members of the EU are worried about the Union’s future. Additionally, EU members are hoping for an agreement that keeps Greece afloat for multiple years, not just a short term fix. Your choice to leave your current role is likely a little less arduous. However, if you’re leaving your role without having a new one, you’re kind of like Greece; you’re both trying to get out of a bad situation, but neither of you have a safety net. You don’t have a new job, just like Greece would have no bailout plan. Don’t get yourself into a position like Greece. In order to avoid uncomfortable fallout of depleting your savings while you don’t have a new role, have a plan in place to move forward.
4. Greece’s EU membership will be voted on at the end of the week. Still not sure if you’re going to leave your company or try to negotiate? Put it up for a vote, or make a list.
Unlike Greece and the EU, you get to decide how you will proceed at your company. If you’re unsure about how to proceed, ask for input, get your family members to cast their vote in favor of you departing your company, or encouraging you to stay. You might be surprised at how they vote! If your family is out of town (maybe in Europe on holiday) and feel like this decision should be made solo, put together a list of pros and cons. Weigh both columns, and your answer should be there in black and white.
The decision to leave a company is never an easy one, and certainly something that requires planning. Seek counsel from trusted friends, family and career experts if you’re conflicted about your decision to leave. If you are frustrated with your current employment situation it is likely that this is impacting your work. If you don’t make a decision to improve your current situation or look elsewhere, you run the risk of that decision being made for you. Be proactive in your career transitions so that you don’t end up like Greece!