In situations such as layoffs, terminations and tyrannical abuse by your boss, it is a fairly easy decision to look for another position. However, the decision can be a little tougher while busy at a permanent position with job security. The general rule is to evaluate the status of your career twice a year, and these questions can help you with your decision.

Will the positions you are interested be available in a time frame acceptable to you? Will the company's growth rate present opportunities to you and those in positions along your projected career track? If you see your ability to advance and grow stifled with no changes in the foreseeable future, it may be time to explore your options.

Did you just finish implementing the latest version of cutting edge software? Did you just lead the development of a shared services center consolidating multiple operations? Chances are similar companies are looking for someone to lead similar initiatives.

Did you take a lower salary and mega options to join a white hot dot com company with public aspirations only to find it is really a 'dot bomb' struggling to stay afloat long enough to be purchased by another company? It is easier to take a lower salary, work long hours, assume increased responsibility and give up valuable family time if there is a reward in the foreseeable future. However, if the carrot goes away, it may be time to evaluate other opportunities.

Are excessive hours the product of a challenging project or busy season with a targeted end date, or have peak time hours become the standard? As companies continue to operate with leaner staffs, more and more is expected from individual producers. Most employees can handle periods of excessive responsibility and overtime as long as those times are the exception and not the rule.

Is my industry growing through acquisitions, start-ups or roll-ups? If so, how does it affect my company? What would a start-up company pay for my experience? On the other end of the spectrum, is my industry becoming obsolete or facing a tough time? If so, how does it affect my company? Should I explore other options before the marketplace is flooded with individuals like me? In periods of rapid growth in your industry, a call to a recruiter can help you assess your income potential and marketability.

Did I take a fast-track position with extreme overtime requirements before I realized I'd be a parent of twins? After spending time in a slow, stable position until my kids were old enough to go to school, do I want a more challenging career?

It is easy to get comfortable in a position that pays the bills and let years and your career slip away. However, taking the time to review your career opportunities on a regular basis will put you in control of 'what you want to be when you grow up.' If you want to discuss your marketability or benchmark salaries for comparable positions, please call the professionals at Vaco Financial, LLC.

If you need help finding position, want to look around, or just want to discuss your marketability or options, call us.