Page 100 - Free Yourself From

Making the Break 83

particular part of a business, the opportunity to have close relation-
ships with a team and boss, and to demonstrate that you aren’t
fickle—not to mention the financial reward of staying someplace
long enough to get options, stock grants, or retirement funds.
Why and when should you leave all that? It depends on you and
your situation. Below are exercises and anecdotes to help become a
better judge of when you are in danger of getting too rooted down
and what you can do about it.

A Quick Test

To assess whether you might be overdue for a new opportunity, take
the following test. Check off any of the situations that ring true
about you.

____ You feel unsure of the future of your organization.

____ You feel that your progress within the company is limited or
is somehow being blocked by conditions outside of your
control.

____ You feel that you are not being challenged or learning
anymore.

____ You feel you are not being appropriately recognized for your
value and contributions in ways that matter (like
promotions or high-profile stretch assignments).

____ You feel pigeon-holed. Everyone knows you as the expert
in a certain area, but you get passed over for opportuni-
ties that would use other knowledge or experience you
have.