Your resignation is coming at an untimely moment; they are not prepared to replace you with someone who can step up and do your job. The cost of replacing you in dollars and effort (how many resumes will need to be read and people interviewed before they hire someone who they will need to train—AND they may have to pay a higher salary than what you were earning plus a fee to search firm for a person who doesn’t know what you know. Can you see it’s not about you, personally) is large.

At time you decide to change jobs, write down reasons why you want to leave—I’m bored. I want to make more money. My boss is a micromanager. I want to learn something new. I want to work closer to home—write down reasons and put them in a place where you can find them at time you give notice.

Then, before giving notice, find list and review it. Do not be seduced by emotional response you may receive. Remember, money they offer may only be your next raise pushed up a few months. Listen carefully to promises that are made and remember that nothing is being put into writing; it is just desperate effort to keep someone who was taken for granted for so long who they are now forced to remember they have underpaid, treated poorly and need to accomplish their objectives.

Few counteroffers should be considered, let alone accepted. I fully expect to see consultant’s resume online again in a few months because core issues that caused him to look for a job were not resolved.

Jeff Altman Concepts in Staffing jeffaltman@cisny.com

© 2005 all rights reserved.

For other articles by Jeff Altman, go to www.newyorkmetrotechnologyjobs.com; for help with hiring staff, email Jeff and let him know how to best reach you.

Guts Successful career-changers know two things: First, how critical courage factor is to their ultimate success; and, second, that it’s not possible to feel courageous 100% of time. By its very nature, career-change journey is a wiggly road. When your courage is on wane, try these approaches:

1.Don’t confuse uncertainty with disaster. Avoid mental “drama” that takes you to worst possible outcome. These projections are not your present reality. 2.Focus on your gifts and talents. Acknowledge yourself – deeply, and at feeling level -- for experience and skills you have gained. Write them down as a reminder of your abundance. 3.Trust in Divine Presence. As long as you continue to pursue your career change smartly, and take solid, active steps (i.e., do your part!), providence will support you as well.

Finally, remember that we are indeed, a ‘free agent’ nation. Safe, smart career change is possible and thousands of people just like you have successfully re-invented their working lives. Without question, you can, too