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Sooner or later, most of us have a desire to search for a new job.  This situation can arise from negative things like personal conflicts and lack of challenge or can be looking for a better position.  In any case, there are good and bad reasons and timing for a job search.

The Obvious Timing

We will quickly get the most apparent situation out of the way.  There are times the market is perfect for getting a job, and times when it is not.  These tend to be highly visible (a lot of people looking for the same type of job, or a lot of unfilled positions) and not under our control.  The market is what it is.  However, we do want to avoid searching for a job in a bad market.  Sometimes we have to be patient and suffer a little longer to get a new job that is a positive move.

Keeping An Ear To The Ground

The best way to keep your options open is to stay current with the market.  This approach is one that we take in our efforts to be a better developer.  Our skills are current, and we have been exposed to some of the new ideas out there.  When we do this, we are better positioned to see when a new technology wave is coming that may be an opportunity for us to advance.

Run Towards, Not Away

One of the critical things in thinking about when to search for a new job is in our control.  We will always be better off when we move to something new rather than flee a bad situation.  We do not know when things can turn into a bad situation.  However, when we keep our eyes out, we are more likely to be aware of the potential steps up in our careers.

I feel a need to point out that we should not always be chasing greener pastures.  That is a fool's errand.  Instead, we should have our career roadmap with goals.  Then we should be prepared for opportunities where a new job can move us forward on that roadmap.  Have specific, career-based goals that drive your move to a new job.  Avoid getting distracted by shiny things like a simple raise or avoiding a problematic project.  Sometimes the best way out is through, and desperation is never good in a job search.

Episode Challenge: Take a brief look at the current market and your career roadmap.  Is now a good time to step into your next goal?

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