Should I stay or should I go?

This isn’t just the title to a particularly cool, punk-era track by The Clash, it’s also a question many professional accountancy and finance staff are asking themselves right now.  The local job market is so buoyant at present, demand for experienced professionals has not been at this level for many years.  Salaries are increasing, employer offerings are stronger and more attractive, and the blend of Work-From-Home (WFH) and office combinations is geared to suit in-demand talent.  In short, a lot to consider.  

So, what’s your answer, should you stay?

Well, this is definitely an individual decision, all situations are different.  At Abacus we advise candidates that are considering a move refer to the decision-making compass. It can take away the noise and help you concentrate on a decision that is based in fact, not emotion.  Basically, it’s four points, just like a compass…

Point 1 – Is your career moving in the right direction?

Are you in-line for a promotion, will you gain more responsibility or take charge of an important project in the near term? These items can sometimes fall to the back of your consideration, but remember, they are the most important items.  Ask yourself, “Will I be in as good a position if I move elsewhere?”

Point 2 – Are you learning?

This can be formal, such as completion of IATI/ACCA/CIMA, or informal like supervisory experience, project management, systems expert training, etc.  The critical consideration here is that you are not just treading water, doing the same work over and over. Keep your eyes on the medium-term horizon.

Point 3 – Do you enjoy working at your current employer?

Ok, this seems like a pretty dumb question but do think about it.  Do you like the people you work with? Does your personality and value set align with the leadership team?  When you move, the people, culture, environment and leadership all change – hopefully for the better!  Feeling confident and comfortable in the workplace is massively important, don’t overlook it.

Point 4 – Are you correctly valued?

Here we talk about ‘value’ not salary or reward in isolation.  The truth is, right now you can change jobs, and more than likely, increase your basic pay and terms by 5 – 15%.  Feeling that you are gaining the appropriate financial offer is absolutely critical, but it should be considered alongside working pattern, flexibility, prospects, potential bonuses, hard and soft benefits and more.

It may seem strange for a recruiter to say this, but our advice would be to speak to your current employer if you feel undervalued. Have an open conversation and negotiate better terms, base your discussion upon evidence.

Or, Should you go? It is a complex decision, one which you need to consider from all four points of our compass.  Don’t despair, help is at hand.  Contact any of the Abacus Accountancy Recruitment team if you want to talk about your situation in more detail. We have had lots of these discussions in recent months, we will not try to pressurise or influence, we will give perspective, challenge you and advise on what is right for you.