In the world of business, particularly for those in leadership positions, there often comes a time when the question arises: “Should I stay with this company, or is it time to move on?”
This decision is a common dilemma, especially when growth stalls, resources dwindle, or the future seems uncertain. Deciding whether to stay or leave can significantly impact both your career and the organization you lead. Here’s some general advice on how to approach this critical decision.
It’s important to recognize that every organization has its own set of challenges. The belief that a new role will be free of issues is often misguided. Whenever groups of people work together, there will be problems to navigate. Moving to a new position might simply mean exchanging known challenges for new ones, often in an environment where you lack established relationships or influence.
Of course, exceptions exist. Harassment or abuse should never be tolerated. However, if the challenges are related to typical office dynamics or bureaucratic hurdles, it’s worth noting that these are common across all organizations.
A key consideration in deciding whether to stay is the opportunity to influence the outcome. When the future of a situation is uncertain, effective leadership and strategic decisions can make a significant difference.
Leaders often find motivation in challenging situations because there’s a chance to change the trajectory. The uncertainty of outcomes can drive leaders to demonstrate their capabilities, potentially creating career-defining moments through their impact.
Starting anew is challenging. Building relationships, understanding a new culture, and establishing credibility all take time and effort. Conversely, staying in your current role and continuing to build on existing relationships and institutional knowledge can lead to significant long-term benefits.
Many successful companies have faced difficult periods, yet those who remained persistent—continuing to solve problems and innovate—often reaped the rewards of their efforts. The key is to play the long game, allowing time for your efforts to compound and create lasting value.
While there are strong reasons to stay, there are also clear signs that it might be time to move on:
Building something meaningful is always challenging. In many cases, it’s more beneficial to stay, work through the difficulties, and continue building rather than leaving at the first sign of trouble. The ability to persist and navigate challenges can lead to some of the most rewarding outcomes in your career.