To walk away from your job?? When would you??

During this economy fewer people seem to get ‘fed up’ with their jobs and simply walk away. I have been watching very closely over the past year during our Great Recession and have seen the tightening of the corporate belts across America and across the world. Some companies have trimmed the folks they feel were marginal at best. This leaves the few and the proud. The folks that are left often become very stressed wondering if they are next. Often times they work many hours for less pay fearful to say anything at all. Many companies have reverted to mandatory 4 day weeks asking their employees to work 10 hours days. Some companies have also cancelled the corporate contribution to the employee’s healthcare plan. Lastly, many companies have trimmed holidays and also stopped corporate retirement plan contributions.

I have seen many people ride out the first wave. The first wave is generally a mass lay-off. Some hang around after the reduced work week. A few more hang around after healthcare benefits are cut.

When would you leave or maybe the question is should you leave? In most economies it would be a ‘no brainer’……..in this economy it’s tricky. I have seen folks do it both ways.

I’d urge caution. Are you in a company that has a great likelihood of rebounding within the next year? If not, maybe it’s time for a career change anyway. Remember, although the times can be very difficult, some of the greatest companies ever built in America were built during the Great Depression of the 1920’s – 1930’s.

Your thoughts?