Should I Stay or Should I Go?

"The ironic song by the English punk band The Clash in 1981 encapsulates the struggle women (and men) often face at some point during their career: "Should I stay or should I go now?" The lyrics speak to the uncertainty that can affect the decision to leave a job or company. "Should I stay, or should I go now? If I go, there will be trouble. And if I stay will be double.""

"Cathy, a lawyer at a large retail company for 22 years, was considering leaving her company for a job in a similar company but with more opportunity for advancement. She liked her job and it came with great benefits, including five weeks of vacation, which acted as golden handcuffs, making her decision harder. As she was in the process of decision-making, one of her direct reports was up for a promotion."

"But the final decision was made by the firm's general counsel, who decreed, "My gut says this isn't right". Cathy recognized the event as a signal to leave. Perhaps there was some unshared reason for stopping the promotion, but the counsel's decision by whim put an end to the discussion in Cathy's head. Making a decision to leave a job can be empowering, leading to a higher level of job satisfaction."

The Clash lyric captures workplace indecision about staying or leaving a job. Uncertainty about future consequences and comfort versus change complicates the choice. Making lists of what one loves and what frustrates helps clarify priorities. Specific words or actions can become decisive triggers to leave. Long tenure and strong benefits can act as 'golden handcuffs' that make departure harder. A long-tenured lawyer supported a direct report's promotion, but the general counsel's gut reaction overturned it and signaled a need to leave. Choosing to leave can be empowering and increase job satisfaction.

Read at Psychology Today