5 Signs it’s Time for a New Job: Are you ready to be downsized?

Some years ago, I was happily ensconced in a government job with about 120 co-workers when troubling signs emerged. Leadership in Washington took steps to streamline operations under the guise of “Total Quality Management.” The CEO visited, looked around our conference room, and muttered something about how “old” we were. And, we knew that Congress wanted cuts.

A few co-workers heeded the warnings and left. Most of us did not “get the memo.” We remained until the office let us go—something unheard of in the Federal Government at the time.  

Many employees at large organizations probably do not act when they feel it’s time to plan an exit strategy. Perhaps, like myself and my co-workers, you like your work, need the health benefits, or cannot relocate. Whatever the reason, you may want to watch for the warning signs below:

1. The company you work for was bought (or they bought another company).
2. Department or company leadership has changed.
3. You were asked to do the same job for less money.
4. Your workload was reduced. or
5. Technology, offshoring, or other trends have changed your industry.

Most of the time, you will have no control over events or trends such as these. All you can do is be prepared for change.

The company you work for was purchased, or they purchased another company.

Mergers and acquisitions—situations where another company bought your employer, or where your employer bought another company–can impact your job as company management assesses redundancies in personnel between the two companies.

Working conditions and benefits can change because the companies usually need to merge their benefit plans, salary structure, and hours of operation. Operating procedures often change, too, so the job you are now asked to do may not seem much like the job you signed-up for.

Successful people accommodate change. It’s time to move on if you cannot adjust to the changes. Of course, if the merger makes your job redundant from the employer’s point of view, the decision to leave will be made for you.

Department leadership or company leadership has changed.

A frequent reason for seeking a job change is that you got a new boss. Maybe he or she has their own former employees brought into your department, or maybe their leadership style just doesn’t feel right to you. In either case, it may lead you to think about making a change.

Change is the only constant in many organizations, so we recommend thinking twice before bailing from a job because you do not like the new boss or their way of doing business. There will no doubt be leadership changes at the next place you land, too. Again, if the new department head cleans house and lets you go, it’s a moot point.

You have to do the same job for less money.

If you have never been asked to do the same job for less money, you may not believe it’s possible. Some companies ask their employees to take a pay cut but continue to do their full workload. If you can’t afford to earn less money but work the same amount — or more — this may prompt you to look for a new job.

Another version of this ploy that I have experienced is for the employer to require that you work a 40 hour week instead of a 35 hour week. This is more palatable to some workers because their take-home pay remains unchanged for salaried employees. It can impact work-life balance and child care arrangements, so you may find the new hours untenable.

Your workload has been reduced.

A reduced workload sounds like nirvana for many of us. Unfortunately, a reduced workload can also limit your opportunities for higher earnings and advancement in some jobs. For example, commissioned sales people will lose earnings potential when their sales territory is reduced. In other situations, you may miss out on opportunities to learn new skills or get the experience required for promotion. Worse of all, a reduced level of responsibility could mean leadership is not pleased with your work, and you will soon be let go.

Regardless of the reason, recognize that a reduction in your workload may not bode well for your future at the current job.

Technology, offshoring, or other trends have changed your industry.

The industry or profession you work in could be contracting. As we pointed out in another post, even high-tech industries such as nuclear energy contract as technology changes.

Perhaps your industry is introducing AI or robotics to perform some or all of your job function. For example, an AI may be writing your website or blog content, responding to customer service inquiries, or a robot may be picking and packing, or doing the custodial cleaning at your warehouse or store.

Socioeconomic trends may also reduce opportunities in your industry or function. Examples include the mortgage industry in 2008, or the newspaper industry today. The feast-and-famine cycle of the oil-and-gas industry is yet another example.

Several clients of mine have worked in the apparel industry where much of the work has been “outsourced” or “offshored” to reduce costs.

If you’re in an industry or job function that is likely to go “bust,” the decision to change careers may not be left up to you.

Concluding comments

Should you be looking over your shoulder constantly for the next threat to your job or career? Probably not. Nonetheless, watch trends in your company, industry, and job function. Monitor changes in technology that could have an impact on how your job is done or whether your job is needed at all. The only constant in business today is change.