“If you say that you are mine I’ll be here till the end of time”
Low or a lack of communication, especially within teams (but it applies to all groups, even among non-bipeds), is always seen as the absolute evil, considering that small misunderstandings have the power to turn into avalanches of ‘conflicts’ that are difficult to contain once they gain speed.
Starting from the assumption that even those who say nothing are communicating something, it is physiological that in a company there should be institutionalized feedback mechanisms aimed at clarifying what the medium to long-term objectives are and how they impact the involved worker.
The worker, in our case a generic developer, who post-pandemic found himself shedding the roles of Ken Loach’s film protagonists, dedicated to sacrifice and destined for nervous exhaustion if not worse, instead finds himself in a narrative topos that sees him as an acclaimed performer by the audience who can choose which stages to tread and which scores to perform.
“One day it’s fine, and next it’s black, so if you want me off your back”
But when to decide to change jobs and what should be the next “stage” is almost always a difficult choice that involves risks, stress, and Hamlet-like doubts, and there are few cases where a reasoned path is taken, while often finding oneself in urgent situations where the only way out is a dramatic escape by burning bridges.
It would be nice instead to gather signals and understand in what situation we are acting accordingly, perhaps preserving a good memory of the company and leaving an equally good one.
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“If I go, there will be trouble and if I stay, it will be double”
In our panel dedicated to this issue during Codemotion Milan 2023, we tried to understand what needs to be evaluated, always considering that each situation is peculiar, bringing, for example, the direct experience of the panelists and trying to have more real-time feedback from the audience. This has also provided us with a large reserve of stories of sudden escapes and searches for El Dorado, providing material for at least fifty sequels to “Indiana Jones and the Lost Workplace.”
What are the key factors in tech retention today?
Here are some of the insights that we discovered during the panel when it comes to key factors that define a developer’s willingness to stay or change jobs:
- Remote/hybrid work mode
- Learning opportunities
- Programming languages or frameworks chosen by companies (especially in the frontend side)
- Enjoying working hours and general mood
So, is it time to change jobs?
The answer obviously depends on personal situations (mortgage, family, etc.), but these are some of the questions you should be asking yourself:
- Continuous improvement: How much can I enhance my skills and expertise within my current role? Can I actively seek learning opportunities from my colleagues and leaders, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing within the team?
- Alignment with company vision: Are the strategic decisions made by the company in sync with my professional vision, especially in the rapidly evolving tech landscape? Ensuring that my aspirations align with the company’s goals contributes to job satisfaction and a sense of purpose.
- Yearning for new challenges: Is there a genuine desire to embrace new personal challenges and broaden my horizons? Exploring uncharted territories can invigorate one’s professional journey and contribute to a sense of fulfillment.
- Personal considerations: Acknowledging that the decision to stay or move on is inherently personal, influenced by factors such as financial responsibilities (mortgage, family obligations, etc.). Balancing these considerations is crucial in making well-informed career decisions.
- Building a path to alternatives: Recognizing the importance of proactively constructing alternative career paths over time. This involves strategic planning, skill development, and staying attuned to emerging opportunities, ensuring resilience and adaptability in the face of changing professional landscapes.
- Escaping the ‘Golden Cages’: Understanding that professional stagnation can be akin to being confined in ‘golden cages.’ When growth plateaus, and valuable experiences become scarce, it may be indicative of the need for change. Assessing one’s current situation against personal and professional aspirations is vital.
In summary, navigating the crossroads of professional life involves a nuanced evaluation of one’s growth potential, alignment with company values, the allure of new challenges, personal considerations, proactive career planning, and the recognition of signals indicating the need for change. Each individual’s journey is unique, and by introspectively addressing these facets, one can pave the way for a fulfilling and purpose-driven career.
