Maybe Johnny Paycheck Was Right

Earlier this year, I wrote a column titled, "Johnny Paycheck Was Wrong."

At that time, it was becoming apparent how dismal the labor market had become. I wrote, "If you have a job, be thankful. More than 11 million people are unemployed, and the number is apt to increase substantially before it reverses course. In some states, the ratio of job seekers to open jobs is 7 to 1. While you might be unhappy about getting no raise after 20 to 30 years of uninterrupted (though perhaps small) increases in pay, staying employed is now a top, no, the only, priority."

Saying "Take This Job and Shove It," wasn't an option.

Several months later, I've come to realize that just maybe, Johny Paycheck wasn't all wrong. Perhaps my advice was oversimplified. Yes, some workers are definitely sitting tight. Recent figures show there has been a decline in voluntary turnover (resignations). Even so, that doesn't mean you have to accept your current employment if it is not a good situation.

Over the past six months, I've seen a steady stream of unemployed age-50+ job seekers who have found meaningful and rewarding positions—even in this sour economy. At the same time, I've been coaching hundreds of people looking for work. About one-third of them are currently employed.

When asked why they have been looking for new positions, they generally respond, "I have too long to work to accept being stuck in a dead-end, unrewarding job. I'll accept the challenge and risk of looking for a new job." Note that they're not quitting work and then starting a job search; they're searching while still employed.

Should I Be Looking for a New Job?

Now I'm not suggesting that if you're unhappy at work, you walk into your boss's office and repeat Johnny Paycheck's great line. If you're unemployed, you don't have this luxury. If you're still employed, you can perform a successful job search while still on the payroll.

So, how do you know if it's time for you to move on? … Back to Article