Many of us have been in situations where we love our jobs. The work is fulfilling, and our team is fantastic. But there’s always a “but.” Maybe your manager is unbearable: not appreciating your talent, micromanaging, disrespecting you, creating unnecessary conflict, or using negative management practices. So, what do you do? Should you run away from that job and find a new one? Or should you try to salvage what you have?
My advice is: Don’t run away from something; run towards something.
Picture this: When you run away from something, you tend to look back to see how close it is. You’re not focused on what lies ahead. You’re looking in the wrong direction. Running away might make you open to take any path just to escape your current situation, but that path may not be the best one for your future.
Instead, focus on the path in front of you. Run towards something…your next opportunity: one that aligns with your skills and offers an amazing company culture. Run towards the next adventure because it adds value to your career story. The next role should be a step forward, one that contributes to your growth and professional development. Wait for that right next role.
The Statistics
One of the top reasons behind employee attrition is poor management. In fact, over 50% of employees quit their jobs due to bad managers, according to studies by DDI World, Gallup, and the Society for Human Resource Management. These studies show that leadership and employee loyalty are closely linked.
Many employees simply want to escape their current situation because of poor management. They are looking to run away. Instead of running away, run towards your next opportunity. These statistics highlight how crucial it is to evaluate leadership and culture when considering your next move.
Red Flags to Watch For
When searching for your next role, be mindful of potential red flags. Here are some things to consider:
- Retention and Turnover Rates: High turnover can indicate issues with management or company culture.
- Conversations With Peers: Speak with potential colleagues to get their take on leadership and company culture.
- Trust Your Gut: If something feels off during your interview process, trust your instincts. If the vibe isn’t right, it probably isn’t.
- Company Culture and Growth: Ask how the company fosters a positive culture and whether they are focused on employee growth and development. Inquire about their training programs and career advancement opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Choosing to leave a job because of a bad manager can feel like escaping a difficult situation, but it’s important to remember that your next move should be driven by what you’re running toward, not just what you’re running from. A job change is an opportunity to grow, to step into a role where you’re truly valued, and where your skills are appreciated and nurtured.
Take the time to carefully evaluate the culture, leadership, and opportunities of your next potential role. The right opportunity should align with your long-term goals and help you build a fulfilling career, one where you don’t just survive but thrive.
So, rather than leaving because you’re unhappy, take control of your future. Run towards something that excites you, challenges you, and helps you become the best version of yourself both professionally and personally.
Your career path is yours to shape. Make it one that you’re proud of.
Amber Kodish is the managing member of GovCon Tech LLC, a services company that helps commercial businesses navigate and secure government contracts. In addition, she holds several board positions, including the University of Maryland Master of Business Analytics (MSBA) advisory board chairperson, Targa AI board member and investor, Springboard Enterprises CEO mentor, and Idea VillageX entrepreneur mentor. She is former CEO of a data science company, and successfully built and led a new public-sector team from the ground up for a SaaS company as VP of Public Sector Operations, among other roles.
Amber holds a master’s degree in business administration from Drexel University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Rutgers University.
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