This article first appeared in Dental Assisting & Office Manager Digest. To receive enlightening and helpful articles for assistants and office managers in this monthly e-newsletter, visit dentistryiq.com/subscribe.
Have you ever thought that there might be a better dental practice where you could work? Most people thought about leaving their job from time to time. You may be overdue for a raise, tired of the office politics, or you may have just lost your passion for your work. However, before you make a rash decision, ask yourself these five questions:
1. Do you wake up dreading the day more times than not? If so, it’s probably time for something new.
2. Do you have a hard time getting along with your coworkers? Office friends make the 8 to 5 grind tolerable. It's important to have office buddies.
3. Are you overdue for a raise? If your duties have increased over the years but your pay has not, it might be time to pursue positions that compensate you fairly.
4. Do you feel unappreciated at your job? Feeling unappreciated is demoralizing and frustrating. Everyone deserves to work somewhere they are valued and rewarded. This is part of human nature.
5. Does your job cause you more stress than enjoyment? Constant stress makes you likely to become sick more often and can also lead to long-term health problems such as high blood pressure and depression.
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If you answered yes to three or more of these questions, you might need to start scouring through the classified ads or checking out an online job board. Get an idea of what other offices are offering, from their schedules to benefits to duties. Or you can simply temp at another office for a day or two during your vacation. This will allow you to test drive other offices without any commitment or fear about making an impulsive decision.
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Some offices might have newer equipment, a better location, a smaller staff, and a lower patient load. But compare it to your current job. It's possible to find a new position with a higher salary and all the office perks, however, this higher paying job might also come with more responsibility, more stress, and erratic hours. It's up to you to decide whether the increase in income or change of scenery really equals greener grass. You have to weigh all the pros and cons before you say bon voyage!
