Should you Stay or Go? A 5-factor framework for career-defining decisions
In this episode, I’m joined by my co-host Carly Malatskey, a former software engineer turned investor and podcast host of She Leads. We tackle a listener’s question about whether to stay in their current job or take a new one. Using a 5-factor framework, we break down how to evaluate career decisions based on compensation, skills, lifestyle, long-term success, and work environment. Whether you’re considering a career move now or just want a structured way to assess future opportunities, this episode offers a practical guide to making confident job decisions.
In this episode, I’m joined by my co-host Carly Malatskey, a former software engineer turned investor and podcast host of She Leads. We tackle a listener’s question about whether to stay in their current job or take a new one. Using a 5-factor framework, we break down how to evaluate career decisions based on compensation, skills, lifestyle, long-term success, and work environment. Whether you’re considering a career move now or just want a structured way to assess future opportunities, this episode offers a practical guide to making confident job decisions.
–
Key topics:
- The Stay vs. Go framework for career decisions
- How to assess if your job is career additive
- Balancing comp, skills, and lifestyle in job choices
- The probability of success matters in career moves
- How long you should stay before making a switch
- And much more
–
Where to find Carly:
–
Where to find Nikhyl:
–
Find The Skip:
–
Don't forget to subscribe to The Skip to hear me coach you through timely career lessons. If you’re interested in joining me on a future call, send me a note on LinkedIn, Threads, or Twitter. You can also email me at nikhyl@skip.community
–
Timestamps
(00:00) The 5-factor framework
(01:20) Mailbag question: “Should I stay or go?”
(03:38) Is your job career additive?
(09:52) Why tenure matters less for some people
(15:51) Framework overview
(17:21) How to think about compensation
(21:28) Fishing for outlier comp offers
(23:54) Don’t just optimize for comp
(25:46) What skills are you picking up
(30:09) How esoteric are your skills
(32:37) Weighing up lifestyle
(36:56) What’s the probability you will succeed?
(42:03) Think about the environment you thrive in
(44:54) Final advice
Don't forget to subscribe to The Skip to hear Nikhyl and other executives teach unique and timely career lessons.