You know the saying the grass is always greener on the other side ... Sometimes all it takes is some time to wander over to the other side to realize what you have is pretty good. I read Penelope Trunk's blog a lot and something she always says is to always be searching for a new job. I think she's right. It keeps you on your toes, makes you aware of what's going on in your industry as far as salary, job descriptions, etc., and it helps you evaluate your current situation.

Back in November, I had a really difficult week at work. You know one of those where you just wanted to walk out. I was so fed up with all the problems that were arising at the time and felt particularly unappreciated for various reasons (both valid and maybe not valid). Anyways, during this time I decided it was time to update my resume and send it out to see if I could get any bites. I was frustrated and wanted to know if there was something better out there.

On the couple of interviews that I had, I realized: what I have isn't all that bad. Sure there are things I don't like about my current situation. But there are a couple of things that I wouldn't trade. I decided the flexibility and freedom that I have under my current management is something I wasn't ready to trade for what I was being offered at these other places. All it took was talking with a few possible managers to realize that I have a great manager that I work for. Plus, by being patient and working through some of the uphill battles, some new areas for me to grow have arisen. I have been asked to be on a new taskforce to help with the future of our company.

I have a friend who is 26 and is a Regional Manager for a project management company. He always told me he applies to at least 1 job a week, just to stay on top of his game. It sounds a little weird at first, and maybe that's a little zealous but the point is, he does it to know what's out there in his industry. What he can be doing better in his current position, what kind of salaries are being paid out at other companies.

Sometimes the job search isn't always about getting a new job, it's about realizing more about your current job. Sure, you may send out your resume and interview and find that this offer is a much better situation than the one you're in. That's great but sometimes it's about evaluating your career and what you need, want and where you are going. Sometimes it's more about personal growth, learning how to present and sell yourself to a potential employer and building your professional network.