Spencer Platt/Getty ImagesIf you're not happy with your current situation, instead of making the next decision on a whim, you need to "dig down to uncover the reasons behind your desire to shift to this goal," Beverly D. Flaxington says in her new book "Make Your SHIFT:: The Five Most Powerful Moves You Can Make to Get Where YOU Want to Go."
"I've watched many people run away from a situation rather than toward something else they want," Flaxington, an adjunct professor at Suffolk University, says.
For example, if you don't get along with your boss, leaving a position just to shift away from them doesn't guarantee that you'll end up somewhere better. You need to map out where you're going and decide whether the end of that road is where you want to be.
"There are two basic reasons we move in a new direction: to move toward something new and positive, or to move away from something that we dislike. Both are motivators and both will urge us to action. When we are moving away from something, we had better have a clear view of what comes next. What is the outcome we hope for when we get where we want to go?"
If your boss is making your life a living hell, then take a look around your workplace culture and take note of who succeeds and why they do. Then compare their etiquettes to your own.
"Pay attention to your own communication style, then pay attention to your boss's style. If your boss is direct and "get it done" but you need time to process information and plan, you may come across to her as slow, procrastinating, or even resistant to feedback or authority.
"Modify your approach to match the boss' style. Use the same words your boss uses, match her tone and approach to the degree you can. Mismatched communication styles lead to many misunderstandings about effectiveness and intention.
If this still doesn't work, try to seek out outside experts and mentors to give you a second (or third!) opinion. Tell them your problems, ask for their feedback and take this all into consideration when deciding your next career move.