Would you be happier at another dental practice? Is the grass really greener on the other side?
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.
ALSO BY KIM MORGAN: Is it time for a raise in your dental assisting position?
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.
RELATED:Are you terrified to look for a new dental job?
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!
For the most current dental headlines, click here.
Kimberly Morgan, RDH, has over 24 years experience in the dental field. She is the founder of YourDentalConnect.com, which helps match dental staff with jobs. She co-owns and teaches at the Dental Essentials School of Dental Assisting in Austin, Texas. She is a clinical trainer for Acteon Dental Equipment, and she practices dental hygiene at a private practice in Austin. She is a member of the American Dental Hygiene Association and is the past vice president for the Austin Dental Hygiene Chapter and past president for the Corpus Christi Dental Hygiene Chapter. She can be reached at [email protected].
