Chris
Thanks for initiating this and the following are a few thoughts from my perspective on push and pull factors that would encourage the "itch":
I would look to move if the following were not being met
i. People are important and the ability to integrate with the work team, being recognised and acknowledged by the team is key for me.
ii. Being able to develop within the firm is important and this includes mentorship and technical development.
iii. Financial drivers such as salary and perks
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Stephen Leach C.Eng, M.ASCE
Consultant Executive
Luling LA
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-07-2026 03:15 PM
From: Christopher Seigel
Subject: Scratching the Itch to Leave your Company?
A few personal thoughts, in no particular order:
- Technical Skills - Is your job giving you progressive work over a few years, or treating you like a production machine on a limited scope of work? Do you like or care about this work?
- Career Growth - Is there room for advancement in title, salary, transition to management if desired, understanding project or client relationships at a higher level? Do others tend to leave at a certain point?
- Office Culture - how well do you like your co-workers?
- Salary - its not everything, but are you compensated at a level that meets your needs and is somewhere on par with market demand?
If any one of these is "no", it may be time to interview just to see what else is out there. If more than one is "no", thats a stronger indicator.
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Christopher Seigel P.E., M.ASCE
Civil Engineer
Original Message:
Sent: 05-06-2026 11:43 AM
From: Daniel Bressler
Subject: Scratching the Itch to Leave your Company?
I call it an "itch" but I'm sure there a better word or phrase for it.
When you have that "feeling" or "itch" that you need to either leave your current company or it's time for a career change.
I'd like to know from other engineer's, how do/did you identify this "itch"? Was there a tangible 'aha!' moment?
- How did you know it was time to leave the company you were at?
- Were there any indicators?
- What were they?
- Were there any subconscious clues you were giving yourself that in hindsight seem obvious?
I'm thinking of putting together a resource for young engineers as a guide on how to know if it's time to leave your current company, but I'd like to hear other engineer's stories to help develop this resource.
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Daniel Bressler P.E., M.ASCE
Structural Engineer
Brooklyn NY
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