Should I stay or should I go?
How well is your current role meeting your needs? Great, we hope, but if not, you’re not alone. Thousands of people walk away from jobs, and millions more have free time overshadowed by gloomy thoughts about returning to a situation that isn’t working. Pay attention to what’s going on if you have a nagging feeling that how you’re working isn’t working for you.
Deciding whether to stay or leave a job is a big deal. If you get it right, you’ll be on the up. If you get it wrong, you may have a long time to regret it. It’s your life and the stakes are high.
The good news is that there is a simple way to get to the heart of whatever is bothering you about work. It’s called the UMPIRE test. It works at all levels, from beginning your career to boardroom.
U | Underperformance
M | Misconduct
P | Prohibition
I | Incompatibility
R | Redundancy
E | Energy drain
Each letter in UMPIRE stands for a critical factor to assess in your career and, together, these elements give you a holistic way to evaluate your current work environment and career aspirations.
U is for Underperformance
How competent is your employer? Is your manager doing a good job or is their performance hurting you? The Underperformance question encourages you to evaluate how well your job meets your needs. A good time to do this is performance review time. Instead of being under the microscope, putting yourself into the judgement seat empowers you to assess the level of support, respect, and competence that is coming your way. Asking yourself the right questions helps you assess whether your role aligns with your values and expectations.
M is for Misconduct
Has your employer crossed a line? Is leadership complicit to bad behaviour? The Misconduct question highlights workplace behaviours that break rules and cross ethical lines, such as exclusion, unfair treatment, dodgy leadership, and trust violations. Unhealthy environments take their toll - particularly when you feel undermined or exploited. Doing nothing is risky. Getting support and thinking through your options is essential.
P is for Prohibition
Is there a barrier to carrying on? The Prohibition question addresses situations where someone is forced to leave their job due to external circumstances, such as regulatory action, legal issues, or public shaming. These scenarios often stem from human error rather than malice, and no-one thinks it could happen to them. The decision to stay or go may no longer be in your control, and denial or dwelling on the past can prevent you from moving forward. Professional advice helps.
I is for Incompatibility
Is this job a bad match for me? The Incompatibility question is the workplace equivalent of testing a relationship for a possible mismatch. Whether it’s due to unmet needs, conflicting values, or being side-lined for being different, the signs are clear: you don’t fit. To decide what to do you need to focus on leaders’ actions over words, assessing how the organisation truly operates, and face the reality of irreconcilable differences.
R is for Redundancy
Do I want something different from work? The Redundancy question is for when your role no longer aligns with your aspirations, circumstances, or growth needs. Whether you’ve outgrown your job, feel stuck with no progression, or find your contributions unrecognised, it may be time for a change. Too many people work too hard in unfulfilling roles for years, only to find themselves with few options and in a career they don’t enjoy.
E is for Energy drain
Is this hurting me? The Energy Drainer question is for when the demands of your job become unsustainable and start taking a serious toll. If work is draining you to the point of burnout or affecting your sleep and wellbeing, it’s a clear sign that something needs to change. Ignoring the problem or being too busy to seek help only prolongs the damage. Recognising and addressing energy drainers is crucial to reclaiming your health and happiness, making a change of approach a strong and valid choice to protect your future.
Put it to the UMPIRE Test
By putting yourself in the shoes of an umpire—an objective observer of the ‘game’ that is your work life—you gain a new vantage point. The umpire has the clearest view, can call out issues, and makes the decisions. With this mindset, you can move from feeling stuck to feeling empowered.
Joining our free Members Zone unlocks the full article and the UMPIRE Test, highlighting each component, offering practical advice, real-world examples, and actionable next steps.
Whether you’re looking for clarity, preparing to take the next step, or seeking to improve your current role, the UMPIRE Test is your guide to making decisions with confidence.
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