When to stay at your company vs leave — a decision framework

Made this decision 4 times in 10 years and gotten it right 3 of 4. Here's what I've learned.

Strong signals to stay:
- You're learning at a rate you can't replicate elsewhere at your current level
- There's a credible path to your next level within 18 months
- Your manager actively advocates for you

Strong signals to leave:
- Salary has stopped moving and internal conversation has stalled
- Company direction has changed from what you joined for
- You've stopped learning and the role has become fully routine
- You're fantasising about other companies regularly

Don't leave for:
- A small salary bump to a company with no learning opportunity
- Frustration with a specific person who might leave before you