You've been in a dead-end job for months, or even years now, yet you can't seem to gather up the courage to look for a new job. Or your company announced there will be a series of layoffs coming this year and you don't know if you're going to be affected. Is that enough to make you start job hunting? If not, then you could be considered a job search procrastinator.

Prepare for Layoffs

“I'm comfortable where I'm at.” This is one of the more common scenarios when someone doesn't want to look for a new job even when critical situations arise. I'm talking about those who go down with a sinking ship. The ship being the company for which they're employed, of course.

If your company announces upcoming layoffs, that means the company is in trouble. Possibly not in fear of bankruptcy but it's not doing as well as planned or expected. You know heads are going to roll but you don't know if yours is going to be one of them.

I've known people who have stuck it out till the very end. And where does that leave them? Without a job. and scrambling. Even if you are offered a severance package, it might not be enough to support you and your family.

Something that employees have to realize is that when this situation occurs, you can't be too confident about your place in a company. You have to weigh the risks involved with sticking it out. Yes, you want to be loyal to your company…when possible. But don't let that loyalty blind you to the fact that you could very well be out of a job soon.

Going Nowhere Fast

You're educated, a hard worker with high work ethics and you do your job well. So why are you in the same position you've been in since you were hired?

For many people, this is not a problem. They crave that ‘sameness'. It provides comfort knowing what to expect each and every day. They don't want something new and ‘better'. They're happy where they are.

However, there are others who don't look for jobs out of fear. Fear of change. They want something more, new and different but they're not getting the opportunity with the company they're at.

But at the same time, they realize they have a good stable job. Why mess up a good thing?

Taking the Initiative

If you find yourself in either of these situations, you have to look at the pros and cons of looking for another job. What's the worst thing that can happen if you stay? Conversely, what's the worst thing that can happen if you find another job? Are there greater benefits of starting to look around to see what other companies have to offer you?

No one can answer these questions for you. Each job seeker's situation is different and everyone has different responsibilities and goals. Take time to explore the reasons behind your job search procrastination. Maybe it's to save you from yourself and from reacting too quickly. Or maybe it's holding you back from reaching your full career potential.