An internal move can provide the best of both worlds in terms of changing jobs. You preserve your benefits, work environment and relationships with coworkers without the stress of a full-blown job search. The most open-minded companies encourage their employees to explore other in-house options before leaving for another employer, possibly a competitor. But as with any change in your career, you need to do some research first.

When considering an internal move, you need some measurable objectives to determine if the move is in your best interest: 

With No Pay Increase

• Are you excited about the new position?
• Is it a promotion in some way, or is it just a different job?
• If it is a promotion, will it lead to where you want to be?
• How long would it take to master the new tasks?
• How long did it take to master your existing job?
• When did you start getting bored in your current job?
• Are the new duties/tasks more appealing than your current duties/tasks?
• How do you feel about coworkers in your current position versus in the new one?
• Will you miss your current position's duties?
• If the job weren't available, how long would you be willing to continue in your current position?

With Pay Increase

• Would the job be as appealing if money weren't involved?
• Is it a true promotion or just an increase in pay? 
• If it is a promotion, will it lead to where you want to be? 
• Is the job as exciting/challenging as your current one? 
• Which job would you perform longer if money weren't a factor? 
• If this position weren't available, how long would you be willing to work at your current position? 
• Will you miss the people you currently work with? What do you think about the new people? 
• How long will it take to learn the new job? 
• How long do you anticipate working in this position? 
• Will the new position enhance your skill set and make you more marketable in the future?