We underestimate the effects of dissatisfaction with work and stay in it for years. Meanwhile, out of concern for our development and well-being, experts argue that it is good to stray from the chosen career path every few years.

Researchers from the University of Melbourne in 2011 asked 170 college graduates about the reasons why they did not decide to change jobs. It turned out that comfort was the biggest problem. It is about a situation in which the respondents felt unfulfilled, but did not want to change anything because they had already got used to the present life.

In the second place, graduates pointed to the loss of identity, ie a situation in which they lost the sense of their job so much that their helplessness prevented them from making any changes. Fear of change was the third most important factor.

Australian research has also shown another phenomenon. Those who were not satisfied with their professional situation waited two years before making the decision to change. This means a tendency to be stuck in an unfavorable situation for us while tolerating all its negative effects in the form of energy loss, increasing frustration, and decreasing effectiveness.

Meanwhile, in Poland

In Poland, changes are usually made by young people, from the so-called Generation Y. This group expects a large variety of responsibilities and development opportunities – says Hanna Listek, managing director of the Polish HR company. Among them, we are relatively often dealing with the so-called jumpers. They are employees who constantly change their workplace. This phenomenon does not occur on a mass scale, but it is becoming more and more noticeable for employers who hire young people – explains the expert.

Jumpers most often argue the need for change in the same way as participants in the Melbourne study: they feel underestimated, they do not see any challenges for themselves or opportunities for development. In their case, the willingness to quickly increase their salary also plays a large role – adds Hanna Listek. Unfortunately, the jumper is usually not followed by appropriate qualifications and experience that he could gain and take from the workplace in the long term. These shortcomings are quickly identified by employers – he emphasizes.

People over 30 years of age decide to change less often. In their case, a much greater role is played by the need for stabilization, permanent employment and remuneration.
A different attitude to change is shown by the representatives of the 50+ generation, for whom safety, maintaining the current position and awareness of the upcoming retirement are of the utmost importance. According to Hanna Listek, it can be assumed that this is the group of the most loyal employees.

Let’s be driven by passion

According to Forbes’ experts, the biggest advantage of changing jobs is starting all over again, but on your own terms. When leaving the previous company, we have the overriding goal: to make everything better in the new place, differently. Therefore, if we decide to choose a new job, we expect to agree to at least some of our conditions, for example regarding a higher salary.  Experts say that changing jobs is the best opportunity to deepen education, courses and training.

The disadvantages of changing jobs, not only in the case of the notorious “jumpers”, but also for those who are preparing for this decision for the first time in their lives, can be serious. First of all, many people find it difficult to adjust to the new environment. This includes, among others lack of trust on the part of new colleagues and, above all, superiors. Also, especially when the industry changes, we do not initially have deep expertise in a new field. Even if we are newly qualified graduates of a specialized postgraduate program, we lack experience and sophistication, which may result in minor or more serious mistakes.

You must have a plan

Change must be managed skillfully. Sarah Archer, a professional coach, suggests that it should be preceded by deep reflection, plan, and research regarding the new industry. It is also useful to find the support that will provide us with both financial and mental security because you should not go through change alone.

Psychologist Denise Taylor points out that in the change we should be guided by its essence, and therefore by searching for the lost meaning. How? First of all, do not focus only on the skills listed in the CV (because perhaps they blocked us in the “previous life”), but on passion and interests, that is, what will restore our energy. At the same time, we should know our advantages well and consider which of them will be useful on the new path. A new career mini test seems to be a good piece of advice, especially for those who plan to open their own business. According to Sarah Byrne, a professional coach is worth testing your ideas on a small scale: among family or friends. In addition, it is worth paying attention to technical details such as adapting your CV to a new field or preparation for an interview.