An average adult spends about 90,000 hours at work over their lifetime. This means most of us spend a third of our lives working.
That's a lot of time - and life is too short to be unhappy or spend it doing something that isn't fulfilling or rewarding.
Thankfully, the world has been changing, and we're moving away from an era where people committed on one job for the rest of their lives. Now, every few years, people change jobs, and this can be a new and advantageous norm.
But why are people changing jobs so much?
Once you spend some time at a job, it's easy to get comfortable.
And when you hit that stage, it might be challenging to realize when it’s time for you to explore new opportunities. Below are some of the signs that can help give you a push to update your CV and start looking at other options.
Although we enjoy familiarity, it can be tedious and unfulfilling.
Many of us enjoy a bit of challenge and we're down to always learn new things. That growth inspires us and keeps the work interesting. Once you get to a point where you can complete projects with your eyes closed, things can become repetitive and unchallenging.
You might start to feel bored and, in some cases, unmotivated simply because there is nothing to look forward to when you go to work.
In this case, exploring new opportunities means new and stimulating projects. The new environment will also require you to learn something new even when you're still using the same skills from the old job.
David Novak, the CEO of Yum! believes that the number 1 reason why people quit their jobs is because they are undervalued.
Usually, when you start a new job, your efforts are acknowledged and appreciation is shown. Unfortunately, over time, that recognition can fade away despite the fact that showing employees appreciation and valuing their efforts can increase productivity.
Feeling undervalued and underappreciated can be demotivating and also negatively impact one’s self-esteem, even outside the workforce.
When you hit a point where you feel like you're being taken for granted and you aren’t getting any feedback, a new job could provide opportunity to be on a team that's attentive and recognizes your efforts and the skills that you bring to the table.
We all crave betterment and growth.
As we gain experience and improve at work, of course we want to have our new skills recognized and move our way up the ladder. When you notice that despite your performance, promotions seem to go over your head, it might be a sign for you to look elsewhere.
This is especially so if, when you ask for feedback on what you need to do to get to the next level, you're left with more questions than answers.
When making the new applications with your years of experience and knowledge in the field, you might be able to target your applications to the more senior roles. And there are chances that you can actually get the role you wanted at your current job.
As mentioned earlier, we spend a large portion of our lives working. Thus, it's crucial that our work environment is as low stress as possible and our mental health is not compromised. When work becomes too stressful, and you feel burnt out, don’t ignore those signs.
When your present company is not doing anything to support employee mental health, or listening to your feedback about a toxic work environment, unrealistic expectations, etc. - take that as a sign and start casting your nets.
Keep in mind that a job is just a job; your health and well-being should be a priority.
At work, you can be easily replaceable, but that is not the case to your family. Never prioritize your work at the expense of your health and well-being.
The decision to start looking for another job can be a little nerve-wracking simply because it implies the possibility of a new and unfamiliar beginning.
It could also evoke feelings of guilt and make you wonder if by looking for a new role, you're showing a lack of loyalty to your present company.
The doubt and all those feelings are totally normal, but at the end of the day, you have to look at the facts and make the decision that will be most beneficial for you as an individual.
You deserve to be where your efforts are recognized and appreciated, where you’re happy, and where you are in good health, both physically and mentally. A job is one aspect of your life, not your whole life. Always trust your instincts.
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July 18, 2025
July 17, 2025
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