2022: The year of the new job – Top 10 reasons why now might be the right time to move jobs

What are the top 10 reasons for leaving a job?

The reasons behind people leaving their jobs are multiple and varied but most often come down to a lack of satisfaction in one form or another, be that with work-life balance, management, financial reward or lack of progress. Often it’s a combination of two or more factors. Sometimes the role and organisation are fine, but a better opportunity is presented elsewhere, such as a new job, return to education or career change, or a switch to self-employment.

If you are feeling unsatisfied at work, have you considered whether now might be the right time to leave? If so, you’re not alone! Here are ten of the most common reasons why people choose to leave their jobs:

1. Dissatisfaction with management

This may be a historic, ongoing, problem, or brought about by a recent change in management from promotion or restructuring. Dissatisfaction with peers is less common, but candidates still express this as a valid reason for leaving a role.

2. Lack of progress

Many employees seek pastures new when they feel they have stalled in their current role. This includes lack of discussion or indication of promotion opportunities, as well as a lack of training and development.

3. Lack of buy-in to the role and/or organisation

It’s common for people to seek new roles if there is a lack belief or buy-in with their current one. This might be due to a lack of meaningful feedback for specific responsibilities, or a broader lack of faith in the organisation’s objectives, principles or success.

4. Salary stagnation

Many people observe their market value even when happy in their current role – as a result, if it’s clear there are better propositions elsewhere, this might prompt a move. While money isn’t always the top motivator to take a new job, it’s a relatively high priority for most.

5. Poor work-life balance

Salary isn’t everything however, and many choose to leave their current role if it’s placing too much demand on them and failing to provide a healthy work-life balance.

6. Returning to education and/or a career change

It might be the role or organisation are fine, but a change of career is desired. This can include a return to education.

6. Travel/sabbatical

Rather than return to education, many people feel a career break or sabbatical is a desirable step to take in one’s life, particularly at the age prior to settling down and starting a family; a sense of, if not now, when (likely retirement age!). Although less popular during the Covid pandemic this is otherwise a relatively popular reason for people to leave their current role.

7. Relocation

Many people move location throughout their lives, be that for a change in lifestyle, move for family reasons or a partner changing job. This usually necessitates a change in role for logistical reasons.

8. Starting a new business or becoming self-employed

This is a common reason for mid to senior level employees, particularly those who feel they have gained plenty of experience and are able to offer a lot to their existing employee, but who fail to see a lack of progression opportunities in their role. Or they’re simply looking for greater control over their work-life balance or personal success.

9. Feeling bored

For less tangible reasons than a clear lack of progress or dissatisfaction with their employer, occasionally it’s felt a change is desirable merely for changes sake – a ‘change of scene’ suits some personalities, and can offer a much-needed boost to motivation.

10. Retirement

Lucky them!

Should I change jobs or stay put?

Reading the aforementioned list might have given you an idea about your current situation, and whether a new role is something that would be both beneficial and desirable. Consider taking the following steps before making any final decisions:

1. Compose two lists: first, what you are looking for in and from your current role and organisation and second, what you are looking for in your career more broadly?
2. How are your current role and organisation meeting these objectives?
3. Draw up a list of pros and cons to changing role and organisation, and consider how these would impact the above.
4. Looking at each motivating factor, what might be offered in your current organisation if you were to address these with your manager? If appropriate, do discuss these with your manager as it could be that opportunities or changes do exist where you are.
5. Research the market – what exists for a) your current role and skillset and b) your career aspirations?
6. Have a chat with a specialist recruiter in your field – they’ll be able to inform you of market conditions, both on a general level and specific to your skills and experience.

Looking for your next career move?

Foundation Recruitment are well-placed to discuss your career aspirations and next steps with you. Our specialist consultants have insight into the current market, both at a generalised level and for your skillset and experience level specifically.

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