Is Frequent Job Change a Solution or a Problem?

For changing jobs, we generally have a good reason. However, if it happens frequently and almost “on schedule”, is it possible that it is due to some unrealistic expectation of ours that leads us to seek a new job, rather than an objective negativity of the workplace? Does the change then become an end in itself?

Question:

I have been working in the same industry for many years and I am generally satisfied. I stayed at my first job for several years, and after that, I practically changed employers once a year. I cannot say that I regret leaving any of them because I always had a good reason, in my opinion. Once it was about the boss, another time it was about quite low earnings, then my colleagues were annoying, and so on… Generally, since I have been here for almost a year now (my industry is hospitality), it seems to me that it is time to move on. So it occurred to me that maybe the issue is with me because other people around me do not change jobs that often. Even if the issue is with me, does that mean I should stay somewhere I am dissatisfied? I am not sure. What do you think?

Answer:

Neither professionally nor personally, I am an advocate of the philosophy that one should remain in dissatisfaction. On the contrary, sometimes it is so deep and strong that it resembles suffering. The fact that some people stay in suffering for too long reflects on their lives in various ways: from a lack of energy and zest for life to a large amount of stress, even health problems, through negative effects on partnerships and other important relationships, to feelings of helplessness and a drop in self-confidence.

However, the dissatisfaction you mention seems somewhat different to me. The reason for this is, above all, the fact that after a certain number of changes, you are asking yourself “is the issue with me” and that is why you decided to write about it.

In addition, you mention various reasons for leaving some previous jobs. It is obvious that they had certain negativities, we agree on that. However, you found the same solution for each of those negativities – you resigned. We can agree that this is a legitimate solution, of course, but it raises the question of until when…? From your question, it seems – until the next job, and then to its negativity and a new resignation.

To someone from the outside, the way we live, work, and make our choices may seem strange, unserious, problematic, or something else. Others have the right to see things differently than we do, but at the same time, they should not impose their views on us. Therefore, what someone else considers a problem is not truly a problem for us, but their opinion. The moment something becomes a problem for us is a dilemma we do not know how to resolve, or a solution we are not sure is right for us. That it is the right solution.

Do you consider that you have a problem? If you think you do not, then the text that follows is not for you.

In case you are still in doubt about your solution choices, here are a few thoughts and ideas.

Every job will, sooner or later, have some negativity. Regardless of whether we work in a large or small organization, public or private, or even when we are self-employed. Whether there will be things we do not like is not in question… The question is how relevant they are and what we can do in the given context. Here is an example: if it is about low earnings, can we find a way to increase them? Either through additional engagement or a conversation with a superior. Furthermore, it is certainly inconvenient if we do not agree with the boss. However, if we rarely communicate and see them, for example, once a week, how important is it that we agree? And if it is, what can we do to improve that relationship? Are there topics and ways of communication that we have not yet tried? The same applies to relationships with colleagues….

As you can see, I am asking questions that primarily relate to other possible solutions (besides resignation), as well as the relevance of certain negativities. In this regard, I think it would benefit you to crystallize a sort of priority list when it comes to your job. What is truly important to you? What are the 3 elements, for example, around which you do not compromise? Is it position, status, or a quality relationship with your superior, or a good working atmosphere with colleagues, working hours, salary, or the possibility of earning a commission from sales, job location, additional benefits (car, mobile phone…)?

Each of us finds some of these elements more important than others, and it is not realistic to expect that everyone will meet your criteria. However, if we achieve what we consider priorities, then we can be satisfied. There is a significant difference between satisfaction and perfection. Satisfaction comes from knowing our own priorities and needs, while perfection is an endless race for something that does not exist.

Of course, in frequent changes and new beginnings, there are numerous challenges, opportunities for proving oneself, and a certain amount of adrenaline. For some, that is a priority… And if this applies to you, then you truly do not have a problem.

Would you like to (anonymously) ask a question about your business challenge/dilemma/question, write to [email protected]

Ana-Marija Vidjak, educator and coach
www.sto-ako-ipak.hr