Why and how often do people change jobs?
Are you also thinking about leaving your current job behind and taking on new challenges? You are not alone in this. On the contrary: did you know that according to a XING study, one in two Austrians could imagine changing jobs in the following calendar year?
The reason is not only to break out of the hamster wheel of habit. Many employees toy with the idea of changing jobs because of "hard factors" such as bad management style, low salary or lack of appreciation. If you are in a similar situation and are suddenly approached by a headhunter, the temptation can be great. But what are the concrete arguments for a change of scenery?
When is it time to change jobs?
It may be time to change jobs when your current role no longer supports your professional development, your health or your long-term career goals. Warning signs include constant stress, lack of appreciation, poor leadership, limited career opportunities, salary dissatisfaction or a company culture that no longer matches your values.
However, not every difficult phase means you should resign immediately. A challenging project, temporary frustration or a conflict with a colleague may be solvable. Before changing jobs, ask yourself whether the situation can realistically improve – and whether you have already addressed the issue.
7 good reasons to change jobs
In some cases, the situation is crystal clear. There are reasons that speak quite clearly for a change. These include, for example:
- Poor pay: You are paid far too little compared to your sector, competitors or colleagues - and this does not change even if you justifiably demand more.
Tip for further reading: Are you facing a salary negotiation? Read our guide on how to negotiate your salary successfully.
- The workplace culture does not fit you: Poor workplace culture / Personal reasons
You feel unfairly treated by other staff members and are not accepted in the team. You feel unfairly treated by colleagues or excluded from the team. Or: You just don't get along with your colleagues on a personal level.
The team fit is important: Team fit, leadership style and communication are important factors in long-term job satisfaction.
- Constant stress and pressure: If your job causes permanent stress that affects your physical or mental health, it may be time to reconsider your situation. You are just stressed and the pressure to perform is so immense that it leaves physical or psychological traces. For example, you are often sick or can no longer sleep properly. Constant overload, unrealistic expectations and a lack of support can be clear warning signs that a job change may be necessary.
- Lack of motivation: If you struggle to get out of bed in the morning and feel mentally disconnected from your work, this may be a sign that something needs to change. You hardly get out of bed in the morning and are only physically present at work during the day, but not mentally. In the evening you come home in a bad mood - the motivation is completely missing.
A lack of motivation does not always mean you need a completely new career. Sometimes a change of role, team or employer is enough. But if the feeling has lasted for months, it is worth exploring new opportunities.
- Lack of trust from management: Your supervisor or colleagues watch your every move and don't trust you. This is despite the fact that you do your work reliably and properly.
If the lack of trust continues even after open communication, a job change may be the right step.
- Company values no longer match your own / Company direction: You feel that the values and ideals or the business model of your employer are developing in a direction that you cannot reconcile with your ideas. Find out more about our Schulmeister Values!
A job should not only fit your skills, but also your personal principles and long-term goals.
- Underchallenge and no chances of promotion: You would like to work in a more responsible position because the current level is below your ability - but your boss won't let you. If your current role no longer challenges you and there are no realistic opportunities for promotion, development or more responsibility, a job change can open new doors.
This is especially true if you have already discussed your ambitions internally and there is no clear path forward.
Do one or more of these reasons apply to you?
Weigh up: Can the grievance be corrected? For example, if you feel a lack of trust, raise the issue with your supervisor. If there is no lasting satisfactory result, it is time to change jobs. Everything speaks for a job change? Then let's tackle it together: Send us your CV, come to our career advice and receive the most exciting job offers in your sector!
Survey: 43% Are Considering Changing Jobs
Survey: 43% Are Considering Changing Jobs
“A Schulmeister Consulting survey conducted across Austria also shows that many finance professionals regularly consider changing jobs. Only 28% ruled out a job change, while the remaining participants are still undecided.”
Matthias Schulmeister, founder of the Schulmeister GroupFind out more about the results of our study here >>
When asked about their motivation for changing jobs, the most common answers were:
- More interesting tasks and responsibilities
- Higher salary and financial incentives
Bad reasons to change jobs: when you should think twice
Besides many good reasons for a career change, there are also some bad ones. If some of the points apply to you, you should reconsider whether this is really an aspect that forces you to change.
First and foremost, this includes frustration. Is a project not going the way you want it to? One or the other colleague is annoying you? Often these are temporary and human factors that shouldn't immediately make you throw in the towel.
The same applies to criticism - whether justified or not. Often, constructive criticism is valuable and gives you the opportunity for self-reflection. It is also clear that if the negative feedback becomes destructive and permanently inappropriate, this is a reason for a change of scenery. By the way: Mistakes happen too. Even with a major faux pas, no one will hold a lasting grudge if you otherwise do your job well. Because you learn from mistakes.
And what about an impossible boss or an unpleasant supervisor? If the fabric within the staff is strong enough, this time too will pass. No reason to give up immediately.
What to Consider When Starting a New Job
Before accepting a new position, take time to evaluate more than just the job title and salary. Look at the company culture, leadership style, development opportunities, team structure, flexibility and long-term prospects.
Prepare questions for the interview and clarify what matters most to you. A job change should not only solve your current frustration – it should bring you closer to the career and work environment you really want.
At the same time, don’t put too much pressure on yourself – no one expects you to perform perfectly during your first week.
Conclusion: Carefully Consider Your Job Change
Changing jobs can be a positive and important career step. It can lead to better opportunities, more responsibility, a healthier work environment or a salary that better reflects your experience.
At the same time, a job change should be well considered. Take time to understand your reasons, evaluate your options and prepare your next step carefully. If you decide to move on, try to avoid common mistakes and maintain a professional relationship with your current employer.
This ensures that you leave on good terms and protect your professional reputation.
FAQ: Should I change my job?
You should consider changing your job if your current role no longer supports your career goals, your salary is clearly below market level, your health is affected by constant stress or you no longer see development opportunities. Before making a decision, check whether the situation can realistically improve through an internal conversation or role adjustment.
It may be time to change jobs when dissatisfaction lasts for several months, your work affects your well-being, you feel underchallenged, your values no longer match the company or there is no realistic opportunity for growth. A single bad week is usually not enough reason to leave, but a long-term pattern should be taken seriously.
Good reasons to change jobs include poor pay, lack of career opportunities, constant stress, poor leadership, lack of appreciation, cultural mismatch, underchallenge or a desire for more responsibility. A job change can also make sense if your current employer cannot offer the development you are looking for.
Bad reasons to change jobs include short-term frustration, one difficult project, temporary conflict with colleagues or discomfort after constructive criticism. These situations may be solvable. Before leaving, ask yourself whether the problem is temporary or part of a deeper long-term pattern.
Yes. Changing careers only because of temporary frustration, pressure from others or unrealistic expectations can be risky. A career change should be based on clear goals, personal interests, transferable skills and realistic expectations. It is better to move towards a well-considered opportunity than simply away from a difficult phase.
People change jobs for many reasons: better salary, more interesting tasks, stronger career opportunities, better leadership, improved work-life balance, a healthier company culture or the desire for a new challenge. In many cases, several reasons come together.
You can start exploring new job opportunities before having another offer, but resigning without a clear next step should be carefully considered. Before leaving, check your financial situation, notice period, job market opportunities and personal stress level. In many cases, it is safer to update your CV, speak with a recruitment agency like Schulmeister and apply for suitable roles while you are still employed.
Explain your reason for changing jobs professionally and positively. Focus on what you are looking for in your next role, such as more responsibility, development opportunities, international exposure or a better fit with your skills. Avoid speaking negatively about your current employer.