Never sure how to take these comments from friends?

[BePoliteOpalQuail]

Or how to respond. I've changed jobs and moved house a little more than the average person, but I've had my reasons like living abroad, moving for a payrise etc.
I've bought my first home and been there about 7 months, hoping to stay there long term now. I lived with an ex for 2 years prior to that and in a couple of house shares.

As I say I've changed jobs fairly often but I've worked in the same field for around 11 years, so it's not like a new career every year sort of thing.
Been in my current workplace since September 2023, briefly left and returned now.
Anyway I have two friends and whenever I see them they make comments like "You're always moving house! You're *always doing something different/changing job!"

Not accompanied by any comments positive or otherwise, just a constant need to remind me. Most of my friendship group with the exception of one or two people have stayed in the same company for over a decade, I've accepted that isn't me, and that's ok. We don't all have to be the same.

I felt embarrassed of myself for a bit. Normally just laugh these comments off but they get me down. Is there anything I can do? How should I react? I feel they're putting me down.

I am keen to see how others would respond to this! I have the same problem (though for different things I guess).

I do think it makes the other people sound small-minded and judgmental though.

"Yep, onwards and upwards."

Do you think there may be a little bit of jealousy involved?

I just couldn't give it another thought.

"Yeah, haha!" would probably be my reply 🤷‍♂️

That’s what I’m thinking. Like the op says, the moves have been for a reason, better jobs/pay rise and houses. She’s constantly moving forward in life, I’m wondering if the comments are from people maybe a bit dissatisfied with theirs

I think I would just respond with something along the lines of “yeah, I’m so happy with where I am in life. I love my job & I'm on the property ladder.”

Don't overthink it even if you suspect they are. If they do have an agenda it says more about them than you but it could just be that your life is more comment worthy because it's more interesting.

I'd just dismiss the remarks quite casually and say well I'm a homeowner now so I'll probably stay put for a while.... unless a great opportunity comes up in the Seychelles and then change the subject.

It sounds like just making conversation.
If you're doing it a lot, then they probably ran out of original comments after the first couple.

Yes, this is a useful non-phrase to reply with. I imagine they’re more likely to intend it as a sort of compliment than as a put-down, or they sound sour because your mobility makes them feel very static and staid?

I’m fully in favour of moving on all the time. I’ve had more addresses than I can count in five countries on three continents, and left to myself I’d probably move on every couple of years — I love a new language, a new culture, a new climate etc. But having moved a few times, once internationally, when DS was younger, we’ll stay where we are for another five years, till DS finishes school. Then we’ll definitely move on again.

Just agree? Yeah, I’ve taken lots of opportunities when they came up.

It’s really not a big deal.

I just say we'll it's better to change firms every 3yrs or so to improve skills, network and not stagnate, I find it odd that people stay at the same place, it's like going to the same holiday resort every year - not for me

I used to get comments like this and it was on ME how I took them.

If you look for put downs you will find them.
Love the neutral reply or " yeah I'm a go getter ! "
Don't look for put downs and don't accept them as that or put yourself down.
Their comments are about how they feel not you
Try it -it's so liberating !

Sounds positive to me, you've always a pot on the boil, your hard work and ballsy choices are paying off.

Say ‘change is good for the soul’

The saying "change is good for the soul" suggests that embracing new experiences and stepping outside of one's comfort zone can lead to personal growth and well-being, offering opportunities for discovery and enrichment