To think that most people only apply for jobs when things are going badly rather than proactively looking for better opportunities?

[SnugShaker]

It seems like a lot of people only start job hunting when they’re miserable - whether that’s due to a toxic environment, a bad manager or feeling underpaid. But isn’t that the worst time to look? Wouldn’t it be better to apply when you’re in a strong position rather than when you’re desperate to escape? Or is it just human nature to only make a move when things become unbearable?

Push factors are a huge reason why people job hunt - why would you leave a job where you are happy with the work and the overall package? what’s the AIBU?

You could say, why don't more people separate when they are in generally happy relationships because there could be an even better partner for them out there?

Fair point, I guess I meant more AIBU to think it’s a bit short-sighted to only job hunt when things have gone sour. Like, isn’t it better to move towards something rather than always running away? I just wonder if we’d all make better choices if we looked when we’re more stable and less reactive.

I think the majority of people look elsewhere when they are dissatisfied with their job, but not always when they are desperate to leave.

I'm looking for a new job, but my current one is ok, it’s just not working for me at the moment. I don’t hate it though and I will still do it while I’m waiting for something that suits me more.

I see the point you’re making though I’d argue that jobs and relationships aren’t quite the same. Jobs don’t promise lifelong commitment and your career can stagnate if you never look around. I’m not saying jump ship when you’re happy, just that waiting until you’re desperate might not be the smartest approach either.

Moving jobs can be stressful and time consuming. Making a new CV, filling out applications, hunting on job boards, updating your LinkedIn to look good, interviewing etc. Most people don’t want the stress or the hassle if they’re currently happy, and lots of people care more about convenience, comfort and stability than striving for climbing the ladder.

But if you are in a job you like that gives you everything you need why would you leave it?

many people can be satisfied without needing to progress up a chain - which is a good job as there isn’t much room at the top

You actually had this thought OP? Seriously?

I can't imagine giving the job movements of anyone else even vaguely interesting.

I agree that not everyone wants or needs to climb the ladder. I’m more talking about people who aren’t satisfied but still stay put until things become unbearable. I suppose I’m wondering why proactive moves (before things turn toxic) aren’t more common, even if it’s just about changing direction, not necessarily progressing up.

Ah 'To think....' seems a popular first thought lots of poster's coincidentally have

But regardless i am happy in my current ft job so why would I change, I have zero interest in climbing the corporate ladder or braking any glass ceiling or whatever the latest fad term is

When I look back over the last 20 years I dont think i wish I worked more, I find it weirder people give that much thought to other's jobs

Why leave a job that you are happy with? They are hard to come by, I am retired now but have worked in some fulfillling roles with that very rare creature a good manager and never seriously looked for anything else I always kept an eye on what was being advertised in my field but this was out of curiosity rather than active job searching. I have also been in a couple of dysfuntional teams with toxic managers and of course did some serious and dedicated job hunting. When you are fighting back the tears on the way to work then you have to get out.

Wouldn’t it be better to apply when you’re in a strong position

If you’re stuck in a job you hate you’re never going to be in a strong position though. If you’re unhappy in your job eg you have an insufferable manager, you can take back control by looking for something else. I’d say that’s a strong position to be in.

relationships also go the same way, go stale affairs etc

I agree with you that getting to the point of really hating a job and wanting to leave asap isn’t ideal because it can mean you apply for a lot, and jump at the first thing when it’s not suitable, or you could get something better.

But I also agree with people saying why leave a job you’re happy with.

I’m happy at my job. But I also get automatic emails from job sites and recruiters where a job matches the filters I’ve set up. So I’m not actively looking, and would only apply for something that looked really good, but I’m just keeping an eye out.

Keeping an eye on the market is a sensible thing to do, not least because knowing what the standard T&C's are in your industry can help you negotiate within your role.

Actively looking and applying for jobs is time consuming and stressful for most people. I don't think it would be sensible to put yourself through this if you're happy and have a good package at your current job.

I’m happy in my job, but I do keep an eye on the market just in case there’s something out there I fancy giving a try. Honestly though there would need to be some serious pull factors for me to leave a job that suits me well.

Because there is always a risk in changing jobs. If everything is going well, why would you make a sideways move to a position where you have no employment rights for two years and don't know what the colleagues and culture may be like?

Nope. I've had 6 different employers and every single move I made was part of a longer term plan of improvement/development/promotion rather than moving because of workplace problems. In a couple of workplaces where there was internal promotions/diversification opportunities, I stayed for a lot longer and moved internally a few times rather than leaving the firm. I've always had a kind of rule of only staying in a particular role for a maximum of 3/4 years which in my opinion is the kind of optimum time period of learning new skills, gaining experience, before boredom and stagnation sets in. I'd always be getting itchy feet after 2/3 years in the same role and would then start looking around for the next step up, either internally or externally.

It is a massive risk to move jobs. You lose all the goodwill you have, realistically your employment is not as secure in a probation period, the person who seemed OK in interview could be a nightmare.

I like my job, I like my boss and it is logistically convenient. Moving would be madness

your career can stagnate if you never look

Lots of people just work to live, they are not constantly chasing progression/more. I am in a decently paid job that affords me a good lifestyle, its not stressful and I enjoy it.

If i was especially ambitious i could/should look to the next level but I'm not bothered? I am happier having the headspace to give my family some attention, i don't want a challenge.

But you're making a massive assumption that everyone's ultimate aim is to actually move forward. It sounds like you're talking about looking for a better job, in which better means status, salary or promotion. Lots of people find ambition stressful, and are content to just cruise along not actually trying to improve their status at work. Or just to get really really good at what they currently do so it's not taxing then every day. To some people better just means different because Mary in admin* has become too much to cope with. If Mary in admin wasn't an issue then they wouldn't ever want to move forward regardless.

I tried higher paid roles and HATED the responsibility. I went back to basic grade 10 years ago and I've been so much more happier. I've now decided to move to an unqualified role for about half the pay where I can be home in 15 minutes rather than 55 minutes**.

*any resemblance to any person, living or dead, is coincidental. Honest guv.

** and don't have to work with Mary from admin

Of course. Most of us are far too exhausted to even quickly look at job vacancies online, let alone the effort in applying!

I understand where.youre coming from, but there's something to be said for contentment.

I've left jobs that were good enough but not perfect. One in particular I deeply regret to this day. It's always a big gamble stepping into a new situation, and it may be best to make sure you aren't stepping out of a good one.

Right now, could I be making more money elsewhere? Absolutely. Will that someday lead to a transition? Possibly. But for now? My boss is most reasonable. I make a decent wage. They are flexible around my medical issues. The work is always doable and often enjoyable. My colleagues are mostly all right. It's a five minute commute. All of this matters.

I’ve just landed a new job - total effort approx 7 days full time work (3 interview stages, I spent 5 solid days preparing my presentation for last stage). Most people don’t have/want to spend that time!

Then there is the risk of moving, losing rights in 1st 2 years, and many places prefer to promote internal candidates

I moved a lot to progress in my 20s & 30s (every 3-4 years): with current economy I don’t think the opportunities are there as much