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Original poster

Scared of changing job after 8 years

6 replies

Aabbaas · 09/07/2026 17:24

I have been with my current company for 8 years. Had the best time for the first 6.5 years or so and never once thought about leaving (regular promotions and a supportive manager).
Then, my manager left, team was restructured and I was overlooked for a promotion and everything went downhill (well, in my mind it did). I lost motivation. I still love the company and its culture but don’t feel like fighting for a promotion anymore. I am still doing a good job but mainly coasting (get away with it as I know my job and company well). I can see new team members coming from competitors being more valued. I think I just became part of the furniture really.
So I have recently started applying for jobs and to my surprise, I have been immediately invited to 4 interviews with different firms. 3 of them went very well and have progressed me, with one of them now being at final round.
Now that things are looking more real, I feel a bit scared about leaving. 8 years is a long time and this is the main place that shaped who I am professionally but I also made some great friends. I have worked in some horrible organizations before and never want to relive that again.
I also have a 4 year old DD and current job offers me plenty of flexibility. I am conscious that being the new person in an organisation takes a toll on you in terms of workload and mental capacity and also as much as I can ask the question, not sure how flexible these companies will actually be.
Is it normal to get cold feet?

OP posts:
7238SM · 09/07/2026 21:41

You clearly have a great CV and experience to get 4 interviews- well done!

Not exactly the same, but I worked my way up over 8 years in one company. It was a 15min walk from home, I enjoyed the first 6-7yrs too and generally loved the people and work. They restructured several times and amongst many others, my role became redundant. I was gutted and worried about what to do next.

I did temping for a short time, then a job I absolutely hated. Things then improved and I love my current job. Far less stress than the one I was made redundant from.

Change can often be stressful, but can also be so beneficial. Yes it will take a while to settle in your new job, but sometimes we need to take the leap. Wishing you all the best x

Original poster
Aabbaas · 09/07/2026 22:46

7238SM · 09/07/2026 21:41

You clearly have a great CV and experience to get 4 interviews- well done!

Not exactly the same, but I worked my way up over 8 years in one company. It was a 15min walk from home, I enjoyed the first 6-7yrs too and generally loved the people and work. They restructured several times and amongst many others, my role became redundant. I was gutted and worried about what to do next.

I did temping for a short time, then a job I absolutely hated. Things then improved and I love my current job. Far less stress than the one I was made redundant from.

Change can often be stressful, but can also be so beneficial. Yes it will take a while to settle in your new job, but sometimes we need to take the leap. Wishing you all the best x

Thanks so much and glad to hear things are working well for you!

My main worry is the fact that I have DD and having a new job that could be more stressful and demanding and with unknown flexibility could potenially be a big issue in my life. I already feel that sometimes I am mentally tired and only see her in the evenings and it’s as if the thought of starting a new job takes me a bit more far away from her - it’s crazy, I know!

OP posts:
Whenwillheatwaveend · 09/07/2026 23:01

I had a job for 9 years and left 4 years ago, I’m on my 3rd job since while I’ve been essentially figuring out what I actually want to do and work culture I need. I’ve had doubts at times but have no regrets about moving on, by year 7/8 I was starting to forget some of the amazing things we’d achieved in those first 6 years. I could feel myself being one of those colleagues I would hav not wanted to work with when I started and I didn’t want that. I started a new role recently and so far it’s great and very flexible. I think u will be surprised now flexible workplaces are becoming the norm and I don’t think that alone is a reason to stay as there is a good chance of getting that elsewhere

TealQuail · Yesterday 06:51

Change is scary even when it’s good. Almost everyone feels worried about changing job - it’s very common to freak out a bit even if you’re unhappy and need the change. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t change job!

Original poster
Aabbaas · Yesterday 14:59

TealQuail · Yesterday 06:51

Change is scary even when it’s good. Almost everyone feels worried about changing job - it’s very common to freak out a bit even if you’re unhappy and need the change. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t change job!

That’s the downside of staying put for so long. I feel it has made me much less adventurous and adaptable. I had 3 jobs before this (i was more junior and still figuring out what to do) and didn’t think about it much but then my last role before this one was absolutely awful and made me so miserable that I am scarred. I think this time I have additional fear because I am also a mum and do not want to make my life harder and be miserable with a small child

OP posts:
Original poster
Aabbaas · Yesterday 15:02

Whenwillheatwaveend · 09/07/2026 23:01

I had a job for 9 years and left 4 years ago, I’m on my 3rd job since while I’ve been essentially figuring out what I actually want to do and work culture I need. I’ve had doubts at times but have no regrets about moving on, by year 7/8 I was starting to forget some of the amazing things we’d achieved in those first 6 years. I could feel myself being one of those colleagues I would hav not wanted to work with when I started and I didn’t want that. I started a new role recently and so far it’s great and very flexible. I think u will be surprised now flexible workplaces are becoming the norm and I don’t think that alone is a reason to stay as there is a good chance of getting that elsewhere

I really hope so! It worries me that on paper they say they are flexible but then in reality they are not, especially if it’s a younger team or people with no children.
I have a lot of parents in my team currently also working flexi hours so that really helps

OP posts:
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