Challenging Your Comfort Zone
It might seem like changing jobs should be more of a relief than a stressful process, but many people are reluctant to part with what’s familiar. After all, you know what to expect in your current job even if you’re bored with it. A new job might seem like a welcome or exciting endeavor, but it brings with it a lot of "what-ifs." What if the new boss is a tyrant? What if people don’t like you or your ideas? What if the company decides to lay off people and the new employees are the first to go? What if you fail? There can be many questions and until you’re comfortably set in your new job, you really can’t be sure of a whole lot.

However, you can be sure that there are legitimate reasons for moving on, and most of the time, switching jobs or careers brings positive results and upward momentum. If you’re unsure of your reasoning for seeking a new job, check out some of the most common reasons people make the leap:

You’re not satisfied
Given the uncertainty, your reasons for moving on should be strong enough to make the stress of the unknown a worthwhile endeavor. In some cases, you may find that staying where you are looks better than you thought, but there are some really good reasons to go out and find a new job, not the least of which is unhappiness with the job you have. Overall job dissatisfaction is the number one reason people leave one job for another, and if your job brings you no satisfaction or leaves you bored out of your mind, then it’s time to move on and find a job that really fulfills you.

You’re a crispy critter
Burnout is a terrible thing! Maybe you’ve been driving the same commute for 20 years and solving the same problems over and over for just as long. Or perhaps you have one of those super-stressful jobs where decisions can mean life or death and, after awhile, you’ve got a little (or a lot) of job-induced traumatic stress. Whatever it is, if you find yourself avoiding work and will take (or make) any excuse not to go, then you need to find a new job.

You’re bumping your head
Forget glass ceiling - how about a concrete one? Opportunities for advancement in your current position are so sparse you don’t ever see yourself getting anywhere. Stop wasting time and move on to something new where your skills and accomplishments will be recognized and rewarded.

Greener pastures
The money factor is a common reason for moving on. We may not like to admit it, but money does matter, especially if you know you’re underpaid for your position, can’t make ends meet on what you’re making, or have financial goals that require a better source of income. Leaving your job for one that pays better is a perfectly legitimate reason to move on to a new job. People do it all the time!