Changing jobs with regrets: How to find new satisfaction!

Changing jobs with regrets: How to find new satisfaction!

The decision to change jobs can often come with high expectations, but a recent survey by YouGov commissioned by Monster shows that around 32 percent of respondents feel regret about their move. In particular, the discrepancy between the expectations of the new role and reality is one of the most common causes of dissatisfaction. The corporate culture, the management level and the colleagues also play a decisive role in well-being in the new working environment.

Expert Stefanie Bickert has some advice that can help overcome dissatisfaction. First of all, she recommends giving your new job enough time. The first two weeks are often difficult as adjustment stress occurs. As a rule, a trial period of three to six months makes sense in order to get a realistic picture of the new situation.

Avoid looking back at old jobs

Bickert also warns against idealizing your old job. When new impressions come together with uncertainties, the picture can become severely distorted. She therefore advises comparing both positions based on specific criteria. A proactive approach also includes actively improving your own situation, for example through an open conversation with your manager or building relationships in the team. Keeping a change diary can also be helpful for monitoring your energy levels and mood.

Another important point are the warning signs that can indicate dissatisfaction, such as permanent exhaustion or physical symptoms. In such cases, you should critically question the causes of dissatisfaction and weigh up alternatives. An internal change within the company or even a return to the old employer can be options, but they should be carefully considered.

The benefits of changing jobs

Despite the challenges, research shows that in many cases changing jobs leads to higher levels of satisfaction. People who change jobs report an average increase in their satisfaction of 1.1 points on a scale of 0 to 10. In contrast, employees who do not change lose a minimum of 0.2 points in their satisfaction over the same period. The feeling of well-being in a new job is less related to salary increases, which often have only a small influence on satisfaction. Rather, it is new tasks and the relationship with new managers and colleagues that are crucial.

Labor market expert Roman Wink emphasizes that although higher income is important, feeling good at work plays a crucial role in employee retention. For many employees, the social and emotional aspects of a job are more important than material incentives.

Overall, it shows that a job change should be carefully considered, as initial enthusiasm can also turn into disappointment. However, with the advice of experts like Bickert and the findings of the Bertelsmann Foundation, employees can better understand what steps they can take to increase their job satisfaction in the long term and find out whether a change was actually the right decision.

Further information is available at South German newspaper and the Bertelsmann Foundation.