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This [0] is another take on the same research that sums it up better: "If you’re genuinely unsure whether to quit your job or break up, then you probably should

This [0] is another take on the same research that sums it up better: "If you’re genuinely unsure whether to quit your job or break up, then you probably should." I was quite influenced by this post when deciding to switch jobs - in the end I figured that if I couldn't make up my mind then I should go for the change. So far it's worked out, but of course you can't ever go back and know whether you would have been happier staying put. Life isn't a series of randomised trials. I think the fact that you're considering a new job (or a new partner) tells you that at least some part of you wants to make a change though. [0] https://80000hours.org/2018/08/randomised-experiment-if-youre-really-unsure-whether-to-quit-your-job-or-break-up-you-really-probably-should/ https://80000hours.org/2018/08/randomised-experiment-if-your...

paulryanrogers 6y ago
Some may be more prone to thinking the grass is always greener somewhere else. There's a risk if one job or partner hops too often
- cableshaft 6y ago
  And if you've made a commitment to your partner, you probably should try to talk and figure some way to improve things with them first before jumping ship (unless there's some sort of serious abuse going on). Having that talk can be really difficult, though. There are very few jobs where you've made any lasting commitment to nowadays. They can lay you off at the drop of a hat for any reason whatsoever, so you shouldn't give them anything more than a notice of you're leaving out of courtesy.
treeman79 6y ago
Had this happen a few times. Once was a complete regret. Took 3 years to find a decent working situation again. 3 other times I had no regrets and was glad I switched. Keeping my skills marketable is a big part of it.
sytelus 6y ago
I have lived by quote “change is better” and for jobs it has almost always worked out because fortunately there are plenty of equal or better jobs in IT. But I am not sure this would work out for an aeronautical engineer at Boeing in same way, for example, given there are so few well paying jobs in that field. Similarly I am not sure this would work out great if you were thinking about divorce and had kids. In those situations, much more rationalization than simple “always make change” directive is necessary.
- mprovost 6y ago
  Even within a company you may (should) have opportunities to change though. Going into management, or changing projects. Most careers aren't a straight line, there are forks in the road. Sometimes they're presented to you and other times you have to create the opportunity for change yourself.
- ghaff 6y ago
  At least for certain types and locations of tech and given people who are in-demand/interview well/have a good network/etc., the penalty for a "grass is greener" mistake is usually fairly minor. They were unlikely to hang around too long in any case. However, as you say, if changing jobs is going to require moving across the country to maybe one of a handful of companies suitable to your skill set, you should probably be a lot more conservative.
- abraae 6y ago
  I'd say if you have kids and are wondering strongly about divorce, then you definitely should make a change - it just might not be to actually get divorced. Could be counseling, couples therapy, 3 day retreat for self analysis. Small changes before the biggest change.

paulryanrogers 6y ago

Some may be more prone to thinking the grass is always greener somewhere else. There's a risk if one job or partner hops too often

cableshaft 6y ago
And if you've made a commitment to your partner, you probably should try to talk and figure some way to improve things with them first before jumping ship (unless there's some sort of serious abuse going on). Having that talk can be really difficult, though. There are very few jobs where you've made any lasting commitment to nowadays. They can lay you off at the drop of a hat for any reason whatsoever, so you shouldn't give them anything more than a notice of you're leaving out of courtesy.

treeman79 6y ago

Had this happen a few times. Once was a complete regret. Took 3 years to find a decent working situation again. 3 other times I had no regrets and was glad I switched. Keeping my skills marketable is a big part of it.

sytelus 6y ago

I have lived by quote “change is better” and for jobs it has almost always worked out because fortunately there are plenty of equal or better jobs in IT. But I am not sure this would work out for an aeronautical engineer at Boeing in same way, for example, given there are so few well paying jobs in that field. Similarly I am not sure this would work out great if you were thinking about divorce and had kids. In those situations, much more rationalization than simple “always make change” directive is necessary.

mprovost 6y ago
Even within a company you may (should) have opportunities to change though. Going into management, or changing projects. Most careers aren't a straight line, there are forks in the road. Sometimes they're presented to you and other times you have to create the opportunity for change yourself.
ghaff 6y ago
At least for certain types and locations of tech and given people who are in-demand/interview well/have a good network/etc., the penalty for a "grass is greener" mistake is usually fairly minor. They were unlikely to hang around too long in any case. However, as you say, if changing jobs is going to require moving across the country to maybe one of a handful of companies suitable to your skill set, you should probably be a lot more conservative.
abraae 6y ago
I'd say if you have kids and are wondering strongly about divorce, then you definitely should make a change - it just might not be to actually get divorced. Could be counseling, couples therapy, 3 day retreat for self analysis. Small changes before the biggest change.