Yahoo Finance Here's the number one reason people leave their job
Why someone might want to find a new job will depend on the person and on the role itself – but it seems there’s one reason in particular that has people ready to call it quits.
The most common reason why Aussies start job hunting is because they feel bored, according to new data by SEEK.
If that isn’t enough to drive someone out the door, you might have guessed the next reason: changes or restructures to company management.
And if you thought loyalty would count for something, you’d be wrong: more than half of people think that how long they’ve spent in their role doesn’t affect whether or not they start job hunting.
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The dangers of boredom
It makes total sense for people to leave a job if they’re bored, Seek group HR director Kathleen McCudden indicated.
“If you don’t have a sense of passion and drive in your current role, it’s naturally difficult to find the motivation at work each day,” she said.
Boredom at work remains “one of the great untouched challenges”, independent workplace expert Conrad Liveris told Yahoo Finance.
“Most managers haven’t thought about whether a job is interesting or engaging, which is one of the things most of us expect from our work.”
“We are spending more and more time at work but if it isn’t interesting, it is obvious that we will find something more stimulating,” he said.
So what can we do about it? Don’t just up and leave – make the most of it, McCudden advised.
“I would strongly suggest trying to maximise the potential of your role before looking elsewhere,” she said.
“Put your hand up for new challenges and accept opportunities to show your team what you can do. Assess whether your dissatisfaction is coming directly from the job, or whether there are other outside factors contributing.”
But when you’ve tried everything but you’re still unhappy, then it might be time to make the call.
“If dissatisfaction still continues, then perhaps a career change is the best move.”
Young and frustrated
Among young Aussies, the decision to leave a job is primarily driven by lack of career development and progression, with 18-24 year olds tending to leave their jobs before two years is up, according to SEEK data.
Liveris indicated that young people, too, needed to be interested and engaged at work.
“If a job is repetitive or isolating it becomes clear why it would be boring. People are social creatures and we like to try new things.
“Sure, there are always tasks at work that just need to be done, but that has to be spread around, including through management,” he told Yahoo Finance.
“These are the demands I see all the time from younger workers who want something to spark their interest in work.
“One of the reasons we see more people starting their own businesses, becoming independent contractors and the like is because work can often be boring,” he said.
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