New job, new me - every second employee across ^Germany1 is attracted by the opportunity to leave their old job behind and make a fresh start with a different employer. This trend is on the rise, especially among the younger generation. Changing jobs is part of our fast-paced world. But then comes the doubt. Is the new job the right one? Are the new tasks too challenging? What is certain is that the decision to take a new job is always associated with consequences - whether positive or negative. That's why many people ask themselves the question: should I change jobs or not?

No fear of a new beginning

Frequent job changes are not uncommon in the modern job market - the phenomenon is known as job hopping. On average, employees in Germany change employers every four years^.2 Almost 62% of participants in a survey conducted by the career portal Stepstone stated that poor pay was a reason for changing jobs. For around 54%, a poor working atmosphere would be a reason for leaving. ³

But everything is new in the new job - the colleagues, the boss, the internal structures and the work content. Newcomers want to prove themselves and make a positive impression on their new employer and their new team. The associated pressure can quickly become overwhelming and many job changers are afraid of making mistakes and failing. New tasks seem too demanding and you don't really fit into the team - all this and more worries many new employees.

In a situation like this, you should remember that you have been offered the job for a reason: the company sees added value in the new employee and the knowledge they bring with them. A pinch of self-confidence makes the difficult start easier and can help you make new contacts and position yourself within the company.

Another problem for many: their own CV. Frequent job changes often cause potential employers to have doubts - or so it is assumed. However, 15% of specialist staff usually change jobs after just one year. ⁴

Advantages of changing jobs

If employees remain in jobs in which they are not happy, this not only affects them, but also their employer. 14% of German employees state that they have already resigned internally and feel no loyalty to the company. ⁵ This is associated with immense costs: in 2018, the total economic costs due to internal resignation amounted to between 77 and 103 billion euros. ⁶

A successful start to your new job

A proper resignation and professional off-boarding lay the foundation for a successful start in the new job - not only to secure positive references. Authenticity and a convincing introduction on the first day of work can also make the difference between initial successes and failures in the team - asking questions and requesting feedback are part of this.

Conclusion

If you feel underchallenged in your job, don't see any opportunities for advancement or your health is deteriorating because of your work, you should reorient yourself. A change of scenery at work can also have a positive effect on motivation and commitment in your private life. Colleagues are also important: if there was an oppressive working atmosphere at the last employer, a new working atmosphere will benefit the newcomer. For the majority of employees, it is not only an attractive salary but also team spirit that is decisive. ⁷Better promotion prospects and a higher salary ^alsospeak in favor of a job change - according to Forbes, employees who change jobs less than every two years earn half as much. ⁸ So it literally pays to change jobs when the opportunity arises.