If you’re unhappy in your current job, sitting tight and doing nothing might seem like the safe option. No dramatic moves, no awkward conversations, no unsettling job hunts. But here’s the catch: making no decision is a decision. By choosing inaction, you’re actively deciding to keep things exactly as they are. Comfortable, perhaps, but is it getting you closer to where you want to be?

We’ve all been there. The Sunday scaries start creeping in before lunch. Your daily highlight is the moment the kettle boils for a cup of tea. And yet, we stay. Why? Maybe the idea of change feels exhausting. Maybe it’s fear of the unknown. Or maybe it’s simply because, as humans, we’re wired to adapt—even to less-than-ideal situations. (After all, who needs career fulfilment when you’ve got a reliable Wi-Fi connection and free coffee?)

But here’s a question worth pondering: What exactly would need to happen in your current role to make you spring into action? Is it a lack of growth? A toxic environment? The nagging feeling you’re capable of more? Or—equally important—what’s not happening that makes you feel stagnant? No recognition, no development opportunities, no excitement?

And while we’re at it, what are the push and pull factors influencing your decision to stay or leave? Push factors are the things pushing you away from your current role—things like burnout, poor management, or a lack of alignment with your values. Pull factors, on the other hand, are what draw you toward a new opportunity—a more inspiring mission, better growth potential, or simply a fresh challenge. Identifying these can provide clarity on what’s driving your dissatisfaction and what you’re seeking in your next step.

The truth is, the line between “it’s not that bad” and “I can’t do this anymore” is deceptively thin. And while it might feel like you’re waiting for some clear, undeniable sign—a cosmic nudge to pack up your metaphorical desk—life doesn’t always work that way. Often, the signs are quieter. They’re the little tugs at your energy, your enthusiasm, your confidence. And if you’re not careful, they can stretch into years of quiet dissatisfaction. (Pro tip: If you find yourself fantasizing about handing in a resignation letter written in Comic Sans, it might be time to re-evaluate.)

So, let’s reframe this: Instead of waiting for the job equivalent of a fire alarm, how about setting a personal benchmark? For instance, you could ask yourself:

Am I growing here, or just going through the motions?

Does this role align with what I truly value in my career?

If I were offered a similar role elsewhere, would I take it—or run for the hills?

Am I staying out of genuine contentment, or just avoiding discomfort?

Now, I’m not suggesting you hand in your resignation with no plan (unless you really want to, in which case, power to you!). But I am saying that even small steps—updating your CV, reaching out to a mentor, or casually browsing LinkedIn—can feel incredibly empowering. It’s not about jumping ship impulsively; it’s about steering your career with intention, rather than letting it drift.

So, next time you catch yourself lamenting your job but shrugging it off with “what’s the alternative?” remember this: The alternative might just be a role that energises you, challenges you, and makes Monday mornings a little less daunting. But you’ll never know unless you’re willing to explore.

In the end, the biggest risk might not be taking action. It might be staying exactly where you are.