“I Seem To Be the Only One Changing Jobs So Often”

Hi,

I’ve been at a job for the past two years, and another for two years before that… and another for two years before that. Once again, I’m starting to get that familiar itch and feeling really uncomfortable in my current position. This time, though, I’m realizing that maybe the problem is me. The first two times I switched jobs, I was sure the work was the source of my dissatisfaction, but looking around at my colleagues, I seem to be the only one jumping around so often. My jobs have all been in the same field, but in different positions. Is there any way to determine what’s going on? I know this doesn’t seem normal, but I don’t know why I’m feeling this way!

—Unhappy Job Hopper

Great question! I’ve got two guesses, and I hope at least one of them may give you some insight into how you’re feeling at work.

Assuming you chose the field you’re in with good reason, you may be experiencing either an “Idea Flow Mismatch,” or a series of “Post-Honeymoon Phase” episodes.

You know how some people talk a mile a minute, with ideas spilling out like a burst piñata, while others are more measured and reserved? What you’re seeing there is called “rate of idea” flow. It’s something that can actually be scientifically measured through aptitude testing, and one of the things it can tell us is how quickly we bore of repetitive tasks. Some people love the comfort of repetition and the ability to focus and excel at a particular task, and others need constant mental movement to feel satisfied. It sounds like your job may be a mismatch with your rate-of-idea flow.

I’ve noticed a pattern with clients who have a very high rate-of-idea flow, coupled with good problem-solving skills. They’re usually thrilled at the start of a new job, but get bored by the end of year one. By year two they feel completely stagnant, and only stay because it seems like the right thing to do. Ultimately, boredom wins and they look for a new job.