5 common barriers to changing jobs, and how to overcome them

Making a career move should feel like an exciting opportunity to grow. But let’s be honest, for many people, the idea of changing jobs triggers more stress than excitement. Sound familiar?

You’re not alone. While the What Workers Want 2025 survey shows that 39% of UK employees are likely to look for a new role within the next 12 months, far fewer actually do. So, what’s holding people back?

If you've found yourself stuck in the “should I stay or should I go” loop, here are five of the most common barriers to changing jobs, and what you can do to move past them with confidence.

1. Fear of the unknown

What it looks like:
“I know this job isn’t right for me anymore, but what if the next one is worse?”
“Things might improve here eventually… right?”

Fear of the unknown is one of the most common reasons people stay in roles that no longer serve them. When you're facing a choice between a predictable (but unfulfilling) job and the uncertainty of job hunting, it's easy to stay put.

What to do instead:
Remind yourself that uncertainty doesn’t equal danger. It equals opportunity. The key to overcoming job change anxiety is to control what you can control: your preparation.

Start by mapping out your must-haves and dealbreakers in a new role. Then, do your research into the industry and the opportunities available to you. This will create realistic picture of the market, salary expectations, and what’s out there, replacing fear with facts.

2. Imposter syndrome

What it looks like:
“I don’t think I’m qualified enough for anything better.”
“Other people have stronger CVs than I do.”
“What if I fail in a new role?”

Whether you’re early in your career or a seasoned pro, that little voice of doubt can sabotage your next move. And during a job search, it tends to shout a little louder.

What to do instead:
Start with a skills audit. Write down your key achievements, wins, and skills from the last 12–18 months. Be specific. Think: “Improved team efficiency by 30%” or “Delivered a £500K project under budget”.

You’ll quickly realise that you’ve achieved more than you’re giving yourself credit for. Translate those skills into a compelling CV and interview pitch, even for roles you might think are out of reach.

Remember: self-awareness is a strength, not a weakness. Don’t let it become self-sabotage.

3. Comfort and routine

What it looks like:
“My job is okay, not great, but okay.”
“I know the people, I know the systems, and I don’t hate Mondays.”
“I’m just coasting, is that so bad?”

When you’ve been in a role for a while, even a stagnant one, routine can start to feel like safety. The trouble is that comfort rarely leads to growth. Before you know it, five years have passed, and your career has stalled.

What to do instead:
Ask yourself: Am I still learning here? Am I still progressing? Am I proud of the work I do?

If the answer is “not really,” it might be time to disrupt the comfort zone. Change doesn’t have to mean chaos.

4. Financial worries

What it looks like:
“I can’t risk a lower salary, even short-term.”
“What if the new company doesn’t offer the same benefits?”
“I need to be 100% sure it’s worth it.”

Money matters. And for many professionals, it’s the number one reason they hesitate to explore new opportunities, even if the current job is draining.

What to do instead:
Here’s the thing: changing jobs is often the most effective way to increase your earning potential. Many candidates see a 10–20% salary uplift when they move. But it’s not just about the number on the payslip, think wider benefits, flexibility, progression, and long-term earning growth.

Before making any decisions, use salary guides to benchmark your current salary against market rates and help you understand what “good” really looks like in your industry right now.

Financial anxiety is real, but informed decisions can help ease the stress and drive direction.

5. Not knowing where to start

What it looks like:
“I haven’t updated my CV in years.”
“I don’t have time to job hunt.”
“I wouldn’t even know where to begin.”

You know you need a change, but between work, responsibilities, and maintaining a social life, job hunting falls to the bottom of the list. That overwhelm can lead to procrastination… which leads to staying stuck.

What to do instead:
You don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to a recruiter who specialises in your field, they’ll do the heavy lifting, from CV feedback to interview coaching to job matching.

Think of them as your personal job-change co-pilot. All you need to do is take the first step.

The case for courage

Changing jobs isn’t just a transaction, it’s a transformation. And like any big life move, it comes with emotions: fear, doubt, hope, excitement, and maybe a touch of panic. That’s normal.

But if your gut is telling you you’re not where you’re meant to be, trust it. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to take that leap.

Whether you’re actively exploring or just curious about what else is out there, the first step is simply starting the conversation. You don’t need all the answers, just a willingness to ask better questions.

Ready to make a move?

At Search, we help professionals like you take the stress out of job searching and replace it with smart, strategic career moves. Whether you’re ready to go now or just want some no-pressure career change advice, we’re here to help.

Contact us for a confidential chat
Read our blog: Standing out in interviews starts with self-belief: 6 confidence-building tools
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