When you're feeling stuck, undervalued, or simply bored in your current role, the idea of a new job can be incredibly appealing — especially if the offer comes with a salary bump, a shinier title, or a promise of a “better culture.”
But here’s the truth that doesn’t always get said out loud: not every job offer is the right move, and not every frustration justifies a resignation.
Before you hand in your notice, take a breath. Think strategically. Here’s how to work out whether you truly want the job.
This is the first, and most important, question to ask yourself.
Running from: You're overwhelmed, overworked, underpaid, or burned out.
Running toward: You’re excited about a new challenge, learning opportunity, or cultural fit.
Resigning simply to escape a bad situation may lead you to a different version of the same problem. It’s important to ensure that your next step focuses on progress rather than just seeking relief. While there are times when you will feel the urge to leave a difficult boss, an unpleasant situation, or seek a different experience, it’s important to do your due diligence.
Every job change is, on some level, a problem-solving exercise. But it’s worth being honest: what specific issue are you hoping the new role will fix?
Better work-life balance?
More interesting clients or projects?
A clearer path to promotion?
Healthier culture or management?
If the job offer doesn’t directly solve your core frustration, pause. You might be chasing a surface-level fix to a deeper dissatisfaction.
A job description and an interview only tell part of the story. Before you resign, ask yourself:
What does a typical day actually look like?
What happened to the person who had the role before?
Is the company growing, stable, or firefighting?
What are the team dynamics really like?
Better yet: ask these questions during the interview process. You’re not just trying to get the job — you’re trying to assess it.
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of being wanted. But:
A higher salary doesn’t equal a better role.
A job title bump doesn’t guarantee meaningful work.
Leaving just because “you should be moving on by now” is not a strategy
Before you resign, consider whether you've tried:
Asking for internal moves or secondments
Requesting more flexible hours or a different workload balance
Having a frank career conversation with your manager
Sometimes, the role you want is already available — it just hasn’t been offered yet because you haven’t asked.
Project yourself a year into the future in this new role:
What skills will you have gained?
How will your career trajectory look?
What kind of projects will you be working on?
If you can clearly visualise progress, and it aligns with your long-term goals — go for it.
If the answer feels vague, hesitant, or sideways — hold off. Clarity is key before commitment.
Changing jobs can be energising, empowering, and exactly what your career needs. But resigning without reflection can undo progress, erode confidence, and waste time — yours and your new employer’s.
So before you walk away, be sure you're walking toward something better.
Take your time. Ask the hard questions. Back yourself — but only after you’ve been honest with yourself.
Sometimes a quick chat with a recruiter who understands the market — and isn’t just trying to push a role — can help you gain clarity. We're always happy to talk things through, even if the outcome is staying put.
No pressure. Just perspective.
