Let’s face it: in today’s world, changing jobs is a normal part of a successful career. But if it’s so normal, why does it feel so hard? For many people, the idea of leaving their current role brings a heavy feeling. It’s not just about a new company; it’s about a deep psychological battle. As the CEO of Morunda, I see this all the time with top executives. They are highly successful people, but they get stuck.
This feeling of being stuck is often caused by two powerful ideas in our minds. Understanding them is the first step to breaking free.
The Familiarity Bias
Your brain loves things that are familiar. This is a survival instinct. In the past, what was familiar was safe, and what was new could be dangerous. Today, this instinct still exists.
Your current job, even with its problems, is predictable. You know the people, the rules, and the daily tasks. Your brain has created a mental map of this world. It knows what to do and how to act. This makes you feel comfortable and secure.
A new job is unpredictable. It’s an unknown. Your brain sees this as a threat. It will try to keep you in the familiar, “safe” place. This is why you hear thoughts like, “What if the new company culture is bad?” or “It’s better to deal with problems I know than to face new ones I don’t.” This is your brain’s way of holding on to the familiar, even when it’s not good for your growth.
The Sunk Cost Fallacy
The second reason is what economists call the sunk cost fallacy. This is the idea that you should continue to do something because you have already invested time, effort, or money in it.
Think about the years you have spent at your company. You have given your time and energy. You have built a network. You have a good title. Your brain tells you, “I have put so much into this job. It would be a waste to leave now.”
This feeling is a trick. The time and energy you have already spent are gone. You cannot get them back. They are “sunk costs.” They should not be part of your decision about the future. The smart way to think is, “What is the best choice for me now?” You should not stay in a job simply because you have been there for a long time. The only thing that matters is your future and your professional growth.
Breaking free from “stuck” means seeing your career not as a comfortable place but as a journey. It requires you to step back and think logically about what is best for you, not what your brain’s old habits are telling you.
