A few weeks ago, I had coffee with a very talented executive. Let’s call him Kenji. He has a great job, a big salary, and a solid team. But he was unhappy. He felt bored and wanted a new challenge. We talked about some amazing opportunities—roles with more responsibility, new technologies, and a better culture.
He liked the ideas. He was excited. He said, “I want to do this.”
But a few days later, he called me back. He said, “I think I will stay here for now. It feels… safer.”
This is a story I hear all the time. It is not about a lack of courage. It is about how our brains are built. As humans, we want to avoid risk. We want to be safe. And your brain works hard to keep you that way.
The “Comfort Zone” Is a Real Thing
Your brain loves your comfort zone. It’s a place you know well. You know your boss, your colleagues, and your work. You know what problems you will have. Your brain says, “We know this place. We can handle it. Staying here is the best way to be safe.”
The idea of a new job is a risk. You don’t know the new people. You don’t know the new problems. Your brain sees this as a threat. It will try to find reasons for you to stay.
- “What if the new company is not as good?”
- “What if I don’t like my new boss?”
- “It’s too much work to change jobs now.”
- “Maybe my current job will get better.”
These are not always true, but your brain uses them to make you feel afraid of change. This is called “loss aversion.” The possible loss of what you have now feels bigger than the possible gain of something new.
How to Fight Your Brain
So, how can you fight this feeling and make a change?
- Understand Your Brain: First, know that this feeling is normal. It is not a sign that you should stay. It is just your brain trying to protect you. When you feel afraid, say to yourself, “This is just my brain doing its job.”
- Focus on the “Gain”: Your brain worries about what you might lose. You should focus on what you will gain. Make a list of all the good things that a new job will bring: new skills, more money, better people, or a more interesting challenge.
- Start Small: You do not need to quit your job today. You can start with small steps. Talk to a recruiter. Update your resume. Have a few phone calls. This makes the idea of a new job feel less scary. It feels more like a small project.
A new job is not about leaving a bad situation. It is about finding a better one. It is about growth. Your brain wants to keep you safe, but your career needs you to take a risk. Don’t let your brain stop you from finding the job you truly want.
As the famous quote says, “A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” Your career, like a ship, is meant to move, to explore, and to grow.
And remember the words of another great thinker: “The biggest risk is not taking any risk.” In a world that is changing fast, the only way to fail is to stay in the same place.
