5 questions to help you decide whether to stay or switch jobs in 2026
Is 2026 the year you plan to make big career moves? Ask yourself these five questions before deciding to stay or switch jobs.
If we think back to some of the biggest workplace trends of 2025, the picture they paint is one of contrasts. On the one hand, it seems as though we’re unhappier in our careers than ever, with 25% employees saying they regularly don’t feel appreciated, according to a new report. On the other hand, a volatile hiring market has meant ‘job hugging’ – holding onto your current roles, even if it’s unfulfilling, instead of taking on new opportunities – is on the rise, too.
So, as we approach the new year and the inevitable allure of a career refresh rears its head, the question that will be on a lot of people’s minds when it comes to work is: should I stay or should I go?
“Deciding whether to stay in your current job or move on to pastures new can be tricky. You may love aspects of your job, but find yourself longing for a change,” says Peter Duris, CEO and co-founder of career platform Kickresume.
“Our latest research, in partnership with career coach Laura Tipping, found that pay, flexibility and values are the three main reasons why most people want to change jobs. If salary or flexibility is a concern, it could be worth having a conversation with your manager in the new year to negotiate these factors.”
5 questions to help you decide whether to stay or switch jobs in 2026
Credit: Adobe
“Where is my energy consistently gained versus drained?”
During a typical working week, note down which tasks get you going and which ones leave you feeling exhausted.
“What’s missing: capacity, credit or compass?”
Is the issue workload, lack of recognition or lack of direction and purpose?
“If leadership changed overnight, would my answer change too?”
Staying suggests a management issue, while leaving means the role itself is the problem.
“If the conditions improved, would the role still feel wrong?”
It could be that you just need upgrades like better pay, more support or flexible working conditions, but alternatively, you might need a more drastic change.
“Is this job investing in the person I’m trying to become?”
Where do you see yourself in a year, and is this role bringing you closer to those goals?
Depending on your answers, Kickresume suggests two approaches. For a pay rise or promotion, put together a round-up of your recent achievements to present to your manager in a meeting. You can always ask your manager for more frequent feedback and confirmation that you’re on track. For those who decide to look for a new role, however, upskilling might be a valuable tool, whether you’d like to remain in the same industry or change direction.
“Negotiating in your current role could make a huge difference. But before making any big decisions, it’s important to think about what you want and if you’d be willing to change jobs because of it,” says Duris. “Ask yourself questions like: ‘Would I still want to leave if I had a better salary?’ ‘Would working flexible hours or remotely make me want to stay?’ Once you’ve decided on which part of your job you may be unhappy with, you could open up a conversation with your manager or HR about adjusting this.”
Images: Adobe
