The Surprising Reasons Why You Might Resign This Year

Ever noticed that the urge to quit your job doesn’t always come after a bad day at work? New research suggests that career change isn’t just driven by toxic bosses or stagnant pay—it’s often triggered by unexpected moments in your personal life.

Whether you’ve just celebrated a milestone birthday, attended a school reunion, or hit a work anniversary, these “life markers” might be quietly pushing you to reflect—and reassess your professional path.

Life Events That Trigger Job Changes

Research published in the Harvard Business Review and a study by CEB (now Gartner) found that several common events outside the workplace significantly increase the likelihood of job searching:

• Change in manager or job duties: +17% increase in job search activity
• Attending a reunion: +16%
• Birthday milestone: +12%
• Work anniversary: +6–9%

These events often lead to reflection: “Am I where I thought I’d be by now?” or “Am I as successful as my peers?” According to CEB’s Brian Kropp, these moments prompt us to compare our progress and question whether our current job still aligns with our personal goals.

Don’t Panic—Use Milestones to Your Advantage

While a sudden desire to quit may feel impulsive, it can be a valuable motivator for growth. If you’re approaching a milestone birthday, attending a reunion, or realising it’s been five years in the same role, take it as an opportunity to reflect—not just react.

In fact, job mobility can work in your favour. Studies have shown that staying in the same job for too long can hinder your earning potential. On average, employees who switch roles more often build stronger networks, gain broader experience, and earn significantly more over the long term.

So if you’re feeling restless, it may not be burnout—it could be time for your next move.

What to Do If You Feel Like Quitting

Before you hand in your resignation, take a breath—and a strategic approach. Here’s how to channel that “milestone moment” energy into meaningful progress:

• Update your resume and refresh your LinkedIn profile
• Identify what’s missing in your current role (growth? purpose? culture?)
• Explore online courses to upskill or pivot
• Start networking smartly before applying
• Think about what to look for in your next job

And remember—it’s not a failure to move on. It’s growth.