The reason you accept a job and the reason you stay in it are not always the same.
For example, I wouldn't advise anyone to take a job just for the money. But if you're already in a role making a certain income, it may be reckless to leave without considering the financial implications.
I've been talking with friends and colleagues who feel stuck in their jobs. They are unhappy, unmotivated, burnt out. But they feel like they can't leave. In many cases, the reason is financial.
Some feel stuck because they are compensated well; changing jobs would likely mean taking a pay cut. Others haven't fully vested for their stock options or 401k employer match. Still others have a pension plan, and more years of service yields a higher retirement income.
These are all valid concerns. But I encourage them to reframe their situation with intentionality:
You are not stuck there. The truth is, you can leave any time. You just haven't chosen to leave. Now that may very well be the wise decision. But recognize that it is a decision, and own it. Things are not just happening to you. You are an active participant in this process.
By choosing not to leave, you are choosing to stay. You are making a conscious decision that, all things considered, the advantages still outweigh the costs. That the tradeoffs of leaving are not worth it at this time. That it's still in your best interests to stay.
It's a matter of priorities. If continuing in your job better aligns with your priorities, then stay the course. But know why you're doing it. Understand your reasons, timelines, and conditions.
I have friends who left lucrative jobs for lower-paying ones - for work-life balance as they start a family, or to do work that's personally meaningful to them. Those were intentional decisions.
I have friends who considered leaving but ended up staying - they addressed the issues with their boss, or they realized this job was indeed their best option. Those were intentional decisions.
And I have friends who plan to stay in the short-term - until they find a remote job with comparable pay, until they are vested for their retirement plan, or until the holidays during which they make the most overtime and tips. These are all intentional decisions.
You can either change your situation or your mindset. Choose to seek out new opportunities, or choose to stay with your current employer. Whatever you decide, do it with intentionality.