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Changing jobs ranks as one of the most stressful life events that people go through, and most of us will change jobs four to seven times during our lives. So, even if you've been down this road before, you want to be sure the time is right before you make the leap. After all, if it's going to be a life-changing, stressful event, you want it to be worth the effort, right?

Challenging Your Comfort Zone

It might seem like changing jobs should be more of a relief than a stressful process, but many people are reluctant to part with what's familiar. After all, you know what to expect in your current job even if you're bored with it. A new job might seem like a welcome or exciting endeavor, but it brings with it a lot of "what-ifs." What if the new boss is a tyrant? What if people don't like you or your ideas? What if the company decides to lay off people and the new employees are the first to go? What if you fail? There can be many questions and until you're comfortably set in your new job, you really can't be sure of a whole lot.

However, you can be sure that there are legitimate reasons for moving on, and most of the time, switching jobs or careers brings positive results and upward momentum. If you're unsure of your reasoning for seeking a new job, check out some of the most common reasons people make the leap:

You're not satisfied

Given the uncertainty, your reasons for moving on should be strong enough to make the stress of the unknown a worthwhile endeavor. In some cases, you may find that staying where you are looks better than you thought, but there are some really good reasons to go out and find a new job, not the least of which is unhappiness with the job you have. Overall job dissatisfaction is the number one reason people leave one job for another, and if your job brings you no satisfaction or leaves you bored out of your mind, then it's time to move on and find a job that really fulfills you.

You're a crispy critter

Burnout is a terrible thing! Maybe you've been driving the same commute for 20 years and solving the same problems over and over for just as long. Or perhaps you have one of those super-stressful jobs where decisions can mean life or death and, after awhile, you've got a little (or a lot) of job-induced traumatic stress. Whatever it is, if you find yourself avoiding work and will take (or make) any excuse not to go, then you need to find a new job.

You're bumping your head

Forget glass ceiling - how about a concrete one? Opportunities for advancement in your current position are so sparse you don't ever see yourself getting anywhere. Stop wasting time and move on to something new where your skills and accomplishments will be recognized and rewarded.

Greener pastures

The money factor is a common reason for moving on. We may not like to admit it, but money does matter, especially if you know you're underpaid for your position, can't make ends meet on what you're making, or have financial goals that require a better source of income. Leaving your job for one that pays better is a perfectly legitimate reason to move on to a new job. People do it all the time!

Itchy fingers

Perhaps you are someone who's always looking for new challenges. There may not actually be anything wrong with the job you have - you do it well and everyone loves you for it - but if you're not feeling challenged and are itching to do something new, look for other opportunities to put your skills to work for someone else.

Be a Cautious Risk-Taker

Even if you've got a good reason for moving on, don't jump on the first thing that comes your way. A good job search will reveal more than one opportunity and you should weigh the pros and cons of each one you encounter. Try to find out as much as you can about potential new positions, as you don't want to change one set of problems for another. Sure, every job will have its quirks, but don't jump at the first thing that comes your way. That first offer may ultimately end up being the direction you head in, but try to get a few items on your plate before making a decision. Caution is important when you're deciding your future.

On the other hand, don't let caution and fear of change hold you back. Longing for a new job won't matter if you find fault in each potential opportunity. Yes, you could fail or get a horrible boss, but you could also risk wilting away in your old job. If you fear losing a new job to corporate maneuverings and lack of job security, look at it this way - you could lose your current job unexpectedly as well. The point is, there are always risks and uncertainties, but taking risks sometimes brings the greatest rewards.