Job changers generally experience a brief increase in satisfaction followed by a five-month dip, after which those with an organization-centered orientation start to see an increase in satisfaction again while those with a self-centered orientation remain at a lower level of satisfaction and have a higher intention to leave the new job.
Researchers also found that happier people in general are more adaptable in their careers and that making a job change voluntarily leads to greater career satisfaction. Essentially, it’s important to manage expectations, focus on nonwork happiness, and take control of career changes before being forced to by external circumstances. Job changes happen frequently, so it’s not as big a deal as many people think.