We live in a world of constant change, especially in the workplace. Gone are the days in which employees were rewarded for loyalty. It is the now the norm for people to change companies every three years or so.

But what motivates this movement? And how does it affect you?

What are some of the reasons you may leave your current job? They may be personal or professional, and oftentimes, several factors come into play.

* Career growth

Career growth is a key motivator to leave one job for another. No matter how well you perform in your current role, the best way to get a really substantial pay raise and increased responsibilities is likely to change companies.

This fact of life can be a tough one, especially if you like where you work, but consistently find that you are not getting the pay increases you think you deserve. Leaving may be your only option.

* Change in career path

Another reason to leave a job is to pursue a different line of work altogether. You probably have a friend or neighbor who worked long hours in corporate America
for many years, and then decided that their call to life was not to be an accountant.

Oftentimes, people who reach this decision may be willing to take a cut in pay to pursue a job they may enjoy more, such as working at the local flower shop. If you are looking to completely change course with your career, you need to carefully review the pros and cons of making such a drastic move, though.

* Pursuit of more education or advanced degree

You may leave your job to go back to school full time or to pursue an MBA. You may have a leg up on some of the other students as you will have work experience.

* Less stress or travel

You may leave your job for one that is less stressful or requires less travel. If you are on the road a lot with a job, you may long for less time at the airports and in hotels. What may have seemed adventurous in your twenties has become grueling and overbearing in your thirties.

* Various personal reasons

Other personal reasons can lead you to change jobs. You may want to move closer to home to be near aging parents; you may want to take on a larger city. A new job may offer a shorter daily commute, which could be very attractive with the current high gasoline prices.

You may feel an overall sense of dissatisfaction or boredom. Sometimes change is just what you need, especially in your career path. If you are no longer stimulated at your job, it may be time to move elsewhere to get re-energized.

A final personal reason you may leave your job is that you are in an unbearable work situation. If you have an abusive boss or are suffering mental or physical duress at work, it would be wise to find a more positive situation. And, of course if you feel that you are working in an unethical place, you should certainly explore other options.

There are countless reasons to leave a current job. Be careful, though, when making a decision along these lines because sometimes the grass is not greener on the other side. However, in many cases, leaving a job can be the best decision you have ever made.

Learn more about this author, Ann E. Smith.
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