If you’ve handed in a two-week notice, you’ve probably heard:

“Just remember! The grass isn’t always greener!”

They’re mostly right. Here’s what “greener grass” really means when you’re thinking about a new job:

• 50%: Same Shade of Green – Half the time, the new job is pretty much the same as the old one. The work, the people, the pay—it’s all about the same. The only changes are the company’s name and maybe the location.
• 30%: Light Brown – In 30% of cases, the new job is worse, like dead grass. HR might think this happens more often, but it’s still enough to make you think twice.
• 10%: Bright Green – There’s a 10% chance the new job is fantastic, like a dream come true. Everything is better, and you’re super happy with your decision.
• 10%: Artificial Turf – For the remaining 10%, the new job isn’t what you expected at all. It’s like moving to a place where grass doesn’t grow, and they’ve put in fake grass or rocks instead. It’s not worse, but it’s definitely different from what you thought it would be.

Why Do We Think Moving is Better?

1. Recruiters who are good at their jobs – Recruiters and hiring managers often make the new job sound amazing, like you’re moving from a boring place to somewhere incredible. It’s easy to believe their pitch.
2. The unknown seems better – We often think the unknown is better than what we have. This happens with jobs, relationships, and even choosing a table at a restaurant.
3. Grass is Always Greener Syndrome – We tend to think others have it better. If you’re eager to leave your job, yet others are eager to get it, what does that mean? It’s unlikely that you’re the only one who’s right. The truth is usually somewhere in the middle.

People often say young workers like to change jobs a lot and don’t have loyalty. The truth is they might just not know the realities of job changes. Everyone likes switching jobs until it goes wrong, and they end up leaving something good for something bad.

Once you’ve experienced a bad job change, you’re less likely to switch jobs again, even if your current one isn’t great. Don’t underestimate your current job. It’s probably better than you think, and the new one might not be as good as it sounds. It’s not exciting, but it’s reality.