Have you heard of the sunk cost fallacy?

The sunk cost fallacy is the idea that because you’ve already invested a significant amount of time, energy, or effort into something, you feel compelled to stick with it, even when it no longer serves you.

In careers, this shows up all the time.

You’ve been with a business for years.
They know you well.
You’ve built strong relationships with your boss and your colleagues.
You’re comfortable.

And because of all that, moving elsewhere feels almost illogical, maybe even “daft”. Why would you walk away from something you’ve invested so much time in just to start again somewhere new?

Let’s Break That Logic Down

If you follow that logic through, you’ll never move jobs.

Every single career move involves a reset to some degree. Wherever you go, you will be the new person. You will spend the first few months learning the culture, understanding the dynamics, and quietly asking yourself, “Have I made the right decision?” That feeling is completely normal.

But if fear of restarting keeps you where you are, the alternative is often far worse.

You risk:

• Plateauing in your role

• Hitting a glass ceiling

• Staying in a business that isn’t growing

• Missing out on faster progression and better opportunities

In some cases, you may even be tying your future to an organisation that won’t exist in five or ten years’ time.

Time Spent Is Not a Reason to Stay

The time you’ve already invested is gone. You can’t get it back, and you don’t need to justify it by staying longer.

The real question is not “How long have I been here?”
It’s “Where is this business taking me next?”

Past investment should never outweigh future opportunity. Staying somewhere purely because it feels familiar is not loyalty, it’s inertia!

Discomfort Is Part of Progress

Yes, moving roles involves discomfort.
Yes, it means stepping out of your comfort zone.

But growth rarely happens without some level of uncertainty. The right opportunity will stretch you, challenge you, and ultimately move your career forward far quicker than staying put out of habit.

Comfort can be the enemy of ambition.

Don’t Let the Sunk Cost Fallacy Dictate Your Career

If you’ve been with a business for a long time and you’re questioning whether it’s still right for you, listen to that instinct. The sunk cost fallacy convinces smart, capable people to stay in situations that no longer align with their goals.

You deserve to be in a role, and a business, that is growing, investing in you, and giving you a clear path forward.

If this is something you’re struggling with, do reach out. Sometimes having an external conversation is all it takes to realise that moving on isn’t a step backwards, it’s the right next step.

You can book a call here.