Should You Change Jobs - Insights From a Motivational Speaker

Should You Change Jobs—Or Change How YOU Act First?

We often think of workplace frustration as a sign that it’s time to move on. But what if the real change needed isn’t external, but internal? In a thought-provoking episode of The Accidental Creative podcast, Jennifer Mueller introduces the concept of creative change—a shift in thinking that must happen before behavioral change can follow. This challenges the idea that leaving a job is the best way to escape dissatisfaction. Instead, it suggests that rethinking your approach to work and management might lead to a more fulfilling outcome.

What Is Creative Change?

Mueller defines creative change as “changing how you think before your behavior can follow suit.” Unlike simple behavioral adjustments—such as moving from paper to digital—creative change requires a fundamental shift in mindset. It’s about breaking away from the this is how we’ve always done things mentality.

This idea resonates far beyond corporate settings. Whether in a personal or professional context, change is often resisted because it challenges comfort zones. The question is, are you resisting change in your own career because of ingrained beliefs about work, leadership, and responsibility?

Why Change Feels Risky—For You and Your Boss

One of the biggest takeaways from the episode is the importance of understanding your manager’s perspective. When employees push for change—especially creative, untested ideas—managers often hesitate. Their role is to manage risk, and if an idea doesn’t come with clear, quantifiable success metrics, they may reject it out of caution.

Instead of seeing this resistance as an obstacle, consider it an opportunity. Mueller suggests that if you can anticipate managerial concerns and provide solutions upfront, you’re more likely to get buy-in. Rather than expecting managers to embrace new ideas immediately, help them understand and measure the risks involved.

If you fail to do this, managers may default to rejecting ideas out of fear. They’ll list reasons why something won’t work rather than considering how it could work. By proactively addressing their concerns, you can shift the conversation in your favor.

The Workplace Mindset Trap

Mueller’s insights reminded me of my own experience at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, where I worked as a TV cameraman for 25 years. Among my colleagues, there was a common belief that management was incompetent and that our department was the backbone of the entire operation. We weren’t alone—every department thought the same.

It was a classic example of us vs. them thinking. Managers were the problem. They didn’t understand our work, and they didn’t care about our goals.

But as I matured, I started questioning this belief. I began talking to managers, realizing they were just as human as we were—dealing with pressures, uncertainties, and difficult decisions. They didn’t know everything, nor could they predict every outcome.

This realization changed my entire approach. I stopped waiting for management to magically understand my career aspirations. I started communicating them. And when I did, I found more opportunities aligning with my goals.

Is It Really Your Job That Needs to Change?

If you’re feeling stuck or frustrated at work, ask yourself:

• Have I clearly communicated my goals and ideas, or am I expecting management to read my mind?
• Do I see my manager as an ally or an obstacle?
• Am I pushing for change without helping others understand its value?
• Is my dissatisfaction truly about the job, or about how I engage with it?

Certainly, some workplaces are toxic, and leaving may be the right decision. But in many cases, meaningful change starts with how you show up, communicate, and navigate challenges.

As Mueller puts it, creative change starts with changing how you think. Before making a major career move, consider whether a shift in mindset could be the real key to improving your work life.

Sometimes, the best way forward isn’t about finding a new job—it’s about rethinking how you approach the one you already have.