The Great Stay

The great resignation turned into the great stay. Why your best opportunity might be right where you are

Over the past few years, we’ve heard a lot about the Great Resignation — workers quitting en-masse and rethinking their careers. This was a global post-pandemic trend which saw employees leaving their jobs in pursuit of better opportunities, work-life balance, or personal fulfilment.

But now, a new trend is emerging: The Great Stay.

Rather than jumping ship, many professionals are realising that the best opportunities might be right where they are — if they put in the effort to grow, develop, and take control of their financial future and seeking growth and stability from within.

So, before you draft that resignation letter, let’s explore why staying put might be the smartest financial move you can make.

1. The Big Opportunity Is Often Right Where You Are

Changing workplaces might be a bit like changing gyms because you think a different gym will magically make you fit. Spoiler alert: getting and staying fit or healthy still requires the same amount of effort!

In the same way, it’s easy to assume that career growth requires a dramatic change — switching jobs, industries, or even countries. But your current role might hold more potential than you think. Consider:

• Most companies offer internal promotions, professional development programs, and performance-based bonuses. Sometimes these might only be accessible to employees who actively seek them out. In a small business, that might mean chatting with your supervisor, in a larger organisation you should be able to seek these opportunities out with the help of Human Resources (HR) in conjunction with your boss.
• Negotiating a raise or expanding your skill set within your current job can often be more lucrative than starting over elsewhere.
• Employers value loyalty and expertise — sticking around and proving your worth can lead to long-term financial benefits.

2. The Grass Isn’t Always Greener on the Other Side

It’s tempting to believe that a new job will solve all your problems — better pay, better work-life balance, tastier coffee in the break room. But the reality is often different.

• Job-hopping can be risky — new roles come with uncertainty, trial periods, and unexpected challenges.
• Workplace culture matters — a higher salary won’t compensate for a potentially-toxic environment.
• Financial stability is key — switching jobs frequently can disrupt retirement contributions, bonuses, and long-term benefits.

In an earlier article, we’d already highlighted a US study which found 40% of leavers struggled to find a new role, and reported regrets including:

1. Missing former coworkers.
2. Finding a new job wasn’t what they hoped for.
3. Realising their old job was better than they thought. Of those who did land a new job, 42% said it didn't live up to their expectations.

This is supported by another study at the job search site the Muse. This study, of more than 2,500 workers found almost three-quarters of them experienced either “surprise or regret” that the new position or new company they quit their job for turned out to be “very different” from what they were led to believe. About half of these workers said they would try to get their old job back!

Often the grass isn’t greener on the other side of the fence, in fact, the grass is greenest where you water it. Maybe it’s time to water your own lawn.

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• The best New Zealand side hustle ideas

3. The New Zealand Economy Isn’t Great — So Be Careful

Ever since the era of lockdowns, New Zealand’s economy has faced challenges. Making major career moves without careful planning can be risky.

• We live in a time of rapid technological disruption, industries are shifting, and new ones are being created as areas like artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing sweep the globe.
• Headline unemployment rates can be deceptive. For instance, the official data doesn’t show someone as unemployed unless they’re looking for work. This, and other intricacies mean the reported unemployment can be much higher than is reported.
• Inflation and cost-of-living pressures mean financial stability is more important than ever.
• Industries are changing structurally — some sectors are booming, while others are struggling.

Before making a big career change, ask yourself:

1. What do I really hope to achieve?
2. Is this move financially sustainable?
3. Have I explored all growth opportunities in my current role, if so, what about other roles with my current employer?
4. Am I making this decision strategically, rather than emotionally?

Learn more: When to quit your job

What Should You Do Next?

If you’re feeling stuck, don’t make impulsive decisions. Instead:

• Focus on what you can control — your skills, financial planning, and career development.
• If a change is necessary, do it deliberately — consider part-time studies, upskilling, strategic networking, or even a side hustle.
• Take ownership of your financial future — whether you stay or go, make sure it’s a calculated move.

The Bottom Line: The Great Stay

“The lure of the distant and the difficult is deceptive. The great opportunity is where you are.” – John Burroughs

The "Great Stay" isn't about standing still — it's about standing tall. It's the mindset shift from chasing something shiny and new to investing in the richness of where you already are. It’s a quiet kind of confidence that says; I’m building.

Opportunities rarely arrive perfectly wrapped and labelled. More often, they come disguised as extra effort, tougher conversations, or the courage to take ownership in the face of uncertainty. Whether it’s asking for that stretch project, upskilling after hours, or stepping up when no one’s watching — the real career growth happens in those unglamorous moments.

The truth is, the grass may look greener elsewhere, but it still needs mowing. The better bet? Water your own patch. Grow where you’re planted — and when the time is right to move, make it not out of fear or frustration, but from a foundation of strength and purpose.

Because the most powerful advantage you can have in today’s world isn’t a perfect job or perfect timing — it’s a mindset of ownership. The belief that you can shape your path, wherever you are.

That’s the real wealth. And it’s entirely within your control.