The grass isn’t greener somewhere else — it’s greener where you water it.

The grass isn’t greener somewhere else — it’s greener where you water it.

This is the time of year when lots of people reflect on their lives, their jobs, their families… and then decide what needs to change.

For some, it stays as a thought.

For others, they follow it up - “someday”

And for some, it’s time to act — usually by jumping onto the job boards.

This post is for that last group.

I often tell my team to re-opt into work. For me, re-opting in is actively choosing to be where you work — not just going because it’s your job and that’s what adulting looks like. I’m lucky. I work for a large multinational, I’ve built a lot of experience, and that gives me options. And yet I still sometimes fall into autopilot and just turn up because it’s what I’ve always done.

Re-opting in means looking at what else exists, and then consciously choosing to stay where you are — with your eyes open to both the good and the not-so-good. I notice the longer someone is at a company, the less they see what’s actually good about it. Challenges become louder than everything else. Often, when people really step back and look properly, they realise: this is actually a pretty good place to be. That mindset shift alone can change how work feels. That’s watering the grass.

Sometimes, though, the opposite happens. You genuinely realise the role or the organisation no longer fits — you’re not growing, your values have shifted, or you simply need change. That’s okay too. It might be time to find a new lawn to water. Both answers are valid. If we genuinely care about our people, we want them either re-opting in — or confidently opting out and finding their next adventure.

Slight tangent, but very relevant if your reflection leaves you opting out.

I spoke to two people last week who were both looking to move roles in the new year. What concerned me wasn’t that they wanted change — it was that they were running away from something rather than running toward something. From a career perspective, that’s a big red flag. It’s also a hiring red flag. I don’t want someone on my team who is there because they didn’t want to be in their last job. I want someone who actively chooses the work, the team, and the opportunity.

Choose paths that lead you toward growth, learning, and impact — not just away from discomfort.

So before you update your résumé, ask yourself:

Are you running toward growth — or away from discomfort?Your next role (and your future team) will feel the difference.