Have you ever stayed in a job situation you knew wasn’t right for you, just because it was easier? Even if it was soul-sucking, it was just easier to stay than to do the entire ‘process’ that you figured leaving would require.

Because you know what you’re doing and don’t have to really stress too much about it or think too much about it and just don’t have the time or the energy or the inclination to make the change. Or you don’t want to ask for that promotion or do the extra work it may take to get that promotion or have an uncomfortable conversation or look for a new job.

But have you ever considered what staying in that place for too long may be costing you?

Lots of stuff. Maybe the skills and experience that you could be getting somewhere else. Maybe how you are perceived at work when you are basically ‘phoning it in’ because you are unfulfilled. Maybe your own self-esteem, because you know you are meant for more but aren’t going after it.

And, what about money?

How much money are you leaving on the table staying where you are?

Because your salary likely isn’t going to change significantly unless you either are asking for it to change or you are getting a promotion where there’s a salary increase attached to it or you’re going to a new job.

And avoiding taking the next steps because it’s uncomfortable or because you don’t know how to do it or because you’re afraid that by doing it you’ll look a certain way to certain people…

It could be the equivalent of leaving thousands of dollars on the table.

And while ‘money’ isn’t everything. Food, clothing, and mortgage payments are everything. And college tuition is everything. And so is being able to take the occasional vacation, or simply just being valued for all that you do.

I know it sometimes seems easier to just stay where you are and keep going as you’re going. But often, the uncomfortable conversation or the extra effort you need to put into making a change is nothing compared to what you are giving up by staying.

Think about it.