I have a direct report that overall does good work. They are responsive, document things well, follows through, is willing to work after hours as necessary for the role, and in general gets things done for the role as it stands today.
The employee has been with the company for 8+ years and 5 years ago switched into their current role. At the time there wasn't much demanded of them and they had a senior coworker they could rely on for help if they needed it. They chose the opportunity because they thought they wanted it at the time.
Fast forward to the last year or so, and the employee is stating they don't like the role anymore and has mentioned multiple times they are considering going elsewhere. They often complain that the company isn't what it used to be, and that they aren't happy. In addition, their skills are more suited for what the role was 5 years ago, not for today or the future. They have stated they don't want to grow in the role either.
I'm torn because I like the person, they have been somewhat of a friend and the team is pretty close knit, and their work in general is good and fills the gaps in some areas of the team. I don't necessarily want to lose them, but I also know the role really requires newer skillsets and a better overall attitude about the workplace going forward. I've asked them about finding a new role within the company but they don't think that's for them either. Do I placate them somehow or just nod my head and leave things as is hoping the situation will work itself out with them? Force things like training or required new skills on them to force them to make a career decision? Something else?