Job-Hopping Good or Bad for Your Career
Thinking about changing jobs? You're not alone. There is a high number of people leaving their jobs after the COVID-19 pandemic, commonly referred to as the Great Resignation. According to Microsoft’s 2021 Work Trend Index, 41 per cent of people are likely to consider leaving their jobs within the next year.
Job-hopping is the term used to describe the act of moving from one job to another relatively frequently. Generally spending less than two years in a position at a company at a time. And while job-hopping was once frowned upon, it's now becoming more and more common - especially among millennials.
Are you a job-hopper and has this proven to have good or bad impact on your career?
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Job-Hopping for Better Salary and Compensation
Job-hopping can be a great career strategy for those looking to maximize their salary and compensation. By moving from job to job, you can increase your earning potential and learn new skills that can make you more marketable. When you stay in your present role with your exisitg employer the earning potential per year is limited to a small percentage increase, while job hopping can lead to a much larger salary jump.
Additionally, job-hopping can help you stay current in your field and keep your resume fresh. Changing jobs allows you to explore different career options and find the best fit for you. It also helps you build your resume and network, which can lead to better job opportunities in the future.
By being able to successfully job-hop, you can show potential employers that you are in high demand and that they will need to offer you a competitive salary if they want to hire you. Additionally, by having a range of different types of jobs on your CV, you can show potential employers that you are a versatile and adaptable worker, which can make you even more attractive to hiring managers.
Of course, there are risks associated with job-hopping, and it’s not the right strategy for everyone. But if you’re looking to make more money and advance your career, it can be a great option.
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When Job-Hopping is a Bad Idea
There are also times when job-hopping can be a bad idea. If you are constantly changing jobs, potential employers may think that you are not reliable or committed.
Companies often avoid job-hoppers because hiring and onboarding new employees is expensive. From time spent interviewing to training and onboarding, adding a new employee takes up a significant amount of both company money and time. Why go through all that effort to replace someone in six months or a year? Hiring managers are eager for candidates who have the necessary skills and background and will stay in positions for a significant amount of time.
Since it takes the average employee six months before they’re fully trained in a position, hiring managers need to know you’re going to be around longer than another few months before you move on to something new. One thing hiring managers look for is patterns. A good pattern is someone who's been promoted at every company. Not so great? Regularly changing jobs yearly.
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How to Decide if Job-Hopping is Right for You
If you are thinking about changing job again after a short period of time, there are a few things you should consider before making a decision. First, think about why you are considering changing jobs. Are you looking for a higher salary or more opportunities. Or why are you unhappy with your current job? Do you feel like you are not progressing in your career? The answer to these questions should have a big impact on your next career move.
Doing what you are passionate about will make job-hopping a lot easier. You are more likely to succeed in your career if you enjoy what you do. If you can find a job that you are passionate about, it will be easier to stay motivated and committed, even when the going gets tough. Additionally, when you love your job, it is less likely that you will feel the need to job-hop in search of something better.
Pro's and Con's of Job-Hopping
Some people believe that job-hopping is bad for your career, as it can make you appear unreliable or flaky. However, there are also many who believe that job-hopping can actually be a good thing, as it can give you exposure to new industries and opportunities. Job-hopping can be an easy path to a higher salary. And while it’s true that a new position can bring about better compensation, money by itself isn’t a reason to keep changing jobs.
Here's a closer look at the pros and cons of job-hopping:
Pros of Job-Hopping
1. Broaden your skillset
2. Gain new experiences
3. Building new relationships
4. Find new challenges
5. Earn more money
Cons of Job-Hopping
1. May be viewed as unprofessional
2. Can make it difficult to advance in your career
3. May disrupt your work-life balance
4. Can be stressful and challenging
5. May lead to job insecurity
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Tips for Changing Jobs Without Hurting Your Career
The decision to job-hop or stay put in your career is a personal one, and there is no right or wrong answer. Ultimately, you should do what feels right for you and what you think will help you achieve your goals. If you are considering changing jobs, here are a few tips.
Have the right intention
After you’ve decided that job-hopping is the right path for you, do so with intention by asking yourself if the next job a good match for me? Don’t change jobs only for a bigger salary or better title. Make sure you’re moving up the career ladder or that this new role is substantially different from your old roles. Or, make sure that you’ll learn new skills and gain new experiences.
Be prepared to explain
Be prepared to explain to hiring managers why you've changed jobs so frequently. You’ll need logical reasons why you left each position. Prepare some solid, professional reasons that not only backup your job-hopping, but explain how your diverse experiences will benefit the employer.
Be Truthful on Your CV
Leaving unexplained gaps or a fuzzy employment timeline on your CV can be a risky move, not to mention dishonest. Be clear, concise, and honest while highlighting your diverse skill set.
Evaluate Your Job-Hopping
Periodically, make sure job-hopping is still benefiting you. Evaluate the potential gains and losses before you take another job and review your CV once or twice a year to see if job-hopping is still the right path.
Whether job-hopping is good or bad for your career depends on your individual situation. If you are considering changing jobs, be sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.
So, is job-hopping good or bad for your career? Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer. It really depends on your individual situation and goals. If you are looking for stability and long-term growth potential, then staying with one company for a significant period of time may be the best option. However, if you are looking for new challenges and opportunities, then job-hopping may be the way to go.
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