Job-hopping used to be considered unprofessional and erratic. Your parents will tell you stories about how they found a job after college and stayed there for 30 years to prove their "loyalty". They'll try to tell you to do the same. Don't.
I have been job-hopping my entire career. In 8 years, I worked for 5 companies (6 if you include my own business) and I never worked anywhere for more than 2 years.
My bosses and older people in the organization would tell me when I quit that I was making a mistake. That I needed to stay in the organization longer or else other companies would think that I didn't have any loyalty. If they hire me, I'll want to leave immediately.
My response to that was always: If that is true, why do I keep getting new job offers?
Until the day that someone tells me I didn't get a job because I haven't worked long enough at my current company, that's when I will believe it. But that has never happened to me or anyone else I talk to about this.
Companies actually value people with diverse experiences in different sectors and industries. Job-hopping not only benefits companies, but it also benefits you! On average, you will likely get paid more and get more promotions if you job-hop than if you stayed at one company.
Here is what I have learned about job-hopping:
You develop a diverse skill set.
One of the most significant benefits of job hopping is the opportunity to acquire a diverse set of skills and experiences. With each transition, you encounter new challenges, technologies, and work cultures, allowing you to broaden your skill sets and adaptability. Rather than remaining confined to a single role or industry, job-hoppers continually expand their knowledge base, making them more versatile and resilient professionals.
You learn faster.
In fast-paced environments where innovation drives progress, staying in one company for an extended period may lead to stagnation. Job-hoppers, on the other hand, are exposed to different organizational structures, management styles, and industry trends, which accelerates their learning curve. Constant exposure to new environments forces individuals to adapt quickly, problem-solve efficiently, and stay ahead of emerging developments, ultimately fostering rapid professional growth.
You have way more opportunities to network.
Building a robust professional network is essential for career advancement, and job-hopping can significantly enhance networking opportunities. By working in diverse settings, you interact with a wide array of colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals. These connections not only provide valuable insights and advice but also open doors to new career prospects, including job referrals and collaborations. The expansive network cultivated through job hopping can serve as a powerful asset throughout your career.
You're actually more marketable to employers.
Employers increasingly value candidates with diverse experiences and a track record of adaptability. Job-hoppers often possess a competitive edge in the job market due to their varied backgrounds and ability to thrive in different environments. Moreover, frequent job changes can lead to higher earning potential as individuals leverage their marketability and negotiation power to secure positions that align with their skill sets and career goals.
You have the ability to explore your passions.
Beyond professional development, job-hopping can contribute to personal growth and fulfillment. Exploring different roles and industries allows individuals to discover their passions, strengths, and areas of interest. Each career move presents an opportunity for self-reflection and alignment with one's values and aspirations. By prioritizing personal growth alongside professional advancement, job-hoppers cultivate a sense of fulfillment and purpose in their careers.
Now, job-hopping is also certainly not for everyone. Some potential drawbacks include needing to continuously adapt to new environments and the risk of burnout from frequent transitions. However, with careful planning, strategic decision-making, and a proactive approach to skill development and networking, these challenges can be mitigated.
So, if your reason for not looking at other opportunities is that you feel you have to stay at your current company for some period of time, let this be your sign to STOP. Apply for those jobs. Life is too short not to take advantage of all the opportunities you can.
I help people every day with these career transitions. Book a strategic career coaching session with me below or click here to view my packages designed to help people like you pursue their job search with intention and land opportunities faster.
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