Society considers millennials the job-hopping generation. And while there is often a negative association with job-hopping, it is now more often the path working professionals are exploring.
When someone is in a role for one to two years and moves on, they are a job-hopper. Many professionals make the switch because they are ready for the next step in their career, want to try something new, or feel dissatisfaction in their role.
According to Fidelity’s 2022 Career Assessment Survey, 6 in 10 young professionals (25-35 years old) have undergone a job change in the last two years or plan to move in the next two years. That breaks down to 37% who have been in their current position for two years or fewer and 44% who expect to be at a different company within the next two years.
And while most people think it’s millennials setting this path, baby boomers are following suit.
Research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics found baby boomers held an average of 12.3 jobs between 18 and 52. Many of these were short-term jobs, with 75% of the positions lasting five or fewer years and 36% lasting less than one year.
Job-hopping has benefits, but there are also negatives. If you are considering a career move, make sure you understand what job-hopping means and the impact it may have, whether good or bad. Every situation is unique, and the standards for length of employment are evolving. Before making a hop, consider these pros and cons of job-hopping.
Pros of Job-Hopping
- Wide variety of skills
- Working at multiple places offers the opportunity to learn and explore a wide variety of skills, platforms, environments, and more. Diverse skills are a huge selling point when applying for a new role or explaining your job-hopping history.
- Adaptability
- Adjusting to a new work environment frequently teaches adaptability and shows you can quickly join new teams.
- Work-life balance
- Often job-hopping is out of dissatisfaction in current roles. By job-hopping, you can find a position that better fits your lifestyle and needs, improving your mental health and work-life balance.
- Increased salary
- Job-hopping opens the door to requesting a higher salary, better benefits, or additional offerings. When looking for a new job, there is nothing to lose by asking for better benefits or a pay raise.
- Better job offerings
- Job-hopping allows you to search through offerings that may be better than where you are now. There is nothing wrong with moving to the next phase in your career, but it is essential to maintain a professional manner and never burn bridges. You never know if you will work with your former employee again or need a mentor or a reference.
Cons of Job-Hopping
- Negative stigma or judgment
- Many consider job-hopping as negative behavior. Should this arise when applying, always explain your reasoning for job-hopping. Honesty will go a long way with hiring managers.
- Starting over
- Job-hopping requires restarting, which is exhausting. Consider this factor when looking to move to a new role. Ask the hiring team what the new hire intake process is and gather as much insight as possible to prepare and make an informed decision before moving into a new role.
- From one negative environment to another
- Often, job-hopping results from a hostile work environment. Before jumping ship, ask detailed questions, read online reviews, and research the employer to ensure you aren’t hopping from one destructive environment to another. Bouncing too much can strain your mental health and overall quality of life. Choose wisely.
- Hopping just to hop
- Hopping may be fun and keep your work exciting, but jumping without reason can harm your career. Always make sure your moves are rational.
Ultimately, the decision to move to a new job is yours. You know your career and role better than anyone, so listen to yourself and don’t let the judgments of others impact a decision that could be better for you. You are the one who will put in 40 hours a week. Your happiness and comfort level is the priority.
Trying to figure out what your next step should be? Take advantage of Let’s Detroit Career Ambassadors. Reach out and receive career advice and guidance to help make an informed decision. Or, if you’re ready to look for a new role, check out the Let’s Detroit job board.
Written by Megan Lasley
