More pay, better skills: How job-hopping can turbocharge your career

Gone are the days when people spend entire careers with a single company. Instead, many professionals embrace job-hopping as a viable strategy for career growth.

But this shift in mindset has sparked a lively debate: is job-hopping a smart move for advancing your career or is it viewed negatively by potential employers as a lack of loyalty?

Effective job-hopping can further your career, but employers may have questions in your interview.Credit: iStock

I hear countless stories from our community of people wanting to leave jobs within six months, switching industries after a short stint, and accumulating a diverse array of experiences in a relatively short time.

Statistics show that in the year ending February 2023, 1.3 million Australians changed jobs. The average person holds 12.4 jobs between the ages of 18 and 54, with the median tenure at a company being four years.

Job-hopping divides employers, but a growing number of professionals are embracing it as a strategy for career advancement. Often mis-characterised by an escape from a bad job or a difficult boss, job-hopping is about seeking better opportunities, gaining diverse experiences and accelerating career growth.

Job-hopping can provide a broader skill set, a larger professional network and faster salary increases compared to staying in one role or at one company for a long time.

Effective job-hopping is strategic, intentional and beneficial for your long-term career goals.

While switching jobs can bring new opportunities, it can raise red flags for some employers. They might question your commitment, reliability and whether you’ll jump ship as soon as a better offer comes along.

It’s essential to communicate your career moves clearly in interviews, emphasising the skills and experiences you gained that are relevant to the position you’re applying for rather than the frequency of job changes. This shows you have a clear vision for your career and are not just moving on a whim.

Effective job-hopping is strategic, intentional and beneficial for your long-term career goals. The best time to consider a new opportunity is when you’ve maximised your learning and growth in your current role, but not before you’ve made significant contributions.

Check in with yourself regularly to see how you’re doing and whether you’re on track with your career goals. This self-assessment ensures that you’re making moves for the right reasons and not just because you’re feeling restless or dissatisfied.

Instead of jumping at the first opportunity, assess whether the new role aligns with your career aspirations and provides room for growth and learning. Grab a sheet of paper and write a pros/cons list for both your existing job and the new role.

Compare the two lists to help you make your decision. If you decide to make a move, make sure to give ample notice to your employer and don’t burn bridges. You never know when you may cross paths again.

It’s natural to feel uncertain when contemplating a job change, but it’s important to take time to reflect on your career path and your goals. Instead of feeling nervous or apprehensive, reframe job-hopping as a series of strategic moves aimed at long-term growth and success.

The key is to approach each job change thoughtfully, ensuring it aligns with your career goals and adds value to your professional journey.

Téa Angelos is an entrepreneur, author, speaker and founder of Smart Women Society, an online education company providing innovative products and tools for women to grow their independence with money, career, wellbeing and love.

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