Job hopping is the act of changing jobs frequently within a relatively short time period. In the past, employers may have viewed job hopping negatively as it could be seen as a lack of commitment or stability. However, in today’s job market, frequent job transitions are becoming more common as employees seek new experiences, opportunities for growth, and better work-life balance. In fact, 61 percent of workers are considering leaving their jobs this year. Let’s look at the positives and negatives of frequently changing jobs.

Advantages of job hopping

Recession fears won’t stop workers from taking advantage of the benefits of changing jobs, especially Gen Zers and Millennials, with 72 percent and 66 percent contemplating a career change in 2023, respectively.

1. Higher salary: Gone are the days of staying at one company for your entire career. Managers and professionals have the longest median tenures of 5 years, while workers in service occupations have the shortest at 3.2 years. Loyalty doesn’t always pay, and job-hopping is widely considered the most beneficial way to increase your salary. In fact, the average salary rises 14.8 percent when changing jobs while improving your financial stability and providing you with more resources to achieve your financial goals.
2. Flexible work options: Some leaders have productivity paranoia and lack confidence that their employees are productive working from home, making them hesitant to offer flexible work options. However, 87 percent of workers want the ability to work both in an office setting and virtually, and they may job-hop to achieve it.
3. Diverse work environment experience: 47 percent of workers actively searching for a new job state that company culture is the reason why they want to leave. Each workplace has a unique culture, management style, and team dynamics. By changing jobs, you can work with different teams and managers, allowing you to learn and adapt to varying work environments. You will be exposed to various industries and sectors, new technologies, processes, and methods, allowing you to learn new approaches to increase your overall expertise and make you more attractive to potential employers.

Related: Company Culture of the Past and Present

4. Wide range of skills: 34 percent of workers say there’s no room to grow in their current position. A new employer may offer opportunities for professional development and growth, such as access to new technologies, training programs, or mentorship opportunities. Also, you must learn new skills— ranging from technical skills to soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and leadership—
   each time you start a new job to perform your duties effectively.
5. Professional network expansion: Changing jobs can help you build a diverse network of contacts in your field, providing new opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and career advancement.

Disadvantages of job hopping

While job hopping can provide several benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider.

1. Damage to your reputation: 70 percent of recruiters would not consider a candidate with a history of multiple short-term jobs for their open positions. When recruiters and hiring managers see a resume with numerous short-term job positions, they may wonder if you will stay with their company for the long term. They may question your commitment, loyalty, and ability to work well with others. If you are hired, they may hesitate to invest in your training and development if they perceive you as a short-term employee. Be prepared to honestly explain your career changes and progression to a hiring manager or recruiter during an interview.

Related: 3 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Resume

2. Less flexibility and autonomy: Each time you start a new position, you must prove yourself and gain respect. Your manager will check in frequently and be more prone to micro-managing, which may limit the autonomy and flexibility you sought when you changed positions. This may make you feel as if you are not trusted to do your job well and can lead to a lack of initiative and creativity.
3. Limited career advancement: Job hopping can limit your career advancement opportunities because gaining experience and building relationships with colleagues and managers in a new job takes time. When you leave a position after a short period of time, you may miss out on opportunities for promotions, raises, and other benefits. If you constantly switch jobs, you may also not have a stable income or benefits.
4. Reduced job satisfaction: It is common to experience anxiety when starting a new job, as you are entering an unfamiliar environment and may feel pressure to make a good impression. This anxiety can affect you physically, mentally, and emotionally. Constantly switching jobs can also lead to reduced job satisfaction, as you may not have time to fully settle in and build relationships with colleagues and managers, making creating a sense of professional identity difficult. You also risk joining an organization with a toxic culture.
5. Fewer benefits and stock options: When you change jobs frequently, you may not have the opportunity to accrue long-term benefits and compensation packages, such as retirement plans or stock options.

Job hop with intention

Like most things in life, job hopping has both advantages and disadvantages. However, experts agree you should stay with one employer for at least two years. It’s important to weigh both the pros and cons and consider how job hopping may impact your career goals and long-term professional development. Job hopping can be a great way to gain new skills and experiences while broadening your network. But it’s also important to ensure that it doesn’t negatively impact your job security, career progression, or professional reputation. By carefully considering the potential benefits and drawbacks of job hopping, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your career aspirations and personal goals.

This blog was written by Acara Senior Recruitment Specialist Stephanie Amos.