How Job-Hopping Can Affect Your Professional Life

It wasn’t too long ago that people frowned upon job-hopping. During your parents’ – and grandparents’ – time, being loyal to one company was considered the gold standard, the ideal. Back then, it wasn’t rare for a professional to find a job right after graduation and to stay there for 10, 20, or maybe even 30 years.

But times are changing. These days, more and more young professionals are flitting through roles, jumping from one employer to the next. The pandemic seems to have a hand in this, too: With the rise of the remote and hybrid work setup all over the world, workers have become more energised to seek out opportunities that better suit their lifestyles, particularly those that offer more flexibility and new-normal perks – mental health support, included.

In Singapore, job-hopping doesn't fall in a negative light, according to a recent Milieu study. And while surveys reveal that a record number of SG workers plan to quit this year, unemployment numbers have remained low at 2.2 per cent. It suggests that people are not leaving the workforce – they’re merely switching jobs.

What Is Considered Job-Hopping?

Job-hopping is the practice of moving from one job to another in a relatively short period. The duration varies widely, but a job hopper typically holds a position for one to two years before moving on to the next role.

Once considered taboo, job-hopping has become the norm for many people, especially young professionals in Singapore. Whereas baby boomers spent an average of eight years and three months in a role, it appears that younger professionals are staying put for a shorter time. A study shows that millennials spend an average of two years and nine months in a job while Gen Zs spend an average of two years and three months.

So why do people job-hop?

Not all job-hopping is necessarily negative or created equal, and people do it for various reasons. Some job-hoppers are dissatisfied with their current role, leading them to find greener pastures elsewhere. Others switch when they realise they fail to jive with the company culture or that there’s a mismatch between their goals or priorities and the employer.

Some job-hop out of need and not because they want to. The pandemic has caused many industries to suffer, resulting in a volatile market and unexpected layoffs.

And then, of course, there are the workers who get bored easily or are always itching to gain new experiences – a key trend among the younger crowd. Once these job-skippers master a job, they become uninspired and unmotivated, thus craving and looking for new challenges.

Pros of Job-hopping

So what do job-hoppers gain aside from additional entries on their resumes? Here are some benefits that candidates—and employers—can glean from the job-hopping trend:

A diverse skill set

Being stuck in one job or industry for years may make you an expert in what you do, but it can also limit the skills and experience you obtain. When you job-hop, you can expand your skill set faster as you expose yourself to different scenarios and challenges. It allows you to have a unique and multifaceted on-the-job arsenal that you can use to your advantage – more so now when many career fields are looking for “full-stack” employees who can do anything and everything.

Also read: Upskilling and Reskilling: Know the Difference

Social and communication skills

Being the new kid on the block is never easy since it requires much adapting and networking. When you job-hop, you do not just learn new ways to do things but you constantly beef up your social and communication traits as you build new relationships. These “people skills” are highly valued by employers as they’re crucial in ensuring smooth processes and better teamwork.

A higher salary

When done right, job-hopping is one of the easiest ways to bump your salary. In a 2021 U.S. analysis, workers who switched jobs in 2021 outpaced those who stayed in a role, with some job-hoppers receiving nearly a 12 per cent pay increase.

While a long-term role may offer annual increases or incentives, employees usually get stuck with below-market pay that gradually – and slowly – grows over the years. When you get a new job though, you can receive the current market rate or even higher instantly. Moreover, you can pursue a higher-level position instead of waiting for a promotion that might never come.

Also read: 5 Tips on How to Win Your Salary Negotiations

A wider network

Working at different companies allows you to immerse yourself in different cultures and experience various management styles – all while allowing you to build up a broad network of professional contacts. These contacts can potentially turn out to be crucial people in your career journey, helping you in your latest job and maybe even becoming future employers or business partners.

Refreshed perspective

Have you been feeling stuck in a rut ? A new role can recharge you with fresh, creative energy and allow you to stretch your limits in ways your previous position never let you. It also works the other way: A stagnant workplace can benefit from the “outsider” perspective of a new team member, instigating positive change and boosting performance.

Cons of Job-hopping

Constantly jumping ship also comes with drawbacks. Make sure to consider these before you job-hop on a whim:

Questionable commitment

Though job-hopping is becoming more normalised nowadays, it often still comes with a stigma attached – usually enshrined by the older bosses or HR managers who spent years climbing up the career ladder and believe their employees should do the same. When your resume shows too much movement, they might dismiss you as impulsive or indecisive. Naturally, companies want someone ready to commit to the long haul since the hiring process takes time, money, and energy.

Inconsistent work experience

A resume showing you held several titles for short periods makes your work history look patchy and inconsistent, which can be an instant turn-off for some employers. Sure, you may have dabbled at different things, but too-frequent jumps may also mean you barely had time to learn or master many of them adequately.

Loss of benefits

Companies usually grant full benefits upon the regularisation of an employee, which happens three to six months after starting the job. Constant job changes can cost you significant benefits like health coverage, paid vacation leaves, retirement contributions, and more.

Discontentment and dissatisfaction

If you’re quick to throw in the towel when you encounter a hurdle or find yourself dissatisfied even after a short stint, you may not be maximising your and your job’s potential. Give yourself time to acclimate to a new role – even if it’s hard. Learning how to be content and patient with your current job helps you build character and grit. It also allows you to mature as a professional.

Added stress

Job-hunting is never hassle-free, and if you’re at it every year or every other year, you add more stress to your life. Since changing jobs entails a lot of changes – to your schedule, commute, social life, and more – it can be physically and mentally taxing. Always consider if a career change is really necessary, and how it can negatively impact your health and stability.

Job-hopping the Right Way

So you’re a job-hopper—now what? Even if everything you did was intentional, you can’t change your past; what you can do now is use your career history to bolster your next big move. Here are some ways to make hiring managers see your multiple career stops in a positive light and make you a dream hire:

Optimise your resume.

Traditionally, resumes highlight work experience and positions held in chronological fashion, which can draw attention to your many career shifts. Instead, highlight your key skills at the top of your CV. Write a career summary boasting your top abilities and expertise in your field—and how you can use these to help the prospective employer. From here, you can list the roles you’ve undertaken – or industry fields you’ve tackled. Don't forget to add the notable achievements for each.

Be honest and professional.

Be prepared to answer tough questions like “Why did you leave your last job?” and “Why do you change jobs so much?” Be honest and straightforward while maintaining tact. Plainly state your reasons – the company downsized, the work no longer aligned with your goals, and you felt the organisation wasn't utilising your skills properly. Explain without being defensive, placing blame, or becoming emotional.

Highlight what you can bring to the table

Don’t stop at explaining your reasons for leaving your old job, though. Use it as a jump-off point to sell yourself and detail how the company can benefit from your vast experience. For example, if you mentioned that your skills weren’t underused in your past job, go on to share relevant talents and strengths that you’re keen to apply to your new role, should you be hired. Be sure to back these claims with tangible achievements.

Express your commitment

For sure, the hiring manager will be looking for assurances that you’re in it for the long term as it’s taxing for companies to keep repeating the hiring process. Assure them by expressing your desire for stable and long-term employment – but of course, only if you mean it. If the interviewer still seems hesitant, you can say that you’re willing to prove your worth as soon as you’re hired, as well as provide a list of references who can vouch for you.

Job-hopping may be risky, but if you play your cards right, you can use your here-there-and-everywhere status to advance in your career. It all boils down to how to market yourself and your attitude towards employment moving forward. Are you happy just flitting through or are you genuinely searching for “the one” that’s meant for you? Whatever your answer may be, here’s hoping you find fulfilment wherever your career takes you.

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