The three main reasons it's OK to job hop
Previous generations may have aspired to find a ‘job for life’ with the same employer, but the modern workplace is different - and not just because organisations can no longer guarantee lifelong employment.
These days, dedicating yourself to a single employer for extended periods can actually be seen as a negative, with research showing that moving roles every four or five years will help you advance as high and fast as possible in your career.
Of course, it may be the case that the seniority you’ve now reached in your career means you’re invested in an organisation for the long-term. But with US statistics pointing to the fact that workers change jobs on average every 4.2 years, here we look at some reasons why to switch jobs on a regular basis - no matter the technical or professional sector you’re in.
1 You’ll be paid more
The question of salary is the most obvious reason to keep an eye out for your next career step. Some research suggests that if you make regular career moves you’ll be paid up to 50% more than someone who settles in for the long haul.
That could be because moving to new roles usually involves a pay rise - and several roles in, you’ll get used to negotiating to be paid what you’re worth.
So if pay is important to you - and why would it not be? - it’s a good idea to keep moving.
2 You’ll grow more
Regularly changing roles means pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, which as the phrase suggests is not always a pleasant feeling.
New-job territory means going through a higher learning curve - whether that’s because you’ve increased your management responsibilities or have taken on projects larger in scope and budget. This is especially true given the fact that you’re most likely to learn the most from a role within its first two years.
At RHL, the professionals we work with talk about wanting to have opportunity for growth in a role. We know how vital this is for not just job fulfilment, but also maximising career potential.
3 You’ll be more marketable in the long term
Gone are the days where regularly switching roles cast a shadow on your CV, with rumours of problems with management, disloyalty or lack of commitment. Now, being able to talk about the diverse experiences and newly-acquired skills you’ve gained from different roles is seen as a positive.
Remember, too, that the more companies you work for, the wider your network - and the more your reputation will grow in your field, making you a far more attractive employee in the long term.
4 And finally, because you can
According to a 2015 salary survey for The Engineer magazine, 41% of UK engineers are considering a change of job at any one time. This figure is likely similar in other professional technical sectors.
So there really is no reason to grow stale with the same employer. In today’s candidate-driven market you are in demand, and in a strong position to shape the path your career takes.
Get in touch
If you feel it’s time to consider your next challenge, it may be time to talk to our RHL recruitment consultants.