Is it Okay to Job Hop?

In the past, job hopping has carried a negative connotation when job seekers were being considered for positions. However, as millennials continue to conquer the job market, this negative impression is challenging conventional trains of thought. There are pros and cons to switching positions at a rapid rate. Learn how a potential move could enhance and impact your career.

Pro: An Opportunity for Self Discovery

It is virtually impossible to know exactly what you need or even want from a career when you are just starting out in an industry. Job hopping is one way to discover your likes and dislikes within your field or related fields. Take the time to evaluate how you are benefiting personally and professionally within a position as you gain more experience. Assess whether or not you feel happy when entering your workplace each morning or whether you feel stuck in a dead-end position. If you find yourself unhappy or unfulfilled, it may be time to relaunch a job search.

Con: Skimming the Surface

Although you are likely to gain a variety of experience when job hopping, you may not fully develop your skills if you are only trained for a short period of time. Long-term employment gives you the opportunity to dig deeper when learning software programs, manufacturing equipment or leadership strategies. You may just be skimming the surface of what you could potentially learn if you hop from one position to the next in rapid motion.

Pro: Ample Opportunity for Variety

A routine is not necessarily a negative aspect of work life; however, routines can sometimes feel monotonous, as if you are just going through the motions. Job hopping gives you an opportunity to explore your options, learn about various fields and companies, and improve many different skills you possess. This variety can make you more employable in the long run if you gain more experience and varied skills for several different job markets.

Con: A Lack of Loyalty

While job hopping provides you with an opportunity to meet new clients and co-workers, it may not necessarily help you develop a sense of loyalty to your employers. It may also be difficult to establish a strong rapport with clients when you are only with a firm for just a few months or less than a year. Future employers during your job search may be searching for a candidate who thrives on loyalty, and long-term employment communicates this desire.

The key to successful job hopping is to ensure you are finding a balance in improving your skills and making an impact at the firms where you are employed. Give each position a try before jumping ship, yet use these opportunities to truly assess what you want from a fruitful career.

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