In the past, prospective employers saw job hoppers as people who simply could not keep a job. But nowadays job hopping for career advancement has become more popular. In fact, switching jobs every couple of years has become one of the most common strategies for career growth among millennials and Gen Z. With the right launch support, changing jobs can help you gain new skills, expand your network, boost your salary, and more. Today, we will explore how job hopping, when done right, can help advance your career.
What Is Job Hopping and How Can It Help Your Career?
Job hopping is when someone changes jobs every few years, instead of staying with one company for a long time. In the past, people thought that job hoppers did not have stability. But now, changing jobs can show that you are ambitious and willing to learn new things. Rather than having four different jobs in one year and leaving because you were unhappy or because of layoffs, an employee stays in a position to fully develop the related skillset and then progresses to a new position with a different company. So, how can you use job hopping for career advancement?
1. Learn New Skills Quickly
Because every job is different, every time you start a new job, you get a chance to learn new skills. This could mean picking up the latest technologies, improving your leadership skills, or gaining experience in different areas of a field. For example, if you start as an intern and later move into a project management role, you gain knowledge and experience in the process. Developing a diverse set of skills will make you more valuable to future employers as evidenced by a recent survey indicating 65% of managers will hire based on skills alone.
2. Build a Stronger Professional Network
When you begin a new position, you are bound to meet new people. Expanding your professional network will be extremely helpful in the future. Your network can include mentors, colleagues, and even people who could help you find new job opportunities. A broad network of people can make it easier to find high-level jobs or business partnerships in the future. According to the Department of Labor, about 70% of jobs are located through networking.
3. Earn a Higher Salary
One of the advantages of job hopping is that it can help you earn more money. Companies often offer higher salaries to attract new talent. According to Forbes, job hoppers increased their salary 35% over the last three years, twice the amount of the increase tenured employees earned. By switching jobs every few years, you can take advantage of these higher-pay offers because you have the skills. People who stay in one job for a long time will not see their salaries grow as quickly as job hoppers because job hoppers can negotiate better pay with each new position.
4. More Career Opportunities
64% of job hoppers believe switching jobs is key to their career progression. Strategic job hopping allows you to explore different industries and roles. Each job move gives you more chances to grow and figure out what you genuinely enjoy doing. This flexibility is especially helpful for people who want to find the best fit for their skills and interests.
The Role of Launch Support in Job Hopping
Even though job hopping can be great for your career, it is important to set yourself up for success each time you change jobs. This is where launch support comes in. Launch support is the help you get when beginning a new role that makes it easier for you to succeed. Simply put, it is a personalized program made to support graduates in successfully transitioning from their studies to the workforce. However, anyone can get launch support. The better the support you get, the quicker you can adjust to your new job and make a positive impact. Here’s why launch support is so important:
1. Smooth Onboarding
A good onboarding process is like launch support, in that it gives you the tools, training, and knowledge you need to succeed right from the start. Launch support helps you understand the company’s goals, culture, and expectations. With this foundation, you can quickly start performing well and build a positive reputation in the company.
2. Clear Expectations and Goals
When you start a new job, it is essential to know what the company expects of you. Launch support should help you set clear goals for your role and your career. By knowing what success looks like, you can focus on what matters most and make sure you are on track to meet those goals.
3. Mentorship and Guidance
Starting a new job can be challenging, in fact, according to a recent survey 81% of newly hired people feel overwhelmed with information overload during onboarding. This is why having someone to guide you can make all the difference. Many companies offer mentorship programs, where more experienced employees help you adjust to the company. A mentor can help you understand company culture and offer advice for improving your role.
How to Make Job Hopping Work for Your Long-Term Career Goals
While job hopping can speed up your career growth, it is important to make sure each move is part of a bigger plan. It is easy to switch jobs just to get a higher salary or a new title, but if you do not think about your long-term goals, you might end up feeling lost in your career. Here are three tips to make sure job-hopping helps, and does not hurt, your career:
1. Have a Clear Career Vision
Having a clear idea of what you want to achieve in any job is critical. Think about where you want to be in five or ten years, and make sure each new job helps you get closer to that goal.
2. Choose Jobs Carefully
Not all job opportunities are the same. Take your time to carefully consider each new job before accepting it. Does it offer room for growth, or will you just be doing what you already know for a higher salary? Will it help you learn new skills? Does it match your long-term career goals? By choosing jobs that align with your dreams, you will be able to make sure that your job-hopping strategy is moving you in the right direction.
3. Do not Rush
It can be tempting to jump from job to job for whatever reason, but it is important not to move too fast. Make sure you are fully maturing your skills and gaining experience before you switch roles. If you leave a job too early, you might miss important opportunities to gain experience and grow. Consider sticking with a job for a few years if it helps you reach your career goals.
In today’s job market, job hopping, combined with strong launch support, can be a powerful way to advance your career. By strategically planning job changes you can gain new skills, expand your network, earn higher pay, and explore different career opportunities. When done well, job hopping can be a fantastic way to accelerate your professional growth and reach your long-term goals. Are you ready for your next steppingstone to success? Contact Peoplelink today!