At the age of 25, Hannah Williams has an extensive resume, even though she data-test=”Pullquote”>It sends quite a few negative signals … It tells me that if the going gets tough, you get going.Amy ZimmermanChief People Officer, Relay Payments
In comparison, Gen X employees (41 to 56 years old) spend an average of 5 years in the same job, while and Baby Boomers (57 to 75 years old) stay in their jobs for about 8 years.
The days of working for the same company from the start to finish of>Is there a 'sweet spot'?
While job-hopping is "more acceptable than ever" now, a job switch under a year of tenure is still "too quick," said Amy Zimmerman, the chief people officer of Relay Payments.
"It sends quite a few negative signals. Number>'Depth of knowledge' is important
While Williams has had much success job-hopping, she also faced questions from potential employers during interviews.
"They're always worried that I'll start and then leave and screw them over, which is valid because it does cost money to hire people. They're just worried about me wasting their time."
However, Williams insists that's "not the goal at all" and prides herself data-test=”Pullquote”>It will catch up. It will affect your depth of knowledge and ultimately, your value to future companies… The short-term gain isn't worth the long-term risk.Amy ZimmermanChief People Officer, Relay Payments
Job-hopping may be a quick way to bumping>What job seekers should know
For Williams, job-hopping is something she would "absolutely" recommend for anyone.
"Right now, the job market is so hot. People are hiring, they're paying well, and they're giving good benefits," she said.
However, she has reservations too. "If I keep doing this for 10 years, that would be not good. I would wreck my resume," she said.
"I think it's more so a worry now than it was before, just because I have a track record … I would have to explain why I left five times in a short time."
1. Big gaps in the resume matter
According to Dass, if there are no employment gaps, recruiters may see the job-hopping as "a good thing."
"It means that you are in demand in the market … If someone is getting asked somewhere else for better money and a better position, it is human nature to move," she said.
"But if there are big gaps, it signifies that this person has a habitual pattern of exiting when the going gets tough."
2. Employers may look past it – but not always
When it comes to circumstances like toxic workplace culture, Zimmerman said she would not fault a potential employee for making a quick exit.
"What tells me is you signed up in good faith to work for a company that you believed you aligned with their values."
However, if it happens too often, it could raise serious red flags for employers as well. "I would argue, you either have really bad judgment or you've got a different motivation [for job-hopping]."
"If it>3. Job-hopping is not sustainable
To minimize the need to job-hop, Zimmerman advised employees to "do a good job in finding the right place" for themselves.
"If you're really motivated, ambitious and you get bored easily, make sure that you pick the right company, one that is on a wide growth trajectory, because they will be able to keep up with your growth pace."
Career coach Chelsea Jay added: "I always recommend for job seekers to first decide what it is you want, because job hopping can only last for so long. After a while, you get tired of moving around."
