Is "job jumping" as bad as it used to be?

Question

It used to be that people worked for the same company their entire lives. Now, it is more common to change jobs and even careers. If someone changes jobs every couple of years or so, is that a bad thing? If so, how long should someone "stick it out" before it is okay to move on to the next challenge?

Answer 1

You want at least two years at a company before you start looking to move on, unless you're working in a contract-tocontract position as an independent contractor. Anything less than that and employers won't want to waste their time on training and integrating you into the company, In their minds, it isn't worth the cost or hassle.

Obviously, though, if a job offer comes along that completely blows you away, then you take it, and job-jumping be damned. ;-)

Answer 2

I agree with you and what you say, that years ago people stayed in there jobs for long periods of time and the changing of jobs or even careers was almost obsolete, there could have been many contributing factors for this, but I believe it might have been due to fear of change or perhaps even that peoples value system is different now than ever before. I speak from much experience of "job changing" and I don't believe it is a "horrible" thing to do, especially when you are not sure what the future en tales. I am 27 years old, and I have had at least 10 or even more jobs since age 16, ha, when I average it out that is a job a year. In answer to your second half of your question, I think that changing jobs or even places of employment every couple of years or so, can not be a "bad" thing, if you don't have a "career" in mind yet, but if you do, have a career, I mean, it may not be the best "thing" to do. I have learned that "sticking it out" thru employment is a hard thing to do, if you are unhappy with your job and you feel like everyday is a "production" when going to work, then it may be better to just give the 2 weeks notice and try to find something that may make you happier:). I am not to sure of your circumstances at work, but if you are happy then "sticking it out " until something better comes along may not be a bad thing. It doesn't mean you can't go out looking for other opportunities. I truly hope this all works out for you in the near future.

Answer 3

While having multiple (permanent) jobs is definitely more common today than it was before, it will still be noticed by employers. It's acceptable as long as you are prepared to talk about it and have good reasons to support your past decisions. But be wary of your reasons - more money, boredom or a better job will raise eyebrows if the time at eash position is deemed too short.

I would say as a rule of thumb 3 years in a job is deemed ok. After that point, reasons such as money, boredom or better job are acceptable reasons (just not the same reason every time). My own resume has 5 jobs in 12 years - although part of it was me surviving through the dot-com crash years.

So of course the other side is contract jobs, then it's perfectly acceptable to keep hopping around. But it sets the expectation from your employer that you won't be sticking around for long either.

In the end, you need to be upfront about it and discuss it with your future employer at the interview stage. It's up to them if they want to take on a flight risk after a few years, or if your skills warrant an up front purchase so you can make an immediate impact.

Answer 4

Changing job frequently used to represent an inability to maintain a job. Businesses don't seem to mind anymore as long as it is too frequent (i.e every few months). I think businesses don't expect you to stay forever so they look at your experiences more so than longevity. I think those who stay at a single job for a long period of time are more at a disadvantage than someone who changes every few years. They wonder why you are leaving after so long with the same company which opens yourself to much more judgement whereas if you change frequently, it is more understandable

Answer 5

Every few years is not as big of a deal, however, having several jobs over a few years will look bad. Another problem with job jumping is that you won't get promoted too often so you won't have many accomplishments to list on your resume.

Answer 6

Sticking with one company for a long time is not as important if you can show that with each move you had more responsibility or added skills.

Answer 7

it will look bad on your resume..companies like to see that you were at a job for a long period of time...although years at a time is not bad...it's more experience.