While there was once an expectation that an employee would stay with one company for life, there is no longer a stigma attached to “job hopping” – changing jobs every few years – but it seems that men are more likely to do this.
More than half of men – 54% – responding to an Accountemps survey said they felt switching jobs frequently would benefit their careers. Only 31% of women held the same belief.
Age also played a role in whether or not job hopping was appealing. The survey found that 53% of respondents between 18 and 34 thought it was a good idea, compared with 40% for 35-54 year-olds and 25% for those over 55.
Among those who favoured the practice, earning a higher salary was cited as one of the main reasons. Respondents also pointed to gaining new skills, moving up the career ladder faster and experiencing a new corporate culture as benefits.
Another reason job hopping appealed to some respondents was that it was seen to show professional growth. However, this may not always be the case. A Robert Half survey of HR managers released earlier this year found that an employee with more than six jobs in one decade can raise red flags.
“Organizations look for candidates who will contribute to the business reaching its short- and long-term goals, and that requires a certain level of commitment to the company,” Greg Scileppi, president of Robert Half, international staffing operations, said in January.
“Employers understand that the unpredictable job market in recent years may have resulted in shorter term employment, but too much voluntary job hopping can raise a red flag and candidates should be prepared to address those questions from potential employers.”
