Hands up if you have changed your smartphone at least once every 2 years or even less! Even though it can last us for a good period of time, we always fall into the temptation of a new release. One of our local telecommunication service providers even launched a phone leasing program that allowed subscribers to upgrade their headset after 12 months, instead of the usual 24-month period.
Each year, whenever there is a new release, we will be all caught up in the latest discussions at forums and social media platforms. Even if the functionalities and enhancements do not bring much significance to a user, early adopters and enthusiasts continue to add the latest model to their collection. Are you one of them?
In the same light, we see a growing trend of Millennials and Gen Z, job hopping from one company to another. The job description may not differ much from the previous job, and the salary is not as attractive, this generation will still go ahead with the new workplace. Perhaps there are valid concerns about loyalty, work attitude and professionalism, the job-hopping trend suggests that there is something beyond just working.
Job Hopping: The Concept of a New Smartphone Upgrade
The considerations of upgrading to the latest smartphone include battery life, technological advances, and better specifications. Similarly, these considerations relate closely to job-hopping.
Battery Life
Whether or not we are easily susceptible to work fatigue and burnout, it is undeniable that we are facing a higher stress level as compared to our parents’ generation (a.k.a. The Baby Boomer generation). The advancement in technology has seamlessly blurred the line between working hours and after-hours. Bosses and supervisors are demanding more of their subordinates to be more responsive and donate more unpaid hours to accomplish the never-ending workload. With the on-going pandemic that encourages WFH as the default mode, many assume that their employees are slacking their paid hours away. All of these pressures deplete our battery life. No matter how much we recharge at night and over the weekends, we will never be at our optimal battery life.
Technological advances
Job-hopping is no doubt an effective way to increase one’s salary. Staying on in a job may give you a yearly increment of 3%-4% in good times, not all companies practice pay increment. And so, moving to a new company with an increased salary is the answer. There are also other reasons for people to change jobs, and one of the most common reasons is that they want a change in work environment.
Better Specifications
At times, salary and work environment may not be the reasons for changing jobs. It could be that the current workplace does not have the bandwidth and resources to support you to develop your career. You require a wider exposure and a more well-equipped platform to hone your skills. And thus, searching for a bigger company to meet your needs is more desirable.
Other times, you may just want to explore a new industry, just like how an Android user might switch to an iPhone, and vice versa.
Eliminating Job-hopping as a Stigma
Job-hopping is still seen as a red flag for many employers and companies. One of the common reasons is that they are concerned about looking and re-training a new employee, if you call it quits after a short period of time. It is also costly for them to go through the motion every now and then when a relatively new employee quits on them. If you are going to change jobs after a year or two each time you join a company, you will need to be prepared to answer typical questions, like why do you change your job every year? Do you see yourself stay for a longer period of time if you come on board?
You will be encountering Millennials and Gen Z as your interviewers. They may sympathize with your situation and understand your intentions, but you can help eliminating job-hopping as a stigma by integrating these pointers in your answers.
- Seek to hone a new skill. You have demonstrated in your past working experiences that you have adopted a new methodology but did not have the opportunity to further utilize it.
- Summarize your work experiences if you have changed more than 2 employments within a year. Highlight achievements you made in the current year that are relevant in the new job – how you can position yourself in the new role.
- Your resume is a reflection of your wealth of experiences and qualifications. Exclude short stints that last a couple weeks or months to reduce negative first-impressions.
As you look for a new job, you are encouraged to take time to reflect on your past years, and not let them be reasons for you to quit again for various reasons. Searching for a new environment can be as stressful as staying in a job. Each decision you make has its opportunity cost.
Just like how you would consider the price tag, research on the specifications and compare the aesthetics, as well as weighing in the pros and cons of changing to a new device, do the same for your job search. During your career journey, if you are feeling lethargic and demotivated, learn how to cope and care for your well-being before resorting to changing jobs. As you move forward in life, whether you are seeking your career path or looking to step up on your career journey, Recruit Haus will go through it with you.
