Over the years, companies, employers, managers and employees see employment akin to marriage. The company is there to protect and provide the needs of its people while expecting loyalty and commitment. But time has changed. The Internet brought everyone closer, created more competition, and provided learning resources. Such a vast amount of info changed the mindset of the employed, unemployed and recent graduates of rethinking job-hopping. But the question is - is job-hopping okay? Let’s find out.

What is job-hopping?

Job hopping refers to the job changes in a short span of time. For example, you’re a job hopper if you switch into 5 different jobs within 10 years - working for a company for less than two years. Another, if you only spend 6 months in the job and find another one.

Pros

• Learn new skills​

Job hopping may lead you to new opportunities such as a chance to apply in a job different from what you have been used to. For example, If you’re working as a data encoder and studying web development, you can find another job in web development which offers more chances of career advancement and good salary. From this new job, you can hone your skills to learn programming languages such as Javascript, PHP and Python.

• Change careers

Switching careers is the process of changing your field of work. For example, you decided to quit your job as a cook to study as a medical professional to pursue your goal of becoming a medical technologist or nurse (or vice versa). Changing careers could be the answer to your inner calling.

• Find a better pay​

If you have been stuck in your current position and salary, changing jobs after 6 months or 1 year can be your chance to look for a position that pays more than your current work. The pay scale depends on the company size and responsibilities.

• Meet new people and grow your network​

If you like to increase your network, job-hopping could help you meet new people and thus a network. A new job could be a venue for new friends, business partners and even opportunities. Opportunities abound.

• Avoid layoffs and bankruptcy​

Your company might have you for layoffs or fall into bankruptcy for a number of reasons such as economic depression, natural disasters, slow business, cost-cutting etc. Job hopping can save you time and emotional depression caused by the unpleasant surprise factor of being suddenly out of a job that is beyond your control.
 

Cons

• Employers might view job-hopping negatively

Most, if not all, employers regard job-hopping negatively. Their human resource personnel are wary of applicants who treat their jobs and company as if they are just hitching a ride. Employers regard job-hoppers as applicants who are directionless and uncommitted. You can be regarded as having work value issues. Moreover, employers value employees who are loyal and dedicated.

• You’ll face the risk of job insecurity 

Getting unemployed is one of the worst events that could happen in your life. If you’re not ready - no savings and without the next job that you can rely on, then you’ll be going to be broke.

• You’ll get limited experiences ​

Skills that need more concentration, persistence and brainpower will require a large amount of time and experience. If you’re trying to be good at web development, then a short stint won’t help you earn experiences and competence.

• Scattered experience

Job-hopping for a different skill set can make you unattractive before the eyes of the recruitment personnel and the employer. Scattered experiences refer to different jobs within a span of a year or a couple of years. And having such colourful experiences in your resume will appear as shallow in the eyes of the interviewer and employee.

• Directionless career path

Job hopping can lead to a directionless career path or without the goal of improving a skill or expertise. Because you have short stints, you could end up going to square one and repeating the same job. In this case, you can’t go close to mastering one or two skills.
 

When job-hopping is Ok.

The pros and cons of job-hopping vary depending on your situation, career history and educational background. If you choose to switch job, ensure to plan it carefully and avoid haphazard decisions which you can regret later. Here are the instances, which you can regard job-hopping as a better alternative rather than staying in your job/work/company for long.

• You hit the ceiling - no career improvement, you don’t get rewarded for your hard work and you’re unrecognized.

• Bad working conditions such as an unhealthy working environment.

• You’re compelled to work for unpaid overtime.

• Bad management

• Your salary isn’t enough to cover your daily expenses (unless you absolutely don’t have an immediate choice).

• You’re certain of impending company bankruptcy and layoffs.

• You are working in a short-term (project-based) job.

When job-hopping is not Ok?

• You just like to job hop for adventure.

• When you’re a new graduate - unless you got a meagre income or a job with bad working conditions.

What should you do before your job hop?

Before you decide to change jobs, make sure of these things:

• You have enough savings to cover your job hunting if you don’t have a next job to rely on. You’ll need money to cover your food, bills, mobile load, paperwork and rent. Even if you got a new job, you’ll still need buffer funds to cover expenses or bills before you get the next payout.

• You’re 100 % sure of the next job that could be in waiting for you to sign a new contract.

So, is it Ok to job hop?

Generally, it’s best to stay in a company to work on your experience of 1 year or two. There you can test if your goals fit in the company work and culture. Take note of your career progress (income and skills set). If nothing happens despite your efforts and you hit a stumbling block (which is out of your control), considering to switch a job is the best decision because you may miss opportunities (better pay and working conditions). The pros and cons of job-hopping depend on your situation such as - educational background, work history, skillset, the economic strength of your family and the overall status of the company