The case for job hopping

in the 1970s, job hopping was likened to vagrancy and branded ‘Hobo Syndrome’ by industrial psychologists. As such, the practice has received a bad rap in many quarters; from recruiters and executives, but also to older workers for whom accruing career capital was a hallmark of professional life.

However, these stereotypes may be outdated. In a tight labour market and an environment where companies show less and less loyalty to workers, many of those who job hop are reaping the rewards, gaining sizable pay rises and greatly accelerating their career progression.

Following the Great Resignation and subsequent hiring crisis, job hopping seems to have swelled even further. A Linkedin survey shows that 25% of Gen Zers and 23% of millennials said they hoped or planned to leave their current employers within the next six months. With greater choice, workers have had greater opportunities to job hop.

There has also been a generational shift in attitudes towards work. The traditional model was to work for a company that would effectively decide your progression for you. Today, people are autonomous – they want to take control of their careers.