Besides the growing popularity of online jobs, another trend that has been happening in the business world lately is job-hopping. Job-hopping refers to changing careers in a short time instead of staying at a job for a long time.
Although it’s been traditionally looked negatively on, many are now seeing the benefits of job-hopping. These include helping you gain more skills in a short time and not getting tied down on toxic or dead-end jobs.
That said, jumping from one job to another too quickly can make employers hesitant to hire you. With that in mind, how long should you stay at a job then? Let’s ask the experts.
The Simple Answer? It Depends on You.
You read that right. According to experts, there is no definite answer to how long you should stay at a job, as it depends on your goals and workplace. If your workplace provides a dynamic and ever-changing set of challenges, or if the work environment suits you, stay as long as you like.
However, don’t let your satisfaction make you stagnant in your career. Remain open to better opportunities elsewhere that can help you hone your skills and pays better. Ideally, you should at least be staying at a job for 2 years.
Of course, not all companies provide these opportunities to their employees. If you’re not clicking well with your current employer, it would be wise to save yourself the trouble and leave.
How Do I Know if I Should Leave My Job?
To help determine whether or not you’re clicking well with your current employer, here are some signs you should check:
There’s No More Growth at Your Current Job.
Has your work been so easy for you lately that you don’t feel accomplished doing them anymore? Or have you reached a point where working is more of a chore and hassle you go to every day? If so, maybe it’s time to look for a different opportunity elsewhere.
Predictably, there’s going to be a lot of anxiety and doubt about whether you should quit your current job for a new, potentially better one. Besides, there is a sense of security in the familiarity of routine. But is this sense of familiarity worth more than a chance to gain new experiences and skills that can help advance your career in the long run?
Your Salary Isn’t Enough for Your Needs.
This one’s a no-brainer. Gaining experience is all well and good, but that’s not the only reason you’re working. An adequate salary is also essential when deciding whether you should be staying at a job or not.
Before considering leaving your job, be sure that you request a salary raise first and see how it goes. If your employer approves, or you came to an arrangement with them, then why not stay, right? If not, then maybe it’s time to start looking for greener pastures.
You’re Doing Tasks Beyond the Scope of Your Work.
While it is good that you’re trusted by your employer with responsibilities, being overworked is a different story. Having to do tasks that aren’t part of your job description without appropriate compensation is a serious red flag you should tell your superiors immediately.
When a company isn’t clear on the boundaries of your responsibilities, it shows that they’re not being transparent with you. If this continues, then it is wise to switch companies instead.
The Effects of Leaving a Job You Have for Less Than a Year.
Before the pandemic, employers are less likely to hire you if you’ve stayed for less than a year in your last job. After all, how can they trust you to last long with them, given your previous record? Short-term employees are also seen as not worth training and investing in; since they may only stay in the company for a few months.
With companies adapting to today’s needs, they are now more understanding of why you’re job-hopping. Despite this, you need to be prepared to face compromises with your employer. You need to prove to them you’re someone worth investing in and accepting, even if you may not stay in the company for a long time.
What to Do if You Have Short-Term Jobs in Your Resume?
Just because you have jobs where you lasted for less than a year doesn’t mean you won’t be able to get work now. You can still word these in a way your employer will understand.
First, focus on the skills and experiences you gained from these jobs. Doing so focuses the narrative on what you learned instead of how long you were in your previous companies. Next, be honest and focus on the upsides of your stay. Just because your time was short in those companies doesn’t mean you didn’t make good memories with them.
And lastly, be sure to discuss with your potential employer your future career goals. Emphasize your desire to find a company you truly belong to and what you can bring to the company from your experience.
There’s Nothing Bad Looking at the Grass on the Other Side.
Though the question of how long you should stay at a job may not have a definite answer, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t expand your horizons. There are plenty of opportunities to improve your career; you only need the courage to take them.
