4 Top Reasons Why Changing Jobs Often May Do You More Good Than Harm

4 Top Reasons Why Changing Jobs Often May Do You More Good Than Harm

Job hopping is a common phenomenon in today’s job market with the younger generation leading in statistics. Most young employees change jobs after a maximum of two years with the older workforce holding a job for more than 5 years.
Staying on a job for a long time would be determined by: the satisfaction one gets from the job, the payment helps you to pay your bills and afford a few luxuries, there is not much pressure from the job, there are high chances of growth, accessing the company is easier and faster, the benefits e.g.  Medical, Housing, Pension, Transport allowances are good, you have not yet found a better job, etc. The reasons are diverse depending on an individual.
For a very long time most people think that the longer one works in a particular organization and in a particular position the more worthy they are. This is because they have learned the job well and are now veterans. On the contrary, an employee who stays on a job and is not learning at a fast rate or increasing their knowledge, is not doing their employer any justice.
For example, an IT person who is not conversant with new technologies in the market may not be very productive as expected and may end up becoming obsolete. Therefore,the employee who stays longest, may give poor quality work as compared to  employees that job hunt, for they are most receptive, extremely useful and learn very fast.
On the other hand the stigma attached to moving from one job to another is now a thing of the past, which is a good thing. A few years back recruiters would pin you down during an interview on why you did not last in your previous job for maybe a year and above. It looked so bad on your CV triggering questions on your motivation, skill level, engagement on the job and ability to interact well with other colleagues. Sometimes you can lose out on a job if you are not able to articulate well the reasons for leaving.
However, there are genuine reasons for jumping ship every few years. The economy in Kenya has greatly changed; there are few jobs in the market with many being for a short period like 6 months to 1 year. For instance, most NGOs employ personnel on a 1-2 year contract. Once the project or contract ends the employee has to look for another job.
So with this reason the recruiter should be able to understand that your move was inevitable due to genuine reasons. Employees who stay with a company for more than two years are believed to get paid approximately 50%less, while those who move are believed to have a higher learning curve, be higher performers, and even to be loyal, because they care about making a good impression in the short amount of time they know they’ll stay with each employer.
Most recruiters are slowly now acknowledging job hopping because of the expectations of one to continuously learn, develop, and advance in their careers.
So is job hopping a career killer or saviour?

Here are some of the advantages of changing jobs after a short period of time.

1.Learning new skills and new systems.
When you change jobs, you’re going to learn a new way of working especially if it is a different company. You will learn new skills and new systems which will make your CV more impressive to recruiters. Employers are more likely to look warmly on someone who is always willing to step forward with enthusiasm to expand their skill set.
Especially with the high rates of unemployment in Kenya, you place yourself at a better chance when you are able to perform several duties. Most employers are looking for someone who can multitask, bring a fresh set of skills to their company and a different outlook on how to get the job done, who will be passionate about what they’re doing, and who can inject enthusiasm into their new role.
2. Job hopping can speed career advancement.
Once you get a new job in your area of interest, you learn new skills and become skilled very fast this also leads to promotion. As a result you will keep on advancing in your career at a younger age. You also avoid wasting time on a job that doesn’t offer any growth or upward movement in the career ladder.
3. Leads to greater job fulfillment.
Everyone appreciates working in an organization that has a positive corporate culture. Because then it means you will have a chance to be heard, your views acted upon, teamwork is nurtured and you grow both professionally and personally. By working in different workplaces you have a chance to experience different roles and acquire various skills thus are able to achieve your goals. Further, you are able to determine what offers you great fulfillment in a job. This will help you find your dream job because you know what works out best for you.
3. You get out of your comfort zone.
Doing the same thing year in year out can be pretty boring, right? Imagine everyday if you are an administration officer, you are receiving calls, keeping records and organizing meetings all through. Sometimes you want to try something new! Routine can be monotonous, making one feel retarded, unhappy, and unmotivated.Changing jobs and careers pushes you out of your normal daily routine and onto something new and refreshing, sparking renewed motivation. It releases the young child in you.
4. It builds your confidence.
You learn to appreciate diversity and understand different cultural experiences with each new role. Therefore, you become more flexible, open-minded, and adaptable. You will continuously grow as a person setting yourself up to be even more capable in the next exciting role.
So is constantly changing jobs while on the journey of discovery and personal happiness a career suicide? I don’t think so.
Changing jobs is a good thing, and young people should plan to do so every three to four years.
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