Are job-hopping and career success related? What is the effect of one on the other? How long is too long to stay in a company? I have to admit that the resumes that pass my desk lead me to believe that job hopping is all too common.
Workers do this for a variety of reasons. More often than not, they may not know what they're getting into. Sometimes it's because they don't know what they want and are therefore unprepared for the challenges ahead. Job-hopping and career success are related.
Job-hopping, in my opinion, negatively affects career success. Think about what signals you send to your potential employer when you skip too often?
The two-year rule
I have a two-year rule that I tell my employees and potential employees. The two year rule is this - you have to be willing to make a mental commitment to spend at least two years with the company before you quit. The reason is this; you have to deal with the learning curve. If you jump into jobs too often, you won't learn anything important.
For me, it takes at least a year to learn the pitfalls of society. Then another year before you are finally really productive in adding value to the company. It takes me at least two years to see the real results of your contribution to society. So, if you're prone to job hopping and thinking about career success, then it's time to think twice.
Training you
Many established companies have training programs. They are willing to invest in fresh graduates and newcomers. But to make that decision, they have to look at past records. Ask yourself if you are a manager - who are you more likely to invest time and money in training? Someone who is a job-hopper and shows a tendency to job-hop or someone who is stable? Companies are more likely to invest in people who are stable. The reason is simple. They are able to contribute back to society. Everyone wins. If you're constantly jumping the gun, you're sending a signal that you're not ready to commit.
Companies like to invest in people who see that their career goals are aligned with their company goals. Job seekers usually don't see their career path in the next year.
Reducing the incidence of Job-Hopping
One of the best ways to stop working is to really know what you want. Once you know this, you will focus solely on the individual when pursuing your career goals. Of course, it's understandable that as a recent graduate or new to the job, it's hard to know. You may be interested in some other industries.
If there are other fields that interest you, make a plan to learn about them. Start with the internet and then ask friends who may know people in these fields. Talk to them; ask them about the company's expectations and the role of the position you are interested in.
You may not know all the answers, but at least you have an idea. This would reduce your chances of finding a job.
Make learning a key goal
If you are new to the workforce and have done quite a bit of job searching, my advice is this – really figure out what you want. Once you know that, find a company that is willing to train or make a long-term commitment to their employees' careers. If they have structured training programs, join them.
Make acquiring relevant skills and knowledge in the industry your main goal. The skills and knowledge you learn will contribute to your career success in the long term. It's something you can carry with you for the rest of your life. Once you see the benefits of having a company willing to train you for more than two years, hopefully you won't be looking for a job very often.
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