When you start working, every day becomes an opportunity to gain more skills and abilities. With this shift, you may also find your career interests changing trajectory. Maybe you would like to pursue a job that is more challenging or enjoyable. Or you may feel that another industry is a better fit for your interests. Many reasons may contribute towards wanting to change jobs—and that’s entirely OK. Just make sure that you don’t change jobs too often, as this may make hiring managers hesitant to employ you due to your poor track record of committing to a role long-term.
So, How Often Can You Change Jobs?
Well, this depends on your individual preferences and needs. However, you should bear in mind that careers should only be changed if you’re ready to commit to working in a different position that feels more fulfilling or challenging. In other words, it should be a role that will allow you to grow and not remain stunted.
Keeping this in mind, changing jobs after three years is generally acceptable to employers. It provides enough of a timeframe that indicates to employers that you want to explore new skills and strengths and that you’re willing to commit to the role for at least three years.
Remember, changing your job after three years isn’t essential. Instead, think of it as a cut-off point if you wish to do so. If you are content in your job, you can stay in that position as long as you want, until you’re ready to explore more opportunities.
What To Consider Before Changing Jobs
- Does your job meet the expectations of your future career path? If it does not, then exploring a different role may be the best option.
- Even if your current job does not offer an excellent salary, if it provides professional development opportunities in the long run, it may be beneficial to stay with that company. However, if the work environment is unhealthy or it doesn’t offer growth opportunities, then switching jobs may be the wise move.
- What if you enjoy your job, but are unsatisfied with the compensation? In that case, you can ask for a raise. If you enjoy working in your current workplace but feel the work isn’t challenging you anymore, you can inquire about switching roles or being promoted to a higher position.
- If your current job role forces you to compromise on your work-life balance, look for one that allows you to work while also spending time with your family and engaging in personal activities.
- If you’re getting recruitment offers, you can see if your current pay is worth staying in the job or not. Remember to do some research. For example, compare the salary of someone with your level of qualifications and experience in your field in equivalent roles. You may also want to consider other factors, such as location, industry, and company size, before accepting other offers.
- Suppose your current job is making your work experience fulfilling and enjoyable. In that case, you should continue in it, especially when it gives you a good sense of achievement and opportunities for growth.
Are There Any Benefits From Changing Jobs?
Yes, changing jobs can help you strengthen your professional experience by exposing you to different industries and roles. A shift provides you with the opportunity to advance yourself and refine your skillset, enabling you to grow both professionally and personally. And of course, one of the strongest motivators is a better salary. What is the point of staying in a job that doesn’t offer reasonable remuneration and will not give a fair raise even after providing your loyalty and hard work for several years?
What to do if you want To Change Jobs, but are Unsure About Your Decision? Here’s How To Decide
- Sometimes, putting things down on paper can provide you with greater clarity. Start by reanalyzing your career goals by jotting them down. Then, ask yourself if your current job will help you to achieve these goals. If the answer is no, it’s time for a change.
- What are your sentiments about your current job? Does it make you stressed, infuriated, and demotivated, or does it make you feel happy and fulfilled? If there is anything that triggers negative emotions, first consider whether there is anything you can do to change the situation at your job that contributes to your feelings. However, if it is beyond your control, then changing your job may be a healthy way out.
- Write down the issues in your current job. Does it provide work satisfaction? Does it offer growth potential? Or is the meagre salary worth staying for? Identifying your concerns will enable you to make more informed decisions.
- Once you have reviewed your concerns, voice them by letting your manager or supervisor know how you feel. If you want to stay in your current job, consider negotiating a solution.
- Does your job meet your needs and wants? Does it provide sufficient pay to cover essentials like housing, food, and utility costs? If the pay is inadequate and you’re left with very little money, then you may want to consider leaving.
- If you’re unsure about your decisions, consider discussing them with a trusted friend or partner. Sometimes, gaining a different perspective can help you make a more reasonable decision.
Final Thoughts
When discussing the necessity of changing jobs, it’s worth remembering that changing jobs once every two years is often considered job hopping in most industries. This will likely raise a red flag with recruiters and hiring managers, who will not want to invest time in training new employees who are likely to leave shortly after being hired. Moreover, when you change jobs too frequently, it can affect your professional growth and stability, too.
When you stay in a job for a few years, it allows you to explore and hone a specific skill set that will make you a stronger professional. Moreover, it also provides you with the experience of nurturing client relationships and gaining an understanding of how to deal with challenging managers and coworkers effectively. This may not be a particularly pleasing aspect of the job, but it’s essential for surviving in the professional work environment.
But if staying in a job is unhealthy for your personal, emotional, and professional life, exploring better opportunities elsewhere is the suitable move to make.
