The Pros and Cons of Job Hopping in Tech

Job hopping has long been a hot topic in tech and beyond. In this article, we'll dive into the pros and cons of job hopping in the tech industry to help you navigate these kinds of career decisions strategically and confidently. In a world where change is constant, understanding the implications of job hopping can significantly impact your career trajectory — we want to help make sure it’s for the better.

Understanding Job Hopping in Tech

Job hopping, simply, is frequently changing your job and employer. But what sets job hopping apart from simply changing your job? It's not just about transitioning to a new role; it's about the frequency and motivation behind those changes.

A decade ago, job-hopping every two or three years — even in tech — could land a resume in the recycling bin. Employers, generally, valued past tenure as proof of someone’s growth and commitment. But as the talent market has grown more competitive, recruiters have had to become open-minded about shorter stints.

Tech has often had a reputation of job hoppers, given the breadth of competitive offers available in the industry — especially during the late aughts and early 2010s. But job hopping has infiltrated other industries, too, with hiring managers and recruiters flagging “4/5” or “6/10” as a rule of thumb — meaning that more than four jobs in five years, or six in ten, is cause for concern. Anything below that is considered relatively normal.

According to LinkedIn data, job-hopping happens most frequently within younger generations: Gen Z is leading the trend, with a 134% increase in job changes compared to 2019, while Millennials are switching jobs 24% more frequently than in the past. In contrast, Baby Boomers are changing jobs 4% less. Gen Z also shows a strong inclination to continue job hopping, with more than a quarter of those interviewed expressing plans to leave their current employers within the next six months. Notably, 75% of Gen Zers are willing to switch career paths entirely and explore jobs in new industries, a trend less prevalent among older generations.

What are the Pros of Job Hopping?

Tech professionals often change jobs frequently for several reasons:

• Higher Salaries: According to a Pew Research study, 60% of U.S. workers changing jobs are making more than they were at their old job over a one-year period, making job hopping an attractive option for those seeking financial growth.
• Cutting-Edge Opportunities: The desire to work on cutting-edge technologies and projects is a driving force behind many tech professionals' job changes. Tech is a dynamic field, and staying at the forefront of innovation can be a compelling reason to explore new opportunities.
• Career Advancement: Career progression is another key factor. Many tech professionals worry about getting stuck in stagnant roles. Job hopping can lead to more responsibility and additional pay.
• Skill Diversification: As a result of pursuing cutting-edge opportunities and career advancement, many people who job hop are also naturally diversifying their skillset and gaining experiences across various domains within the industry.
• Escape from Unfulfilling Environments: Toxic work environments or unfulfilling roles can be detrimental to one's career and well-being. Sometimes job hopping happens unintentionally as an escape route for those seeking a healthier and more satisfying work atmosphere.

Understanding these motivations can shed light on the considerations that tech professionals weigh when contemplating job changes.

The Cons of Job Hopping in Tech

It’s important to understand what can go wrong when you switch your role on a regular basis. While not guaranteed, these could be unintentional outcomes if not considered properly:

• Stability and Commitment: Frequent job changes can create a perception of instability, both among potential employers and within your own career. Employers may question your commitment and loyalty, making it challenging to build long-term professional relationships who can vouch for your potential. Relatedly, if you have a history of short-term employment at multiple companies, it can raise concerns during job interviews. Employers may be cautious about hiring candidates with a track record of leaving positions quickly, as they may fear you'll do the same with their company.
• Losing Out on Stock Awards: Tech is well-known for offering stock options that can come to be worth many times one’s base salary. Stock options usually vest over time in blocks — and if you leave a company early in your tenure, you might miss out on valuable stock awards as that company continues to grow.
• Missed Opportunities for Leadership: Some leadership roles and high-level positions require a longer tenure within a company to build trust and demonstrate your capabilities effectively. Even if leadership roles don’t require tenure, institutional knowledge is often a highly valued, ultra-specific area of expertise that can lead to internal promotions and other advancement opportunities.
• Impact on Professional Network: Building a strong professional network often takes time. Frequent job changes can disrupt your network-building efforts, as maintaining relationships with former colleagues can become more challenging.

De-Risking Your Job Hop

Successful job hopping in the tech industry involves balancing the benefits of career advancement, skill development, and financial gain with the potential drawbacks of potential instability and the need to build a reliable track record. Here's a roadmap you might consider if you’re looking to make a jump:

First and foremost, it's crucial to have a clear purpose behind each job change. Rather than hopping for the sake of novelty, identify specific career goals and skills you want to acquire. Seek opportunities that align with your long-term objectives, whether that's gaining expertise in a new technology, pursuing leadership roles, or exploring different facets of the tech industry.

• Consider the job market and industry trends. For example, recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the demand for cybersecurity professionals is projected to grow by 33% over the next decade. Identifying growth industries and roles can be more beneficial than hopping aimlessly.
• Mentorship can be a powerful strategic approach to job hopping in the tech industry. Seeking mentors who have successfully navigated their own careers can provide valuable guidance and insights, helping you make informed job changes and decisions. Additionally, you can seek out people in the industries or roles you’re pursuing — allowing you to gain a more informed perspective before making a switch. Coaches and peers on platforms like Exponent can give you job-specific advice and feedback. Mentors can offer an outside perspective, advice on career transitions, and assist in identifying opportunities that align with your goals, ultimately enhancing the focus of your job hopping strategy. (Sign up for Merit, a mentorship platform democratizing access to tech careers!)
• Networking plays a pivotal role in successful job hopping — especially when you make a point to do it internally. Cultivate your network at your current job (across functions and verticals) so that you can both keep a pulse on the company and also ensure that you’re front-of-mind when internal opportunities appear. Also be sure to grow your external network by attending industry events, joining online communities, and maintaining relationships with former colleagues. All of these connections can provide valuable insights into potential employers and opportunities, helping you make informed career moves.

By carefully considering the pros and cons of each job change and aligning them with your career objectives, you can leverage job hopping as a valuable tool for continuous skill development and career advancement in the ever-evolving world of tech.

Deciding if Job Hopping is Worth It for Your Career

Whether or not job hopping is a good strategy for your tech career depends on your individual circumstances and goals. While it offers various advantages, it's crucial to weigh them against the potential downsides and take a thoughtful approach to job changes. By making informed decisions and considering your long-term objectives, you can effectively navigate these potential changes.

Speak to professional across every level and various roles to get a better sense of your potential in tech. Book a mentorship session on Merit today!