The act of job-hopping seems to be taking a breather in Singapore compared to previous years, based on a recent Ministry of Manpower survey released on Jan 31. The survey unveiled that only 14.7% of workers switched jobs in the last two years, marking the lowest rate in the past six years.

The act of job-hopping seems to be taking a breather in Singapore compared to previous years, based on a recent Ministry of Manpower survey released on Jan 31. The survey unveiled that only 14.7% of workers switched jobs in the last two years, marking the lowest rate in the past six years.

This slowdown could be attributed to the challenging job market, making it harder to secure new positions despite the tight labour market. Nevertheless, as The Straits Times reported recently, the desire to explore new professional horizons remains strong amongst Singaporean professionals. Evidenced by LinkedIn data, a whopping 86% of Singaporean professionals are considering a job change in 2024, showing a notable 15% increase from 2023.

Is job-hopping the right career move for you? Delving deeper into this topic, career coach Eric Donny De Silva from NTUC’s e2i and seasoned job-hopper Seline discussed the ins and outs of job-hopping on Let’s Talk CPF. Let’s unpack their insights.

 

So, What Exactly Is Job-Hopping?

While the definition of job-hopping may differ for each individual, according to Eric, it involves a series of frequent short stints at companies – often lasting no more than 3 to 12 months in each role – followed by a quick shift to another job.

The reasons for job-hopping are diverse. Some individuals may find themselves involuntarily job-hopping due to a lack of clarity on their career path, landing themselves roles that don’t align with their true interests and skills. Others may idealise certain job roles, pursuing in-demand jobs without fully understanding their own strengths and interests.

Lastly, one of the main catalysts for job-hopping remains – the allure of a higher paycheck.

 

Can You Actually Get a Pay-Bump from Job-Hopping?

Seline, a frequent job-hopper with seven jobs in eight years, firmly believes that job-hopping can lead to salary increases.

She elaborates, “I started off (my first job), with a relatively low pay. For each job hop that I made, I found myself earning considerably more than if I had stayed put for a few years. I think on average, a person’s annual salary increment typically falls around the market rate of 3%, as opposed to if you were to make that jump to go to another role altogether, you can get up to 20 to 25% each time.”

This sentiment strikes a chord with many individuals who feel their salary growth is stalling in their current positions. Job-hopping may appear as an enticing option to quickly raise one’s salary and gain new skills.

But what is the catch? While job-hopping may seem like the sure-fire way to increase your salary, it is not without its drawbacks.

 

Is Job-hopping Going to Negatively Impact My Career?

One potential downside to job-hopping is the risk of not acquiring enough in-depth expertise in any particular area.

While it allows for exposure in different industries or job aspects, the limited time spent in each role can stifle the development of deep expertise and skills. With job-hopping, there is only a short window to hone, practice and elevate your skills. This can lead to a situation where you possess more breadth than depth, potentially limiting your prospects in securing new job roles.

Eric shared the story of his job seeker client, an accountant in his 30s with an impressive academic background. Despite his qualifications, after several job changes, he found himself hitting a career ceiling.

“He found it extremely challenging to find another job, and that really dampened his confidence and his morale. But he didn’t realise that he wasn’t positioning himself well at the interviews because he wasn’t able to validate the reasons of why he was actually job-hopping for all the salary increments. So, he ended up being unemployed for six months.”

This scenario raises an important question: Are employers wary of job-hoppers?

 

What Do Employers Think of Job-Hopping?

With over a decade of experience as a career coach, Eric feels that one should not job-hop solely for a higher salary.

“It may demonstrate a lack of commitment and loyalty to the employer, who is looking to hire you. If there is a valid reason, for example, care-giving obligations or end of work contract, and for short stints in someone’s resume, I would say employers can be more forgiving, as opposed to someone who would leave their job for the sake of a higher salary.”

Generally, employers are unlikely to dismiss a candidate solely because of their job-hopping history. However, the rationale behind these transitions must demonstrate strategic thinking. Ms Elayne Soh, CEO of Beyond Medical, noted in a Today Online article titled ‘Adulting 101: People around me are job-hopping. Am I missing out by not doing the same?’ that in certain industries, job-hopping can be beneficial.

“For example, exposure to various fields like Operations, Corporate Communications, Sales and Marketing could improve skills and adaptability, ultimately benefiting our team and patients.”

It’s important to note that this might not be the case for all industries. Ultimately, employers seek candidates with a track record of reliability and commitment to their roles.

So, how can you ensure that you are making a strategic career move?

 

What to Consider Before Making a Job Switch?

While excessive job-hopping is generally not a sustainable career strategy, if it is something you have been contemplating, here are some tips from Eric to help you make a more informed decision:

1. Be Committed.

To find out what values, interests, personality, and skills best match your career goals, take the time to assess yourself through a Career Assessment Tool. Identify the type of job or company you aspire to join and understand your own skills and strengths. Consider the work environment, the people, and the company culture you envision for your next role.

2. Do your research.

Avoid impulsive decisions. Always invest time in researching the prospective job, including its responsibilities and expectations required to do well in the role. Ensure due diligence is done to consider the career advancement possibilities and progression within the organisation.

3. Do a stock take.

Consider the advantages and disadvantages of your potential move. Assess your current social and financial circumstances carefully to make a calculated risk in moving jobs. Are you in a position where you can safely and sustainably transition to a new job considering the risks?
Switching careers can be a daunting journey. If you’re still uncertain about your next steps or whether you’re on the right career path, consider seeking guidance from a career coach.

 

How Can a Career Coach Help You?

Consider a career coach as your reliable guide in navigating the complexities of job-hopping. With personalised guidance, they assist job seekers in making informed decisions and acquiring essential employability skills, including resume crafting, interview techniques, and strategic job search strategies.

e2i’s complimentary career coaching services offer comprehensive support, helping individuals assess their current standing, navigate job transitions and chart the steps to achieve their ultimate career goals. Here’s some of the ways our experienced career coaches can support you:

• Uncovering your career interests and goals
• Assessing your current employability gaps
• Expanding your job search resources
• Recommending relevant workshops to boost your skills and employability
• Providing personalised job matching services
• Offering support to build your confidence in advancing your career journey

 

To Job-Hop or Not to Job-Hop?

If you are still undecided about whether job hopping is the right move for you, check out Let’s talk CPF’s ‘​​Job hopping: Short stints, big wins?’ podcast to weigh the pros and cons or speak to e2i’s career coaches today!