Does Consistently Changing Jobs Negatively Impact Your Career?

Change is said to be the only constant in life. But change for the sake of change could have a negative impact in your life. When it comes to your career there are times a change of jobs is necessary but there are certain times it does more harm than good. Changing jobs is good – it widens your horizons and gives you a chance to stretch yourself out of your comfort zone. However consistently changing jobs could have repercussions that you need to consider.

Most people seek a job change when they feel that there is something lacking in their present job. However, there is no reason to consider a job change as the first step. Look into what is bothering you at your current position and look into ways to fix the problem. 

Is it boredom, a lack of motivating work or a toxic boss or colleague? Once you pin point why you are unhappy in the first place you can go about finding solutions to your problems. Acquiring new skills and changing into another field of work within the same company or asking for an internal transfer into another team are several ways to fix your current situation.

If this is not possible or you are denied any chance of change within your existing job then it might be time to look for a new job. But this should only be your absolute last resort. There is nothing wrong with changing jobs to get what you believe is fair treatment or compensation. The problem begins when you think that frequently changing jobs might solve all your problems at work. Consistently changing jobs may slow down your growth in your career.

Hopping from one job to the other may affect the way you rise in your chosen career. Employers want loyal employees; they only promote people who they can trust. Changing jobs consistently may affect the way you are perceived by your employers as you may be seen as someone who is always chasing the next big thing.

Think twice about changing jobs simply to gain an increase in salary. If you consistently change jobs just to increase pay, you will be perceived by your future employers as lacking in stability. You might enjoy immediate financial rewards but you may be damaging your career beyond repair. Always have long-term goals in mind and not just short-term goals before you take the leap. 

Keep in mind that employers might hesitate to employ the frequent “job hopper” as they are afraid that you might be tempted whenever another high paying job shows up. You don’t always have to change jobs to get a salary increase. You could approach your present employer and let him know about the other opportunity that pays more and get your pay increased.

Before taking the next career change leap, make sure you take time to put things in perspective. Weigh the pros and cons; make sure you are not just being motivated by instant gains like immediate increase in pay and other perks. Remember that people who wait long enough to build themselves and their companies are usually trusted with higher positions easily.

By Amy Nutt