Gone are the days when people spend entire careers with a single company. Instead, many professionals embrace job-hopping as a viable strategy for career growth.

But this shift in mindset has sparked a lively debate: is job-hopping a smart move for advancing your career or is it viewed negatively by potential employers as a lack of loyalty?

I hear countless stories from our community of people wanting to leave jobs within six months, switching industries after a short stint, and accumulating a diverse array of experiences in a relatively short time.

Statistics show that in the year ending February 2023, 1.3 million Australians changed jobs. The average person holds 12.4 jobs between the ages of 18 and 54, with the median tenure at a company being four years.

Job-hopping divides employers, but a growing number of professionals are embracing it as a strategy for career advancement. Often mis-characterised by an escape from a bad job or a difficult boss, job-hopping is about seeking better opportunities, gaining diverse experiences and accelerating career growth.

Job-hopping can provide a broader skill set, a larger professional network and faster salary increases compared to staying in one role or at one company for a long time.

Effective job-hopping is strategic, intentional and beneficial for your long-term career goals.

While switching jobs can bring new opportunities, it can raise red flags for some employers. They might question your commitment, reliability and whether you’ll jump ship as soon as a better offer comes along.

It’s essential to communicate your career moves clearly in interviews, emphasising the skills and experiences you gained that are relevant to the position you’re applying for rather than the frequency of job changes. This shows you have a clear vision for your career and are not just moving on a whim.