
Many people are considering switching jobs. Some have had the shock of transitioning after changing jobs during the Great Resignation and are wondering if this is the right time to find another job. Others worry about inflation and are looking for work to get a higher salary. Whether you’re looking for a better job or a higher salary, here’s what you should know about how often you should switch jobs.
How long should you stay in a job?

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The general rule of thumb for switching jobs is to try to switch gears every one to three years. Staying in the same job for a few years will provide opportunities for professional development and experience. Changing jobs is not mandatory if you truly enjoy your work and organization. In addition, many companies are happy to maintain their employees rather than regularly recruit new employees.
If you work in a higher level leadership position, such as CFO or CEO, the company will expect you to stay in that position for five to 10 years to provide the company with stability. Other types of professionals, such as doctors or lawyers, are generally expected to work for a particular organization for five to seven years to develop their skill set and career growth.
The Ultimate Guide to Career Success
However, this is just a general rule. Achievement is an important factor to consider for long-term job satisfaction. Your values and priorities will change as you grow and experience life changes, so your career may also need to change to continue providing you with satisfaction.
Reevaluate your values and priorities each year to see if your job aligns with those values. If you find it out of balance, there may be small changes you can make in your current job to realign your job with your values. For example, you can change your schedule to work on harder tasks when you are at your best. If you find that your job is no longer fulfilling even after making adjustments to your current job, it may be time to switch jobs.
In addition, there are other important exceptions, such as working in a toxic or illegal work environment. Your job may also make you feel physically ill. If you encounter any of these situations, you should look for a new job immediately.
Switch jobs to increase salary
Many people are looking to switch jobs to earn more money due to inflation. according to Search by ZippiaThe average salary increase for those who change jobs is 14.8%, and those who stay in a job for more than two years tend to earn less.
While salary is a huge factor to consider when switching jobs, it is not the only factor; You shouldn’t quickly switch jobs, just for the sake of a pay raise. You’ll need to make sure the job description, organization, and overall company culture are right for you, too. If you only think about the money component, you can quickly end up feeling dissatisfied and overwhelmed.
Switch jobs within your organization
In general, it is a good idea to remain in your current position for at least a year before switching jobs within your organization. This will allow you to build your reputation as a valued employee and learn about the company’s culture. During that year, you can offer to volunteer on various projects to gain experience and learn more about the organization.
If an opportunity becomes available that you are interested in and qualified for prior to this, speak with your manager about your desire to change roles and explain why you feel you would be a good fit for the new internal position.
What is rapid withdrawal?
You’ve heard of soft takeoff and soft fire. And now quitting smoking fast is the latest workplace buzzword you should know. Quick quit refers to an employee leaving a job they have had for less than a year. And workers spend less time on each job, according to Workforce report from LinkedIn News. This is becoming more common due to people looking to offset inflation, shift shock, or a lack of work-life balance in a new job. Additionally, since the job market remains strong, many feel they can quit their jobs and find the best fit for themselves rather than waiting it out in a job they don’t enjoy.
Disadvantages of switching jobs
Changing jobs more than once every two years is considered job hopping. This will likely raise a red flag with hiring managers and recruiters. They may not want to invest the time in onboarding and training a new employee if they think they will leave soon after being hired. If you leave jobs quickly for good reasons, make a note of this in your cover letter rather than waiting for the hiring manager or recruiter to bring it on.
Changing jobs frequently can also affect your professional stability and hinder your professional growth. Staying in a job for a few years allows you to learn how to work with difficult co-workers and managers, strengthen relationships with clients and hone a specific skill set that will make you a more valuable professional.