Course of Action (What to do)

When I was in my twenties and at my first entry-level job, I realized that sitting behind a desk all day was not my thing. I promptly left my cubicle-days behind me after learning I had received the highest performance evaluation in the entire company. That performance review fueled me because I figured if I could perform at that level of excellence when I felt stifled in a role, imagine what I could accomplish if I actually loved what I was doing! So I bid that entry-level gig adieu while making two vows to myself: I would only work at jobs that I loved. And every four years I would move up or out – either get a promotion or move onto the next role.

?That’s usually the age that you’re getting your serious “adulting” on

Clearly, I was on to something back then. According to B.L.S. (Bureau of Labor Statistics ), the average employee stays at a job for just over four years. The numbers shift with age:

• 18–24 year olds average between eight months and 1.3 years in the same position.
• 25–34 year olds spend an average of 2.8 years in a position.
• 35–44 year olds median job duration is 4.9 years.
• ?45–54 year olds stay 7.6 years on average.
• 55–64 year olds remain in a position 10.1 years.

Job hopping when you’re younger makes sense when you think about it. That’s usually the age that you’re getting your serious “adulting” on and are willing to take risks because you don’t have as many responsibilities. Still, unless we are chasing a bigger bag, better title, more opportunities for growth, or new experiences and skill diversification, you may want to rethink your need to job hop too frequently.

Job-hopping can give potential employers the impression that a long-term position might not be a good fit for you.

Now don’t get me wrong. Don’t ever stay at a job that makes you miserable or doesn't appreciate what you bring to the table. Your employers should respect and value you. But moving from job to job can also be seen as moving from relationship to relationship. Just because you got tired of your old boo playing video games and watching ESPN all day does not mean the new guy won’t come with his own issues. The conference room tables aren’t always more sparkly in other office environs. According to indeed.com , “Job-hopping can give potential employers the impression that a long-term position might not be a good fit for you.” ?Be sure to think it through.

So how often is too often to change jobs? Several factors come into play: job vs. career, age, and the individual. In other words, there’s no right or wrong answer. However, there are considerations to be had.

??Before you go:

?1.?Are your requests for stretch assignments or global exposure not being met? What? You’re not asking for those things? Oh, honey! Why NOT? Make a list of your expectations. Set deadlines for advancement and pay raises. Should you be returning to school or getting certifications to get better pay eventually? Will your company pay for that? Make a point of asking for what you want from your current employer before heading out the door for greener pastures. Many companies pay for executive coaches (that’s a not-so-subtle hint, y’all) to help you figure out what next looks like for you. Because they value you. As a Black woman that means a lot. Retraining, extra schooling, and getting certified are viable options. Maybe consider staying at your current job if additional training can get you into a better position.?

?2.?If you’re working with a big enough company, there should be possibilities for movement. But you can’t wait to have these opportunities delivered to you on a silver platter. Be pro-active and ASK for what you want.

?3.?As you age, avoid getting too comfortable. Gone are our parents’ generation that got a good job at the post office and stayed there for 30 years for the pension. (“The what?” my younger readers are asking. Exactly my point.) Often, when you’re comfortable you tend to be okay with coasting. Which means you’re on auto pilot. Which means you’re probably not stretching yourself and learning new skills or growing. Watch out because this is often a formula for the company finding ways to get rid of you.

Once you’ve decided to move on:

?1.?If you find yourself changing jobs frequently, it may be time to make assessments and get to the bottom of your job-hopping ways. Is it the money? The title? The culture? Is there a standard period of time before you notice boredom settling in? Could be you’re switching from wrong environment to wrong environment, and the job may have nothing to do with it. If being stationary, like I was in my twenties, feels suffocating to you, don’t take stationary roles. Try those that require a large percentage of travel. Of if you like to stay more grounded, then maybe a desk job is more your thing. Or maybe you simply like starting new projects while day-to-day operations drive you batty. A number of predictive behavioral tests can help you clarify what fuels your jets.

?2.?Before taking that new position, just like a new relationship, ask yourself if this looks like something you can wake up next to every morning?

?3.?How long are you willing to stay in this role before you feel the need to move on? What’s your resume look like? Try looking at it from your future employer’s perspective. Can they expect to only employ you for 18 months? If so, they may just take a hard pass. ?

4. Be prepared and proactive! Practice in advance how you will respond to questions about the multiple gaps in your resume if you have a habit of leaving one job before securing another. Indeed.com has several great sample scripts for answering the questions honestly, during an interview. They also provide great advice on where the explanation for your gaps should be included . You might want to read both of these articles before you give notice at your next gig. My job is to make sure you are prepared for every professional situation.

Again, remember that people and employers can view your job-hopping just as they view relationship-hopping. Those same questions and doubts will arise. Suddenly, you look like the one with toxic issues, or commitment phobia, or someone who is unreliable. If that’s not who you are, you may need to make a conscious choice to curb your job-hopping enthusiasm for another 12 months or so.

Level Up with Grace?is a weekly newsletter designed to equip Black women (and others) who want to unapologetically create a stellar career with the strategies, insights, and techniques needed to excel in corporate America. Executive coach Cheryl Grace shares a curation of thoughts, articles, profiles, trends, and tactics that can help women advance to their next professional level, wherever they are on their career journey.?Weekly emphasis on Confidence, Curiosity, Case Studies (Personal Profiles), Connection (Networking), or Course of Action (What to DO). Please subscribe and/or share!

Our whip-smart writing and research team includes?Lisa A. Alleyne ,?Peppur Chambers , and?Anthony Tone Payton .

Graphics:?Shutterstock Stock Images illustrated by the fabulously talented?Natalia Hubbert .

Powerful Penny LLC?is an executive coaching, consulting, and lifestyle firm founded by veteran corporate executive Cheryl Grace. We work with corporations seeking to promote, retain, and support diverse talent, as well as diverse professionals seeking to advance to their next level of career success. Our professional development services, coaching programs, and speaking/workshop series are fully customizable.?Discover how we can help you achieve your desired long-term results!