Why changing jobs too often is a bad idea in South Africa

Repeatedly jumping between employers can have long-term ramifications for those looking for new work opportunities.

“Moving to a new role in a new company often comes with a financial boost. Negotiating a competitive package becomes easier when you’re in demand, and the allure of exponential financial gains can be hard to resist,” said Advaita Naidoo, Africa MD at Jack Hammer, an executive search firm.

“But while job hopping may seem advantageous initially, there’s a tipping point, and you can soon find that too many frequent moves have made you unhireable and unattractive for the important roles.”

“Essentially, after too many short-lived tenures, you could find yourself running out of road.”

Although the current economic climate means that many would look for financially rewarding opportunities when they present themselves, doing so without considering the larger picture may not be optimal for long-term career strategy.

A significant issue for companies when hiring a candidate with a jumpy resume is the onboarding cost.

“Companies invest significant time and resources in searching, signing and onboarding new hires.”

“When a candidate has a history of quick departures, employers will rightly be concerned about whether their investment in a candidate will ultimately be futile if the chances are good that the employee may leave after a short stint.”

Thus, candidates must weigh up long-term stability with short-term gains.

“Employers value employees who contribute meaningfully and grow within the company. A track record of short-term moves suggests a narrow focus on personal gain over meaningful contribution and growth.”

“This is why finding the right balance for your career is crucial. Strategic career moves involve assessing each opportunity’s value and determining whether experience gained from staying at a company might not, in the long run, outweigh chasing higher compensation without building substantial tenure.”

While employees may justify taking multiple career moves in order to gain a diverse amount of experience, they need to demonstrate that they stayed long enough to make an impact in each role.

EMPLOYERS

Although candidates need to weigh the pros and cons of regular job changes, employers must remember that employees will often walk away if they feel undervalued and another promising opportunity arises.

“It is therefore essential for companies to consider how they can create an environment where their best people see a future. Employers bear a responsibility to foster growth and ensure fair and competitive remuneration.”

“A workplace that encourages skills development, recognises achievements, and provides opportunities for advancement retains top talent.”

“If a company can’t offer a good experience, a good culture, a path of progress and ongoing market-related increases, high-value employees today are much more likely to move on to better opportunities.”

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