5 Reasons Switching Jobs Is a Good Thing
Job-hopping was once a risky habit, because employers took it as a sign that you were unreliable and incapable of steady employment. Fortunately, times are changing. The average job tenure in 2016 was just 5.1 years, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute. The EBRI also found that the practice of staying with a single company for decades has become outdated. Though switching jobs every few years can be a challenge, it has its benefits.
Here are a few ways job-hopping can actually improve your career.
Three-quarters of employees receive a raise if they ask for it, according to a PayScale study, and it's a good idea to negotiate with your current boss before jumping ship. That said, consulting group Mercer projects that a typical American worker will receive a paltry increase of 2.9% in 2018 -- barely enough to keep up with inflation. Wage stagnation is an issue you can't afford to ignore, and switching jobs can help you negotiate a higher pay that aligns with your value. In fact, a report from the ADP Research Institute found that full-time workers who changed jobs saw their paychecks increase by an average of 4.5%, and workers in the Midwest and Northeast saw an average raise of 5% or more. The potential can be endless depending on your industry and location, and it's a good idea to assess your skills every couple of years. Your knowledge may prove more valuable to another employer.
Source: Fool.com
