In 1974, American industrial psychologist Edwin Ghiselli likened it to vagrancy, coining the term ‘ Hobo Syndrome’ to describe workers who frequently changed roles. Prematurely switching roles was stigmatised as ‘job hopping’ – not just by bosses, but also wider society. In a labour market that favours workers, is constantly flirting with other openings the right approach to help workers stay happy, get into better positions – or even achieve more in their career?įor decades, the prevailing narrative has been to stay in a role for as long as possible, build résumé clout and make a lasting contribution to an organisation. This mindset is a kind of ‘Great Flirtation’ with new jobs: a constantly wandering eye to other openings, regardless of how long a worker has been in a role, and how content they are in their current job. Rather than begin searching for a new position when they’re unhappy or burned out – typically years into a role – some workers are opting to seek a better opportunity from day one. It’s created a sellers’ market: workers have more leverage than ever, and many can afford to cherry pick a role that aligns more with their values and desires.
The demand for talent is, therefore, skyrocketing. As many global economies are growing, businesses are struggling to keep up as they expand. However, it’s not just recent vacancies companies are struggling to fill. It’s helping to cause a worldwide hiring crisis. Since the start of the pandemic, swathes of workers across industries have left their jobs – and millions more are contemplating quitting, too. It felt unachievable – until I found my new role.” “My end goal has always been remote working.
“Unfortunately, my experience is that I’ll only receive a pay rise if I go to my boss with another job offer,” adds Beth. She says she’s only been able to finally command a fair wage and flexible working by adopting this job-seeking mindset. “If it’s something that’s closer to my ideal work set-up, a company that looks appealing, then I apply.”īased in Yorkshire, UK, Beth is soon to begin her third account-manager role this year. “Whenever I’ve felt as though the role hasn’t been exactly as promised, I’ve looked for the next opportunity,” explains Beth.
Instead, her career upgrade has been achieved by swiftly changing jobs. And she’s done it with practically zero haggling or demands.
Compared to the start of the year, she has struck a better work-life balance. Her day-to-day opportunities have swelled. She has gradually negotiated her way from full-time office hours to a permanent remote-working contract. In the past six months, Beth has increased her salary by nearly £10,000.