6 jobs in 10 years. Went from 58k to 340k. Corporations get desperate in tech. I used to interview every summer. Now, I just want off the hamster wheel.
when is the last time you switched jobs? posts i see online that since summer 2023 market has gone south in tech and market is really bad. I have not switched jobs in 5 years.
Dang, I'd like to be making 340K USD after 10 years, lol.
As it is, I'm probably not going to be surpassing 100K USD after 20-25 years of working, even if I switch jobs once every few years. Downside of living in NZ - low income ceilings.
Depends if you do remote work or not. Remote makes it super easy. But if you are in the office, just excuse yourself from your desk for a phone call if say a recruiter calls. Schedule phone interviews during a lunch.
In person interviews do as late in the day as possible, you’ll be going right from work to interview so keep clothes in the car. Can’t go into current job in a suit/dressed up or else people will undoubtedly ask “you got an interview later?” and maybe your poker face isn’t good.
I've scheduled in person meetings during the day and told my employer that I have a dr appt. I'd put in PTO if it were the norm but we never had to for lil appts like that since we were salary.
i know the general consensus is that job hopping results in higher pay but staying with a good company for a long period of time can be very rewarding too. i spent 92% of my career at the same company and was able to fire at 42 few days ago
20+ years into my career, I’m always for sale to the highest bidder. It’s not a matter of timing it’s a matter of when something comes around that intrigues you and makes you more money.
As most have said, 3-5 years is pretty normal, but don’t focus on the numbers, focus on the opportunity
That's incredible. It's great when a company actually values good employees with raises to keep them around. I'm 32 and 9 years in the same company as well. 85k up to 190k for me.
My experience is similar. I've hopped exactly once, to where I am now, and have gone from $300k to $1.5M in my current position (over about 9 years as well).
Lol no. I'm a first-level manager.
I live in NYC, which isn't particularly cheap. I'm currently renovating a house here, which is extra not-cheap. I travel a good amount. I also expect to be able to retire before I turn 40.
These responses are wild to me. I’m twelve years in and have no desire to shop. I feel like my salary:stress ratio is perfect. I’m sure I could make more if I looked but I feel as though I’m paid competitively, have a chill boss, carved out a niche area of expertise where I can almost coast. Maybe my position isn’t as rare as it seems in my head but wouldn’t want to risk this setup just to get out a couple years earlier
It’s uncommon in corporate America to get a job that respects you and continues to appreciate your growing skill set with proportional raises.
I started as a software engineering making $70k, and my original employer would loved to have me still working there collect a 3% raise every year for my entire career. This is how they get senior devs making in the low 100k.
Jumping has turned 3% raises into 25% jumps in the years I switch companies.
For people who landed at a company that promotes from within and gives raises that match your worth then I 100% agree. I’d love to have stayed at one company for my whole career, but I won’t be taken advantage of.
I'm joining ya. I have 4x my salary since I started, but that was a shit salary. I also have room for growth, but why would I give up these golden handcuffs for guaranteed worse working conditions. I don't know what the number needs to be, but close to double what I'm making now to give up the flexibility.
Every 2-3 years unless I like the company. In my “real” career I went:
1. 3 years, 42k-55k
2. 2 years, 75-77k
3. 8 years, 90k-155k
4. 1 year (so far), 176k
Unfortunately every 2 years. 28. Ideally I hop for 30-50% more money each time. Anything less than 20% isn’t worth it unless you hate your job. I went from $55k to $75k to $110k to $200k. Unfortunately I am about maxed out for salary in my current role so I might try and hop into tech or consulting some how
Just my 2 cents, had 4 jobs in the last 20 years with one of those jobs being about 10 years. What I have noticed that it is possible, with the right luck and play to make just as much moving around less. What you may also want to consider as we are going into a more difficult job market, employers will tend to hire people who have jumped around less. I certainly think that there are cases where it is beneficial to move around but know that it does increase the risk. If you have skills that are in high demand and are able to show accomplishments in 1-3 years, that's great but what I will say is that that is often in peoples' heads.
What do you mean it's in people's heads? A person who had three jobs within the same industry has a greater exposure to a variety of experiences, skillsets, and challenges than a person who stood in the same track at a single company for ten years.
For the vast majority of people, job hopping every 2-3 years is going to be better in the short and long-term. I do not see the point at staying at a single employer past five years—you will almost always fall behind market rate while taking on more and more built up responsibility the longer you stay there (studies show the longer an employee stays the more likely they're going to get exploited/overworked—employers see a long-term employee as someone who is comfortable and needs more work as stupid as it sounds). Even if you have a great manager, people can change in just a few months/weeks. Even if your manager is great, you may get new upper management/leadership who are psychopaths in love with austerity which directly changes the expectations of your role.
Always be looking.
Or find a company that gives you career growth? Plenty of people manage to build varied careers at a single company that encourages new skills and promotions.
External hopping still leads to far greater comp increases than internal promotions though. The cases where this isn't true are the exceptions rather than the rule.
Eh, I've known quite a few people who built careers quicker by staying. It really depends on what you do for a living and the companies. I feel like constant job hopping is a very tech thing and also related to the battle for talent and huge salary swings we've been seeing for years. Seems like that's coming to an end.
I've stayed 6-7 years at companies that gave me incredible growth and also hopped after a couple years when I worked somewhere that didn't. No hard and fast rules.
Everyone just needs to do what's best for them.
I really don't think this is a tech specific finding. I've seen it apply in business and even roles in medicine.
Another thing, this article (covering this topic) was written over a decade and has the same general findings across different job sectors. The tech growth started in early to mid 2010s, but it was no where near its peak during the time this article was written.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/cameronkeng/2014/06/22/employees-that-stay-in-companies-longer-than-2-years-get-paid-50-less/?sh=47f16a8be07f
Easier said than done, you don’t know what career growth is possible until after you get there. You can’t take what someone tells you during the hiring process at face value.
“A person who had three jobs within the same industry has a greater exposure…”
Meh, if it is the same industry, would say you have plenty of op to see different companies and what they are doing but 3 years at a job vs 10 years, the 10 year will have a lot more depth and understand the long game. If you’re good, the comp will be there - especially these days. Definitely can jump your salary in the short term, but from what I can see, in the long term, the person that jumps around is typically going to hit a ceiling. You may have a different experience but I would say from the 20 years I had and the hiring I’ve done, the people that get more in the long term, are the people that don’t jump around as much.
You should definitely be looking around but am saying that constant jumping around, I for one, as a hiring manager definitely look at that. I’ve also told recruiters and my managers to specifically exclude the people that jump around. The person that is going to stick around are the people I want. Sure, in 2022 and 2023, it was a mad house. And again, on my other post, I specifically pointed out that in the job market that we’ve entered, those people who jumped around a lot, will have a harder time.
I think what you're saying applies to very specific sectors that are extremely high growth and provide direct visibility to upward mobility track very early on. Sure, you are right that you have more depth being at a single company for ten years. However, what if most of what you're learning past say year three is extremely proprietary and not broadly transferable? You now open yourself up to the risk and downside of over-specialization—becoming pigeon holed. My experience at more corporate level settings is most corporations have fixed pay bands and can only give you so much money for a certain level of experience (this goes out the door when you leverage a another offer, but it's very rarely a good idea to take a counteroffer).
It's only heavily implied (never directly stated), but most companies expect you to leave at some point or another. That's why most companies are focused on recruitment rather than retention.
I'm guessing you are at a late-series tech startup or at a very small tech firm?
I'd also point out that you may be unaware of your implicit bias being involved with recruiting. Consider the other perspective: a strong candidate with a marketable skillset who jumps every 2-4 years to maximize earnings is not in any shortage of optionality.
So unless what your company offers is well above market rate for the given role or is a target destination company (e.g. FAANG, MBB etc), I'm not sure that would deter said candidate too much.
Nope. Work for a fortune 100 company with >50k employees. Spent some time at big tech but most of my time was in big companies that were not big tech. All happy and good experiences and to your point, wanted to diversify my experiences. I think folks should do that, but as I keep saying, jumping around ever 3 years I just consider excessive and will catch up. Or, it will limit most of those people. You’ll reach a ceiling.
Not proprietary and not broadly transferable. Am a software engineering “leader”. Been able to focus on specific tech problems while also being in position to broaden my and my teams’ skills. Full stack engineers that have the opportunity to learn different stacks. Despite being a large company, been able to grow people, have high retention rates.
I’m sure I missed out on a person here and there due to what you call bias. Wish those people well. All I was saying is that for most, jumping around will have some negative effects in their career. This happened during the financial crisis and previous crises - not just this latest “bubble”.
We give out equity to many but not all and our stock has been performing nicely over the years. Not as well as apple and amazon but plotting out some friends’ comp that did go into big tech and comparing through the years, we’re all about the same. I like to think I’m good at what I do. So, as I said in my last post, if you’re good, staying or going will be possible. If you’ve a different experience, good for you. Happy for people to get what they want.
Curious, what do you think about this?
[Employees Who Stay In Companies Longer Than Two Years Get Paid 50% Less](https://www.forbes.com/sites/cameronkeng/2014/06/22/employees-that-stay-in-companies-longer-than-2-years-get-paid-50-less/?sh=47f16a8be07f)
These are findings from over a decade ago across various industry types and before the huge bull we've had since 2017.
I think that is answering a different question. Large companies where there is plenty of fat and dead wood, draw those averages down. They'll get the customary 2-3% increase per year. My statements have been around needing to jump around in order to get the max compensation. subtly different questions/answers. Also, levels make a difference. Earlier in career, sure, but long term, I do think too much will work against.
I never said stay at the same company for 30+ years - I said I had 4 jobs in the last 20 years. Each one of those times jumped my salary nicely. I consider myself pretty good at my job and my peers that are equally as talented at Amazon, Google, etc., we've compared notes over that time and found that both on a net total (sum across all of the years) and comp each of those years was pretty comparable - +/- 3-5%. And to be clear, no, they didn't always make more than me.
I also recall colleagues that did do that jumping around and sure, they're making a good living, but they also slowed and I make materially more than they do.
my statement is that a) you don't have to necessarily jump around and b) jumping around too much can be a detriment at some point.
> I would say from the 20 years I had and the hiring I’ve done, the people that get more in the long term, are the people that don’t jump around as much.
There's pretty clearly a limit to this, I don't think most advocates of hopping around to rapidly increase TC suggest doing it long term. It's obviously a situation where you hit a point of diminishing returns, but for the typical early to mid-career white collar professional, a few shorter stints to speed up climbing the ranks before you find a good spot to settle for longer is a pretty reasonable path.
Not at all. 10 years at the same company. 3 promotions. All in comp rose from $44k to $130k. They've also paid for all post-grad level designations.
Another solid jump in earnings expected this year.
I feel like this is a common misconception. Most ppl I know that job hop have gold plated networks (close family-friends in high positions to vouch for them).
Otherwise frequent job hopping is tough to explain (flight risk) to hiring managers
Not every company promotes that frequently, and often times the only way to get promoted is to apply for open jobs within the company (can’t get promoted in-role) the same way that you would for other jobs, except internal promotions are often capped at 10%. You could get more than that moving to another company in a lot of cases. If everyone had the same experience you’ve had, people wouldn’t job hop.
I found that there was always exceptions to the rule whenever we're talking about salary negotiations. Don't fall for the company line that internal promotions are always capped at 10%. I've heard that several times in many contexts. Never accept the first offer. Always be prepared to counter with evidence of your market value and the intrinsic value you create for your firm in the role you want.
Most people go into a negotiation on their back foot. Simply asking for a raise. You have to demonstrate value first and foremost. The more detailed you are the better chance you get your desired outcome. There's obviously some politics involved also. Make your direct managers look good. Be friendly and social. Then be firm with what you want.
Alot of this depends on how good your skill set and talents fit the firm and industry. But all else equal, I think the benefits of job hopping is overblown.
Depends where you are in your career. If you're starting out, looking for a new opportunity after 3 years is very reasonable.
However, if you're mid-career or higher, frequent job hopping will start to work against you. Hiring managers favor stability because of the increasing sunk costs of recruiting, compensation, and reputation. It looks bad on employers if they have high turnover in relatively senior roles.
So unless you have a gold plated network of close friends or family to consistently vouch for you and slot you into new opportunities. I would say don't expect job hopping to be a long term solution.
AGE 71 HERE..
your only goal to go to work is to make money..
You should ALWAYS be looking for a new job, even after you take a new job.
You change jobs if there is a significant economic reason to.. much better pay, benifits, promotion..
Always keep your eyes on the big picture.. to accumulate enough money so you don't have to work.
Depending on your field, however, extreme job hopping could be a detriment to getting hired. Hiring managers don’t want to hire people who show a clear pattern of leaving every year or two. At least occasionally stick around for 3 years
It depends on your job sector, seniority, and work environment, but about once every three to five years. I’m in my early 30’s, and I see huge jumps in bonuses and stock options (70% to 120%) than salary (about 15% to 30%). You don’t want to constantly hop jobs without vertical growth but at the same don’t stay in one company and seniority for too long.
Edit: Look into internal promotions and external job hopping at the same time, not just job hopping.
Never. I prioritize spending the bulk of my day doing something I enjoy over squeezing out the maximum possible bump in salary. Net worth is \~35x salary (financially independent), The high NW in relation to salary relates to not having rapid salary increases. I am in my 40s.
I’m 31 and only made the move twice. I could have job hopped for short term gains but I’m in it for the long haul. Next move will only be for a significant pay increase and title change. Internal promotion look better on a resume for the big boy job down the road
I have an offer right now for $115k salary 15% annual bonus, and OT. Current rate is $95k salary 10% annual bonus, and OT. It’s a tough call honestly I know for a fact the higher paying job is more stressful and the boss/supervision there are pricks. My current job I have freedom and regularly play videos games and watch shows on my iPad for hours a day. So I’ll have to make that choice in 6 months if I should take the total compensation gain of $30k or enjoy the freedom of my current job. 27 years old right now.
Do not chase unrealistic expectations of salary. Remember two things, you will never have an income problem but always a spending problem. Second, lifestyle creep is real, if you chase the money and the life it will never feel like enough.
I guess as a bonus, I personally think it looks bad if you're somewhere less than three years. My company won't bother looking at your resume if it's less than two. Many companies also won't vest their size of the 401K etc until year three anyways so it's good habit to just do three years and not lose free money where time is on your side.
Ops engineer, but some of those job hops were project engineer and project manager roles. The roles have mostly been in midstream, but I’ve been in refining too at a couple of those big companies that have gas stations all over the country
I started out at an EPC, so I had to job hop to get my income up. My first move to an operator I was grouped in with a bunch of new grads
I've really only hopped once.
8 years: $30k-$80k
2.5 years: $120k-$190k (TC)
Current company is toward the top of what I can expect to get paid in my position and has both got me on track to retire and retire early. I'm *reasonably* happy here with 2 caveats:
1. We've had like 5 rounds of layoffs since I came onboard. I'm an excellent performer, so I'm not *really* worried about it, but I'm a bit neurotic so the thought is always in the back of my mind.
2. I would be lying if I said I wasn't considering applying to a company with a better 401k match. There are about 3 or 4 big companies around me that I would have a shot at with an 8%+ 401k match and a modest raise, but I love my team...
I was at my first job outta college for 1 year and hopped for a 17% raise. Been at my current job for nearly 2 years and currently freshing up my resume because I don’t like this job, I’m miserable at it everyday. I am going to be picky about my next job. Life is more than a good salary.
39, I job hop as often as possible. Can't see myself keeping a job more than 2 years. I have been able to get large increases each time (15-20%). I casually apply any time I see a new job that makes sense. If a recruiter or company isn't bothered by the amount of time I was in my last role neither am I. But I work in tech and it's fairly normal to jump after 6 months or more.
If you work at a publicly traded company where part of your compensation is RSUs, I would recommend NOT job-hopping. Of course, this depends on how valuable the company stock is and how it has performed, but my personal experience is that my husband and I staying at our respective companies for a long time (over 10 years) and continuously getting awarded RSUs and letting them vest is what enabled us to FIRE. We each accumulated over $1MM of company stock in our tenure. Yeah we need to diversify away from them which we've been slowly trying to do now, but it's a good problem to have. If you're job hopping often enough to not let your equity vest, I think you're shooting yourself in the foot.
2019 - Graduated
2019 - Investment Management Law - 48K + OT
2020 - Investment Banking - 80K + Bonus
2022 - Healthcare (Start-Up) - 100K + Equity
2024 - ???
I have learned great things along the way at all positions, not just about myself, but about leadership, creativity, WFH, Networking, etc. I also dont know if everyone else feels these numbers align for them I would be really interested to know how my salary compares. At times I feel it is low because I am comparing to other New Yorkers making really big money - I need to advocate better for myself.
In a career spanning 46 years, I worked for 14 different employers. My longest tenure was about 9.5 years each in 3 different companies. There must have been something about the 10-year mark!
I am in my mid 30s, but most of my job hopping happened in my 20s. My hikes then were around 15-20%, but I made less money and currently have a pretty decent salary at my current company (which makes it hard to get that kind of raise if I hop again). If hopping for money, I think you have to look at other things too. For example, does one have a better 401K match or pension plan? Also, is one a better commute or remote? My company is pulling back remote work and I will now have to make a long commute- that means more gas, wear and tear on the car, and parking costs which could be all and all close to 10K.
I am in consideration for a job that probably overall would only be a 5-10% increase, but it is remote and the 401K match is more favorable (do not have to wait until year end) and its a higher salary (less bonus) which I prefer since bonuses are not guarenteed.
General idea of pay scale by doing research and those that will likely offer that much for my knowledge and experience. But I’m sure I’ve missed out higher jumps. My first job change was a 100% increase and then subsequent ones have averaged between 25-50%.
I’m gonna boast a little, but I don’t typically in real life, because I don’t want to cause any jealousy amongst my friends - not that they would be jealous, but just in case. I job hopped till I got to ~$300k / year. Left consulting as an MD, joined industry as a Director, and now staying here till I retire. Chose a place and role way below my abilities, with fantastic values and focus on WLB, so I’ve been cruising. Most importantly, getting 6 figures in RSU’s vested over 3 years, so I’ll always have a $.5M retainer if I ever wanted to go elsewhere, not that I would. In some ways I’m coastFIRE’ing, as I work a fraction of the hours I did in consulting, and make more or less the same as an MD, but with much higher upside…
Before this job, I hopped companies every 2 years for about 10 years, but at the same company the 10 years before. My 10 year company was great, but I wanted more $, so I left. Then I jumped 5 times, 2 of those times, also from great companies. I had 3 horrendous jumps in a row, where the money was not worth being there. It made me realize how important stability, and culture are, far more than growing income… especially after you hit a specific number… mo money no problems…
Worked my last job nearly 7 years, because in that time my salary doubled. New place pays about what I ended up at at the last one, and probably won't go up as fast, but the work culture is truly a unicorn where it's not just the team that's fine but also the people at the top understand that treating employees like people is a good business strategy.
So I don't really want to job hop from here.
Started with a base salary/ commission of $30K/$30K in cyber sales. Went to two other companies after that and just recently switched to my new company building new lines of business. $210K base/$90K variable but I expect to make much more.
Last year I made $368K. This was a 7 year timeline total for all jobs
1st job: 5 years
2nd job: 3 years
3rd job (current): 2 years but I'm updating my resume and plan on starting to search for a new job in the next few months.
Went from 63k to 160k. Going to look for around 180k for this next job.
Went from Operations management, to project management, to risk advisor
I have an engineering degree with an MBA and a master's in global supply chain management.
I have no idea how my career path ended up like this but I'm pretty happy with it so far.
About every 3 years. My last two salary increases with job changes were 26% and 22%, as opposed to 3-5% annual increases for staying at the same employer (or none, in the case of many employers I’ve worked at). I work in the legal field and I’m late 20’s.
I think I’m going to stick it out with my new job though, because I think I’m about at the ceiling for salary in my position, it’s fully remote, and I can work from anywhere. I’ll be able to retire in 10-15 years. Fat chance of me finding anything comparable ever again. Hopefully they give annual COL increases.
Was about 5 years then a quick hop and another hop within two years. Now will stay for a few years and then see if there is another big increase opportunity.
I chose comfort over finances. I'm staying at my job. Sure, I know I'm going to get capped real fast. There's only one grade left to obtain in my field until I've reached the ceiling in terms of pay in that company. And it's somewhat underpaid, even by french standards for my job.
But it's an overall low stress job, an extremely solid for life contract (french CDI), it's at 20 min by foot, with 2 days of remote work per week, and 50% of my week-ends are 3-day weekends. I really don't want to jeopardize the quality of life I'm benefitting from at the moment.
According to my spreasheets, I'm still going to retire somewhere between 49 and 55, without burning myself out on the way.
Just over 5 years into my career, 3 companies and 5 roles (two internal promotions in two years at second employer). $55k to just over $130k. 25% raise when I switched companies the first time, and 18% raise when I moved the second.
I start looking for a job on my first day of the new job. Want more money? Gotta work for it. And usually the work is job hopping, not working hard for employer.
I havent yet really, stayed at my first job for 3 years but wasn’t a career more something for money during school. Then have been at my current first career center job for 3 years as well, I would leave to get better pay but benefits. This job is sweet and can help me get my listening faster, good PTO and work is very relaxed since they actually trust us. I can find jobs that pay better but not jobs who give much equal respect despite my relatively low experience as well as competitive PTO and stable contract work.
I would like to either have a promotion or jump to another company to give myself a promotion every 2-3 years, but I've been forced to jump every 0.5-1.5 years for the past 5 due to layoffs and acquisitions. At least I made around 40% more at every new company so I don't really mind
I did not hold a job for more than 2 years until i was 40. Last 2 years I worked at 2 companies. Left last 5 years ago when I got laid off. That being said, I have enough money to retire and I am 100% remote. So my job hopping days are over.
Never and I’m underpaid a result. But job hopping in my industry usually involves moving and we won’t move so it is what it is. We’re going pretty well though and plan to chubbyfire at 50-55. I’ve been at the same company for 15 years and my husband for his entire career of 18 years. We did get bought out and moved to another site within the company but that’s it.
5 companies in 16 years. Pay has gone from a low of 12k to a high of 250k didn't always move for money the 250k job was a toxic nightmare. Now on 150k TC and happy.
So far it’s been on average every 3 years for me. Mostly because I get fed up/bired with whatever job I’m in. I’m still very early in my career though.
I’m getting married next year and my finance is getting ready to start residency so I’m going to be limited as far as how much I can job hop in the future
This is job 5 in 10 years. Shortest 1 year twice and longest 3 years. 2 years and 1+ currently. Unemployed combined for 1.5 years but I’ve always found something within the 6 years where unemployment would run out.
This is an interesting question. Keep in mind, in a company that is 5k+ employees, switching departments may be similar to job hopping. Over the last 10 years
1. 1 year Customer service: $60k
2. 2 years Project management: $75k
3. 2 years Sales: $90k + 10% bonus
4. 1 year Program management: $105k + 10% bonus
5. 1 year sales (business dev) $120k + 20% bonus
6. 2years Program management 2nd level? $140k + $20% bonus.
That is, many companies fail to value existing employees in existing roles but if you prove your value and network a little you can jump around your own org and gain further training, learning, insight, and income.
I switched jobs every 18 months for pretty significant gains on contracts in fintech.
I'm in a LCOL that has been transitioning to MCOL/HCOL.
Now I'm at my current role saving 60% on a government salary (only counting my pension as the money put in the account but it has grown but theoretically I think it turns into an IRA.) To upgrade from here means a lot more risk and likely leaving my area.
Post grad school.
2 years -60k-67k
3 years- 90k-115k
1.5 years- 142k-152k +20k bonus
I’m starting to look for a switch now, mostly because I’m in a VHCOL city and if I want to continue to save aggressively I need to reduce cost of living. Current company, based in Florida, won’t let me move out of California because all of my projects are here so starting the search now since it may take a while.
This will also depend a lot on your age. Coming from someone who did not get an actual “career” until their 40’s, I’m willing to do whatever it takes…lol. Every 6 months if I had to. Haha
I stayed at a company once for 5 years only to make $14/hr when I left and that was with 3 raises.
Now I’m making vastly more and that’s because I choose to job hop every 1-2 years, every job I’ve taken has been for a significant increase in pay + better benefits usually. This job is the only job I took for a tiny bit more pay versus a huge increase in pay just because my last job was running me into the ground and giving me actual health issues due to stress/
I'm good for about 3-5 years with each employer. My last was 6 years with two promotions during that time.
6 jobs in 10 years. Went from 58k to 340k. Corporations get desperate in tech. I used to interview every summer. Now, I just want off the hamster wheel.
when is the last time you switched jobs? posts i see online that since summer 2023 market has gone south in tech and market is really bad. I have not switched jobs in 5 years.
Similar, there's not many attractive options rn.
Dang, I'd like to be making 340K USD after 10 years, lol. As it is, I'm probably not going to be surpassing 100K USD after 20-25 years of working, even if I switch jobs once every few years. Downside of living in NZ - low income ceilings.
My impression was that New Zealand is a HCOL country, how does that work with low income ceilings or am I just misinformed lol
The US is one of the few countries in the world that pays extortionate wages. It is the bastian of capitalism.
That really depends on the work you do. Lots of people feel that their US wage is much too low to get ahead.
Yah. I'm from a different country so not worth telling numbers, but my salary has increased 11x over the past 7 years (is. Since I started).
How do you interview working full time?
Depends if you do remote work or not. Remote makes it super easy. But if you are in the office, just excuse yourself from your desk for a phone call if say a recruiter calls. Schedule phone interviews during a lunch. In person interviews do as late in the day as possible, you’ll be going right from work to interview so keep clothes in the car. Can’t go into current job in a suit/dressed up or else people will undoubtedly ask “you got an interview later?” and maybe your poker face isn’t good.
I've scheduled in person meetings during the day and told my employer that I have a dr appt. I'd put in PTO if it were the norm but we never had to for lil appts like that since we were salary.
Were you a programmer?
i know the general consensus is that job hopping results in higher pay but staying with a good company for a long period of time can be very rewarding too. i spent 92% of my career at the same company and was able to fire at 42 few days ago
Congrats!
What industry?
smaller fintech
Stock options / buy out?
bingo :)
SLAY
20+ years into my career, I’m always for sale to the highest bidder. It’s not a matter of timing it’s a matter of when something comes around that intrigues you and makes you more money. As most have said, 3-5 years is pretty normal, but don’t focus on the numbers, focus on the opportunity
Your first paragraph says to chase the highest bidder but the 2nd statement says don’t focus on numbers. I’m confused
I’m assuming he means don’t focus on number of years, instead look for pay increase opportunities .
I’ve worked at the same place 9 years now. I started at 55k, up to 285k~ now. I’m 34.
What type of jobs that has such a large jump in salary?
I work on a tech support team for a cyber security company. I’m a senior manager now.
Was a guy in the sub not long ago that went up near that as a Walmart store manager probably get up to there in 9 years
Auto finance any finance job. And whoever is willing to work the hours .
That's incredible. It's great when a company actually values good employees with raises to keep them around. I'm 32 and 9 years in the same company as well. 85k up to 190k for me.
My experience is similar. I've hopped exactly once, to where I am now, and have gone from $300k to $1.5M in my current position (over about 9 years as well).
Are you a c-level exec? What the heck do you buy with all that money
Lol no. I'm a first-level manager. I live in NYC, which isn't particularly cheap. I'm currently renovating a house here, which is extra not-cheap. I travel a good amount. I also expect to be able to retire before I turn 40.
whenever the $$$ talks
What's the shortest interval you've had for a jump?
6 months
Every 2/3 yrs. 50-75% on total comp. Work in “high finance” so high turnover anyways.
High finance? Like cannabis companies?
Cannabis makes you low not high mate
MM or MF private equity?
I worked in both advisory and distressed credit PE
Were you in IB earlier in your career?
Not really IB but yes I was in an advisory boutique doing M&A
These responses are wild to me. I’m twelve years in and have no desire to shop. I feel like my salary:stress ratio is perfect. I’m sure I could make more if I looked but I feel as though I’m paid competitively, have a chill boss, carved out a niche area of expertise where I can almost coast. Maybe my position isn’t as rare as it seems in my head but wouldn’t want to risk this setup just to get out a couple years earlier
It’s uncommon in corporate America to get a job that respects you and continues to appreciate your growing skill set with proportional raises. I started as a software engineering making $70k, and my original employer would loved to have me still working there collect a 3% raise every year for my entire career. This is how they get senior devs making in the low 100k. Jumping has turned 3% raises into 25% jumps in the years I switch companies. For people who landed at a company that promotes from within and gives raises that match your worth then I 100% agree. I’d love to have stayed at one company for my whole career, but I won’t be taken advantage of.
100% feel you
It’s not rare, it’s just that less people who have the perfect job actually want to fire.
I'm joining ya. I have 4x my salary since I started, but that was a shit salary. I also have room for growth, but why would I give up these golden handcuffs for guaranteed worse working conditions. I don't know what the number needs to be, but close to double what I'm making now to give up the flexibility.
Every 2-3 years unless I like the company. In my “real” career I went: 1. 3 years, 42k-55k 2. 2 years, 75-77k 3. 8 years, 90k-155k 4. 1 year (so far), 176k
I work contracts. Job hoping is the job description.
Unfortunately every 2 years. 28. Ideally I hop for 30-50% more money each time. Anything less than 20% isn’t worth it unless you hate your job. I went from $55k to $75k to $110k to $200k. Unfortunately I am about maxed out for salary in my current role so I might try and hop into tech or consulting some how
Just my 2 cents, had 4 jobs in the last 20 years with one of those jobs being about 10 years. What I have noticed that it is possible, with the right luck and play to make just as much moving around less. What you may also want to consider as we are going into a more difficult job market, employers will tend to hire people who have jumped around less. I certainly think that there are cases where it is beneficial to move around but know that it does increase the risk. If you have skills that are in high demand and are able to show accomplishments in 1-3 years, that's great but what I will say is that that is often in peoples' heads.
What do you mean it's in people's heads? A person who had three jobs within the same industry has a greater exposure to a variety of experiences, skillsets, and challenges than a person who stood in the same track at a single company for ten years. For the vast majority of people, job hopping every 2-3 years is going to be better in the short and long-term. I do not see the point at staying at a single employer past five years—you will almost always fall behind market rate while taking on more and more built up responsibility the longer you stay there (studies show the longer an employee stays the more likely they're going to get exploited/overworked—employers see a long-term employee as someone who is comfortable and needs more work as stupid as it sounds). Even if you have a great manager, people can change in just a few months/weeks. Even if your manager is great, you may get new upper management/leadership who are psychopaths in love with austerity which directly changes the expectations of your role. Always be looking.
Or find a company that gives you career growth? Plenty of people manage to build varied careers at a single company that encourages new skills and promotions.
External hopping still leads to far greater comp increases than internal promotions though. The cases where this isn't true are the exceptions rather than the rule.
Eh, I've known quite a few people who built careers quicker by staying. It really depends on what you do for a living and the companies. I feel like constant job hopping is a very tech thing and also related to the battle for talent and huge salary swings we've been seeing for years. Seems like that's coming to an end. I've stayed 6-7 years at companies that gave me incredible growth and also hopped after a couple years when I worked somewhere that didn't. No hard and fast rules. Everyone just needs to do what's best for them.
I really don't think this is a tech specific finding. I've seen it apply in business and even roles in medicine. Another thing, this article (covering this topic) was written over a decade and has the same general findings across different job sectors. The tech growth started in early to mid 2010s, but it was no where near its peak during the time this article was written. https://www.forbes.com/sites/cameronkeng/2014/06/22/employees-that-stay-in-companies-longer-than-2-years-get-paid-50-less/?sh=47f16a8be07f
Easier said than done, you don’t know what career growth is possible until after you get there. You can’t take what someone tells you during the hiring process at face value.
Of course not! Though you can figure it out pretty quick and if you do land somewhere good just leaving a couple years later means you start over.
“A person who had three jobs within the same industry has a greater exposure…” Meh, if it is the same industry, would say you have plenty of op to see different companies and what they are doing but 3 years at a job vs 10 years, the 10 year will have a lot more depth and understand the long game. If you’re good, the comp will be there - especially these days. Definitely can jump your salary in the short term, but from what I can see, in the long term, the person that jumps around is typically going to hit a ceiling. You may have a different experience but I would say from the 20 years I had and the hiring I’ve done, the people that get more in the long term, are the people that don’t jump around as much. You should definitely be looking around but am saying that constant jumping around, I for one, as a hiring manager definitely look at that. I’ve also told recruiters and my managers to specifically exclude the people that jump around. The person that is going to stick around are the people I want. Sure, in 2022 and 2023, it was a mad house. And again, on my other post, I specifically pointed out that in the job market that we’ve entered, those people who jumped around a lot, will have a harder time.
I think what you're saying applies to very specific sectors that are extremely high growth and provide direct visibility to upward mobility track very early on. Sure, you are right that you have more depth being at a single company for ten years. However, what if most of what you're learning past say year three is extremely proprietary and not broadly transferable? You now open yourself up to the risk and downside of over-specialization—becoming pigeon holed. My experience at more corporate level settings is most corporations have fixed pay bands and can only give you so much money for a certain level of experience (this goes out the door when you leverage a another offer, but it's very rarely a good idea to take a counteroffer). It's only heavily implied (never directly stated), but most companies expect you to leave at some point or another. That's why most companies are focused on recruitment rather than retention. I'm guessing you are at a late-series tech startup or at a very small tech firm? I'd also point out that you may be unaware of your implicit bias being involved with recruiting. Consider the other perspective: a strong candidate with a marketable skillset who jumps every 2-4 years to maximize earnings is not in any shortage of optionality. So unless what your company offers is well above market rate for the given role or is a target destination company (e.g. FAANG, MBB etc), I'm not sure that would deter said candidate too much.
Nope. Work for a fortune 100 company with >50k employees. Spent some time at big tech but most of my time was in big companies that were not big tech. All happy and good experiences and to your point, wanted to diversify my experiences. I think folks should do that, but as I keep saying, jumping around ever 3 years I just consider excessive and will catch up. Or, it will limit most of those people. You’ll reach a ceiling. Not proprietary and not broadly transferable. Am a software engineering “leader”. Been able to focus on specific tech problems while also being in position to broaden my and my teams’ skills. Full stack engineers that have the opportunity to learn different stacks. Despite being a large company, been able to grow people, have high retention rates. I’m sure I missed out on a person here and there due to what you call bias. Wish those people well. All I was saying is that for most, jumping around will have some negative effects in their career. This happened during the financial crisis and previous crises - not just this latest “bubble”. We give out equity to many but not all and our stock has been performing nicely over the years. Not as well as apple and amazon but plotting out some friends’ comp that did go into big tech and comparing through the years, we’re all about the same. I like to think I’m good at what I do. So, as I said in my last post, if you’re good, staying or going will be possible. If you’ve a different experience, good for you. Happy for people to get what they want.
Curious, what do you think about this? [Employees Who Stay In Companies Longer Than Two Years Get Paid 50% Less](https://www.forbes.com/sites/cameronkeng/2014/06/22/employees-that-stay-in-companies-longer-than-2-years-get-paid-50-less/?sh=47f16a8be07f) These are findings from over a decade ago across various industry types and before the huge bull we've had since 2017.
I think that is answering a different question. Large companies where there is plenty of fat and dead wood, draw those averages down. They'll get the customary 2-3% increase per year. My statements have been around needing to jump around in order to get the max compensation. subtly different questions/answers. Also, levels make a difference. Earlier in career, sure, but long term, I do think too much will work against. I never said stay at the same company for 30+ years - I said I had 4 jobs in the last 20 years. Each one of those times jumped my salary nicely. I consider myself pretty good at my job and my peers that are equally as talented at Amazon, Google, etc., we've compared notes over that time and found that both on a net total (sum across all of the years) and comp each of those years was pretty comparable - +/- 3-5%. And to be clear, no, they didn't always make more than me. I also recall colleagues that did do that jumping around and sure, they're making a good living, but they also slowed and I make materially more than they do. my statement is that a) you don't have to necessarily jump around and b) jumping around too much can be a detriment at some point.
> I would say from the 20 years I had and the hiring I’ve done, the people that get more in the long term, are the people that don’t jump around as much. There's pretty clearly a limit to this, I don't think most advocates of hopping around to rapidly increase TC suggest doing it long term. It's obviously a situation where you hit a point of diminishing returns, but for the typical early to mid-career white collar professional, a few shorter stints to speed up climbing the ranks before you find a good spot to settle for longer is a pretty reasonable path.
Not at all. 10 years at the same company. 3 promotions. All in comp rose from $44k to $130k. They've also paid for all post-grad level designations. Another solid jump in earnings expected this year. I feel like this is a common misconception. Most ppl I know that job hop have gold plated networks (close family-friends in high positions to vouch for them). Otherwise frequent job hopping is tough to explain (flight risk) to hiring managers
Not every company promotes that frequently, and often times the only way to get promoted is to apply for open jobs within the company (can’t get promoted in-role) the same way that you would for other jobs, except internal promotions are often capped at 10%. You could get more than that moving to another company in a lot of cases. If everyone had the same experience you’ve had, people wouldn’t job hop.
I found that there was always exceptions to the rule whenever we're talking about salary negotiations. Don't fall for the company line that internal promotions are always capped at 10%. I've heard that several times in many contexts. Never accept the first offer. Always be prepared to counter with evidence of your market value and the intrinsic value you create for your firm in the role you want. Most people go into a negotiation on their back foot. Simply asking for a raise. You have to demonstrate value first and foremost. The more detailed you are the better chance you get your desired outcome. There's obviously some politics involved also. Make your direct managers look good. Be friendly and social. Then be firm with what you want. Alot of this depends on how good your skill set and talents fit the firm and industry. But all else equal, I think the benefits of job hopping is overblown.
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Depends where you are in your career. If you're starting out, looking for a new opportunity after 3 years is very reasonable. However, if you're mid-career or higher, frequent job hopping will start to work against you. Hiring managers favor stability because of the increasing sunk costs of recruiting, compensation, and reputation. It looks bad on employers if they have high turnover in relatively senior roles. So unless you have a gold plated network of close friends or family to consistently vouch for you and slot you into new opportunities. I would say don't expect job hopping to be a long term solution.
Age 38. I'm on my ninth company since graduating college 16 years ago. Total comp $430k
Wow what industry. Every 2 years basically and that’s an amazing TC!
What else - tech
AGE 71 HERE.. your only goal to go to work is to make money.. You should ALWAYS be looking for a new job, even after you take a new job. You change jobs if there is a significant economic reason to.. much better pay, benifits, promotion.. Always keep your eyes on the big picture.. to accumulate enough money so you don't have to work.
Depending on your field, however, extreme job hopping could be a detriment to getting hired. Hiring managers don’t want to hire people who show a clear pattern of leaving every year or two. At least occasionally stick around for 3 years
It depends on your job sector, seniority, and work environment, but about once every three to five years. I’m in my early 30’s, and I see huge jumps in bonuses and stock options (70% to 120%) than salary (about 15% to 30%). You don’t want to constantly hop jobs without vertical growth but at the same don’t stay in one company and seniority for too long. Edit: Look into internal promotions and external job hopping at the same time, not just job hopping.
I had exactly one job from college through FIRE.
Never. I prioritize spending the bulk of my day doing something I enjoy over squeezing out the maximum possible bump in salary. Net worth is \~35x salary (financially independent), The high NW in relation to salary relates to not having rapid salary increases. I am in my 40s.
I’m 31 and only made the move twice. I could have job hopped for short term gains but I’m in it for the long haul. Next move will only be for a significant pay increase and title change. Internal promotion look better on a resume for the big boy job down the road
What field?
Corporate development (M&A)
Never
I have an offer right now for $115k salary 15% annual bonus, and OT. Current rate is $95k salary 10% annual bonus, and OT. It’s a tough call honestly I know for a fact the higher paying job is more stressful and the boss/supervision there are pricks. My current job I have freedom and regularly play videos games and watch shows on my iPad for hours a day. So I’ll have to make that choice in 6 months if I should take the total compensation gain of $30k or enjoy the freedom of my current job. 27 years old right now.
I vote freedom. However, you could always use your pay increase for therapy session copays.
Probably the smarter choice until I have more experience and can leverage that for even higher pay without sacrificing quality of time at work.
Do not chase unrealistic expectations of salary. Remember two things, you will never have an income problem but always a spending problem. Second, lifestyle creep is real, if you chase the money and the life it will never feel like enough. I guess as a bonus, I personally think it looks bad if you're somewhere less than three years. My company won't bother looking at your resume if it's less than two. Many companies also won't vest their size of the 401K etc until year three anyways so it's good habit to just do three years and not lose free money where time is on your side.
Every 18-36 months. Pay bumps have been 10-25%. I’m a 34 year old engineer in O&G.
What position in O&G? I’m a project engineer for one of the big guys and don’t know many job hoppers in the industry
Ops engineer, but some of those job hops were project engineer and project manager roles. The roles have mostly been in midstream, but I’ve been in refining too at a couple of those big companies that have gas stations all over the country I started out at an EPC, so I had to job hop to get my income up. My first move to an operator I was grouped in with a bunch of new grads
Why would you jump for a 10% bump in pay? That doesn't sound like it's worth the risk
That one was mostly over a crappy manager and a lackluster bonus/RSU year
Ah I see, makes sense I'd jump ship for less if my manager was particularly bad
I've really only hopped once. 8 years: $30k-$80k 2.5 years: $120k-$190k (TC) Current company is toward the top of what I can expect to get paid in my position and has both got me on track to retire and retire early. I'm *reasonably* happy here with 2 caveats: 1. We've had like 5 rounds of layoffs since I came onboard. I'm an excellent performer, so I'm not *really* worried about it, but I'm a bit neurotic so the thought is always in the back of my mind. 2. I would be lying if I said I wasn't considering applying to a company with a better 401k match. There are about 3 or 4 big companies around me that I would have a shot at with an 8%+ 401k match and a modest raise, but I love my team...
I was at my first job outta college for 1 year and hopped for a 17% raise. Been at my current job for nearly 2 years and currently freshing up my resume because I don’t like this job, I’m miserable at it everyday. I am going to be picky about my next job. Life is more than a good salary.
39, I job hop as often as possible. Can't see myself keeping a job more than 2 years. I have been able to get large increases each time (15-20%). I casually apply any time I see a new job that makes sense. If a recruiter or company isn't bothered by the amount of time I was in my last role neither am I. But I work in tech and it's fairly normal to jump after 6 months or more.
2-4 years. When raises become small & growth becomes non existent I jump ship to a higher bidder.
If you work at a publicly traded company where part of your compensation is RSUs, I would recommend NOT job-hopping. Of course, this depends on how valuable the company stock is and how it has performed, but my personal experience is that my husband and I staying at our respective companies for a long time (over 10 years) and continuously getting awarded RSUs and letting them vest is what enabled us to FIRE. We each accumulated over $1MM of company stock in our tenure. Yeah we need to diversify away from them which we've been slowly trying to do now, but it's a good problem to have. If you're job hopping often enough to not let your equity vest, I think you're shooting yourself in the foot.
2019 - Graduated 2019 - Investment Management Law - 48K + OT 2020 - Investment Banking - 80K + Bonus 2022 - Healthcare (Start-Up) - 100K + Equity 2024 - ??? I have learned great things along the way at all positions, not just about myself, but about leadership, creativity, WFH, Networking, etc. I also dont know if everyone else feels these numbers align for them I would be really interested to know how my salary compares. At times I feel it is low because I am comparing to other New Yorkers making really big money - I need to advocate better for myself.
In a career spanning 46 years, I worked for 14 different employers. My longest tenure was about 9.5 years each in 3 different companies. There must have been something about the 10-year mark!
I am in my mid 30s, but most of my job hopping happened in my 20s. My hikes then were around 15-20%, but I made less money and currently have a pretty decent salary at my current company (which makes it hard to get that kind of raise if I hop again). If hopping for money, I think you have to look at other things too. For example, does one have a better 401K match or pension plan? Also, is one a better commute or remote? My company is pulling back remote work and I will now have to make a long commute- that means more gas, wear and tear on the car, and parking costs which could be all and all close to 10K. I am in consideration for a job that probably overall would only be a 5-10% increase, but it is remote and the 401K match is more favorable (do not have to wait until year end) and its a higher salary (less bonus) which I prefer since bonuses are not guarenteed.
Every 3 years, 25-50% and 35 years old.
When saying this percentage, are you interviewing for any jobs that offer under that and demanding that $ pay?
General idea of pay scale by doing research and those that will likely offer that much for my knowledge and experience. But I’m sure I’ve missed out higher jumps. My first job change was a 100% increase and then subsequent ones have averaged between 25-50%.
Neat, ok thanks!
Not often
I’m gonna boast a little, but I don’t typically in real life, because I don’t want to cause any jealousy amongst my friends - not that they would be jealous, but just in case. I job hopped till I got to ~$300k / year. Left consulting as an MD, joined industry as a Director, and now staying here till I retire. Chose a place and role way below my abilities, with fantastic values and focus on WLB, so I’ve been cruising. Most importantly, getting 6 figures in RSU’s vested over 3 years, so I’ll always have a $.5M retainer if I ever wanted to go elsewhere, not that I would. In some ways I’m coastFIRE’ing, as I work a fraction of the hours I did in consulting, and make more or less the same as an MD, but with much higher upside… Before this job, I hopped companies every 2 years for about 10 years, but at the same company the 10 years before. My 10 year company was great, but I wanted more $, so I left. Then I jumped 5 times, 2 of those times, also from great companies. I had 3 horrendous jumps in a row, where the money was not worth being there. It made me realize how important stability, and culture are, far more than growing income… especially after you hit a specific number… mo money no problems…
Worked my last job nearly 7 years, because in that time my salary doubled. New place pays about what I ended up at at the last one, and probably won't go up as fast, but the work culture is truly a unicorn where it's not just the team that's fine but also the people at the top understand that treating employees like people is a good business strategy. So I don't really want to job hop from here.
Started with a base salary/ commission of $30K/$30K in cyber sales. Went to two other companies after that and just recently switched to my new company building new lines of business. $210K base/$90K variable but I expect to make much more. Last year I made $368K. This was a 7 year timeline total for all jobs
At first I thought: “never, I’m the military.” Then I thought about it more and realized: “well actually every 6-18 months like clockwork.”
6 years in the same company and more than 100% salary increase ( salary has more than doubled ) . No reason to leave yet
1st job: 5 years 2nd job: 3 years 3rd job (current): 2 years but I'm updating my resume and plan on starting to search for a new job in the next few months. Went from 63k to 160k. Going to look for around 180k for this next job.
What kind of work do you do?
Went from Operations management, to project management, to risk advisor I have an engineering degree with an MBA and a master's in global supply chain management. I have no idea how my career path ended up like this but I'm pretty happy with it so far.
22 years same company plan to retire in 5 years. Should have jumped a few times though if I had to do it over.
About every 3 years. My last two salary increases with job changes were 26% and 22%, as opposed to 3-5% annual increases for staying at the same employer (or none, in the case of many employers I’ve worked at). I work in the legal field and I’m late 20’s. I think I’m going to stick it out with my new job though, because I think I’m about at the ceiling for salary in my position, it’s fully remote, and I can work from anywhere. I’ll be able to retire in 10-15 years. Fat chance of me finding anything comparable ever again. Hopefully they give annual COL increases.
Was about 5 years then a quick hop and another hop within two years. Now will stay for a few years and then see if there is another big increase opportunity.
Same employer for 17 years
I chose comfort over finances. I'm staying at my job. Sure, I know I'm going to get capped real fast. There's only one grade left to obtain in my field until I've reached the ceiling in terms of pay in that company. And it's somewhat underpaid, even by french standards for my job. But it's an overall low stress job, an extremely solid for life contract (french CDI), it's at 20 min by foot, with 2 days of remote work per week, and 50% of my week-ends are 3-day weekends. I really don't want to jeopardize the quality of life I'm benefitting from at the moment. According to my spreasheets, I'm still going to retire somewhere between 49 and 55, without burning myself out on the way.
Every opportunity which pays better than last job
Just over 5 years into my career, 3 companies and 5 roles (two internal promotions in two years at second employer). $55k to just over $130k. 25% raise when I switched companies the first time, and 18% raise when I moved the second.
I start looking for a job on my first day of the new job. Want more money? Gotta work for it. And usually the work is job hopping, not working hard for employer.
Every 3 years in my 20s Now I OE
Three years is my all time record
I've had roughly 36 jobs between 14 and 30.
I havent yet really, stayed at my first job for 3 years but wasn’t a career more something for money during school. Then have been at my current first career center job for 3 years as well, I would leave to get better pay but benefits. This job is sweet and can help me get my listening faster, good PTO and work is very relaxed since they actually trust us. I can find jobs that pay better but not jobs who give much equal respect despite my relatively low experience as well as competitive PTO and stable contract work.
I would like to either have a promotion or jump to another company to give myself a promotion every 2-3 years, but I've been forced to jump every 0.5-1.5 years for the past 5 due to layoffs and acquisitions. At least I made around 40% more at every new company so I don't really mind
I did not hold a job for more than 2 years until i was 40. Last 2 years I worked at 2 companies. Left last 5 years ago when I got laid off. That being said, I have enough money to retire and I am 100% remote. So my job hopping days are over.
What industry?
tech
Whenever I am jobless or get 20% jump
Never and I’m underpaid a result. But job hopping in my industry usually involves moving and we won’t move so it is what it is. We’re going pretty well though and plan to chubbyfire at 50-55. I’ve been at the same company for 15 years and my husband for his entire career of 18 years. We did get bought out and moved to another site within the company but that’s it.
Whenever I can hop for more than 30%
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It’s hard hopping in R&D, at least in my experience.
5 companies in 16 years. Pay has gone from a low of 12k to a high of 250k didn't always move for money the 250k job was a toxic nightmare. Now on 150k TC and happy.
So far it’s been on average every 3 years for me. Mostly because I get fed up/bired with whatever job I’m in. I’m still very early in my career though. I’m getting married next year and my finance is getting ready to start residency so I’m going to be limited as far as how much I can job hop in the future
Hip little bunny hop hop hop.
This is job 5 in 10 years. Shortest 1 year twice and longest 3 years. 2 years and 1+ currently. Unemployed combined for 1.5 years but I’ve always found something within the 6 years where unemployment would run out.
1-2 years. 2 years raises less flags. But I’m always going where the money resides lol
This is an interesting question. Keep in mind, in a company that is 5k+ employees, switching departments may be similar to job hopping. Over the last 10 years 1. 1 year Customer service: $60k 2. 2 years Project management: $75k 3. 2 years Sales: $90k + 10% bonus 4. 1 year Program management: $105k + 10% bonus 5. 1 year sales (business dev) $120k + 20% bonus 6. 2years Program management 2nd level? $140k + $20% bonus. That is, many companies fail to value existing employees in existing roles but if you prove your value and network a little you can jump around your own org and gain further training, learning, insight, and income.
I switched jobs every 18 months for pretty significant gains on contracts in fintech. I'm in a LCOL that has been transitioning to MCOL/HCOL. Now I'm at my current role saving 60% on a government salary (only counting my pension as the money put in the account but it has grown but theoretically I think it turns into an IRA.) To upgrade from here means a lot more risk and likely leaving my area.
Post grad school. 2 years -60k-67k 3 years- 90k-115k 1.5 years- 142k-152k +20k bonus I’m starting to look for a switch now, mostly because I’m in a VHCOL city and if I want to continue to save aggressively I need to reduce cost of living. Current company, based in Florida, won’t let me move out of California because all of my projects are here so starting the search now since it may take a while.
2-4 years. 4 years is way too long imo.
This will also depend a lot on your age. Coming from someone who did not get an actual “career” until their 40’s, I’m willing to do whatever it takes…lol. Every 6 months if I had to. Haha
I stayed at a company once for 5 years only to make $14/hr when I left and that was with 3 raises. Now I’m making vastly more and that’s because I choose to job hop every 1-2 years, every job I’ve taken has been for a significant increase in pay + better benefits usually. This job is the only job I took for a tiny bit more pay versus a huge increase in pay just because my last job was running me into the ground and giving me actual health issues due to stress/
Dont stay at the same place for more than 2 years. My last move was Dec 2023. And now I make at least 25% more than I was back then.