This is a question I asked myself when I wanted to quit my first job after 6 months. My mom convinced me that I should give it a year and then decide if I still wanted to quit. After a year, I ended up quitting the same job. And several jobs later, here I am writing this article.
There is a very rigid stigma that I observed in recruitment; a stable employee who has worked for a long period of time in an organization will be hired faster than one who jumps jobs quickly. But over the years, I have come to understand that although this perception still exists, you can find jobs more easily especially if you're someone that job hops quite often. Let me tell you why and what I have learnt in the process.
You learn what you don't like faster
Starting your career with an open mind to trying new roles or fields allows you to quickly pinpoint the types of work environments, projects, and tasks that don’t resonate with you. This clarity prevents you from spending years on paths that drain your motivation. The sooner you identify what doesn’t work for you, the sooner you can pivot to roles that better align with your interests and values, saving you time and helping you avoid unnecessary frustration.
You learn what you are good at quicker
Experimenting early on exposes you to various responsibilities and challenges, revealing where your natural strengths lie. You may discover unexpected talents that didn’t stand out in a more conventional or narrow role. When you explore different types of work, you gain valuable feedback from a range of mentors and peers, allowing you to refine these skills and build confidence in what you do best, giving you an advantage in shaping your career around these strengths.
You figure out what your non-negotiables are
Through exposure to diverse work environments and roles, you’ll encounter different work cultures, management styles, and workflows, which reveal what you simply cannot compromise on in your professional life. Whether it’s flexibility, autonomy, or certain types of team dynamics, learning what your non-negotiables are helps you make intentional choices in the future and avoid roles that clash with your priorities.
You build an array of skills
By experimenting early, you expand your skill set across various domains, making you more versatile and adaptable. Instead of being limited to one niche area, you gain competencies in a variety of fields, which makes you a more resilient and capable professional. This broad skill set allows you to be an attractive candidate for diverse roles, enhances your ability to contribute to different projects, and positions you for growth within your organization or industry.
Building the career path you want
The more experiences you gain early on, the clearer your vision becomes for the kind of career path that excites you. Experimentation allows you to shape your own path rather than defaulting to a conventional route. Over time, you gain the confidence and direction needed to pursue what truly matters to you, aligning your career with your personal values, passions, and goals. This self-directed career building ultimately leads to a more fulfilling and successful professional life.
As a young professional, I remember pouring everything I had into my work, fully focused on growth and progress. But at the end of the day, it’s essential to remember—it’s just a job. It should never come at the expense of your mental and physical health. Setting clear boundaries is key; know when work starts to spill too much into your personal time. Take it from me, prioritizing your well-being isn’t just okay—it’s necessary.
Stay happy & healthy!
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