Job Hopping in 2025: Aotearoa’s Perspective on Career Changes

As summer holidays come to an end, many of us in Aotearoa reflect on what’s next for our whānau and careers. The start of the year is often a time for re-evaluating life goals, and for some, this might mean considering a change in employment. Perhaps your current role no longer aligns with your lifestyle or the one you aspire to. Whatever the reason, thoughts of changing jobs often spark one big question: does job hopping hurt your career??

A Shift in Perspective on Job Tenure

Once upon a time, the ‘gold watch’ retirement gift symbolised loyalty to a single employer for decades. However, in today’s dynamic job market, that expectation has evolved. At Adecco, we pride ourselves on helping job seekers take the next step in their careers with confidence and clarity. Career paths are now more varied, and shifting roles is seen as a natural progression for many professionals. Yet, while frequent job changes can open new doors, there are still lingering perceptions—both positive and negative—about job hopping.

How Much Job Hopping is Too Much?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to how long you should stay in a role before considering a move. However, if your CV shows that you’ve consistently left roles in under 18 months, this might raise concerns for some employers. They may worry about your commitment, reliability, or capacity to see long-term projects through to completion.

That said, it’s also essential to consider your reasons for wanting to move. Adecco’s recruitment consultants can provide expert advice tailored to your situation, ensuring your next step aligns with your long-term career goals. In a survey by Seek, 45% of workers reported that they needed to leave their current employer to achieve career progression. If you find yourself in this group, a well-thought-out job change could be the right step for your future.

The Benefits of Job Hopping

Done strategically, job hopping can provide many benefits:

1. Diverse Experiences: Changing roles allows you to gain exposure to different industries, company cultures, and work styles. Read more about how diverse experiences can enrich your career in our article on “Tough Interview Questions”.
2. Skill Development: Each new position can offer opportunities to acquire new skills or refine existing ones.
3. Salary Growth: A new role often comes with a salary bump, particularly if you’ve proven your value in previous positions. For advice on how to evaluate competing offers, read our guide on “How to Decide Between Job Offers or Counteroffers”. You may also want to explore strategies for salary negotiations in our article on “Mastering Salary Negotiations”.
4. Improved Workplace Culture & Benefits: Many employees choose to move jobs based on factors like flexible working arrangements, remote work opportunities, and enhanced parental leave policies. Companies with competitive benefits often attract and retain top talent, making it worthwhile to explore workplaces that better align with your lifestyle needs. Learn more about achieving balance in our articles on “Hybrid Work: Achieving Balance in Remote and In-Person Work” and “Balancing Work & Family: A Guide for NZ Parents”.

The Potential Downsides

While job hopping can be advantageous, it also has potential drawbacks. Adecco is here to guide you in weighing the pros and cons to make informed career decisions:

• Perceived Instability: Employers might view frequent moves as a lack of commitment or reliability.
• Missed Long-Term Opportunities: Staying in a role for a longer period often allows you to see the impact of your work and gain recognition within your organisation.
• Reduced Job Security: During times of uncertainty, employees with shorter tenures may be seen as more expendable.

Making Smart Career Decisions

If you’re thinking about changing jobs, the key is to approach it strategically. Consider the following:

1. Clarify Your Goals: What do you want from your career in the next five, ten years? Write down your aspirations for the ideal role, company, or lifestyle, and map out a pathway to get there.
2. Assess Your Current Role: Have you fully explored opportunities within your current position? Could internal changes, like joining a new team or leading an exciting project, give you the progression you’re looking for? Adecco’s recruitment specialists can help you identify internal or external opportunities that align with your goals. Check out our tips on “How to Prepare for an Interview” to make a strong case for internal progression.
3. Research New Opportunities: Look into what’s available in the market. Sometimes seeing what’s out there helps clarify whether a move is necessary.
4. Be Transparent in Your Story: If you’ve had several short-term roles, be prepared to explain them positively. Focus on the skills and experiences you gained and how these make you a strong candidate.

Aotearoa’s Unique Job Market

In New Zealand, we place a high value on whānau and work-life balance. If your current role doesn’t align with the lifestyle you want, it’s worth considering whether a new role—or even a shift to hybrid or remote work—might better suit your needs. At Adecco, we’ve seen how tailored career changes can lead to increased hauora (wellbeing) and job satisfaction. Our deep understanding of New Zealand’s job market ensures that we connect you with employers who value your unique skills and aspirations.

Ready for Your Next Move?

If you’re ready to explore new opportunities, check out the latest roles on our website or get in touch with our team of recruitment experts. We’re here to support you in finding mahi that aligns with your goals and values.

You can also read more about career progression, job interviews, and building a strong personal brand on our website. Check out articles such as “How to Prepare for an Interview”, “Tough Interview Questions”, and “Starting a New Job Well” for additional insights and tips. Changing jobs doesn’t have to hurt your career—with the right strategy, it can be the step that takes your career to the next level.