Job hopping often hurts workers—except in this case

Job hopping has always been a tricky proposition: If you switch jobs too often, it can be a red flag to prospective employers. But if you strike the right balance, it can actually boost your earnings potential and advance your career. In the aftermath of the pandemic, as the job market swung in their favor, many workers—especially younger ones—seemed to shed the stigma associated with job hopping and embrace its potential. The tide has since turned, as the job market has entered a period of stasis. Amid a hiring slowdown and widespread AI adoption, workers have become more hesitant to leave their jobs. A new study published this month reveals that workers who change jobs frequently still face penalties when they seek a new role—and employers also pay the price when they hire those workers. Researchers at the University of Iowa reviewed data from nearly 68,000 applicants for two separate jobs and found that there was a pattern of workers getting fewer offers when they switched jobs too often, and that voluntary job hopping was also tied to higher turnover and lower job performance. There was one exception to these findings: When job hopping led to promotions and clear career growth…