Not all are interested in the rat race

I REFER to the letter “Job hopping not good for the economy” ( The Star, July 24).

While most of the assessment is correct in theory, the writer’s choice of words suggests an absence of empathy for today’s diversified workforce.

While I do not condone job hopping, I must say that there are numerous real life situations that may influence a person’s decision to move.

Whether there is any link between job hopping and the economy is a question I will leave to the economists.

The writer correctly points out that to emerge victorious in the rat race, one requires a combination of knowledge, skills and loyalty.

It is not always true that those who frequently change jobs take one step forward and one step back.

While that person might gain a reputation for job hopping (which is perfectly acceptable in certain industries), I have observed that people in industries where their skill sets are easily transferrable actually stand to gain from a potential employer willing to pay more with each move, especially where minimal acclimatisation or adaptation is needed.

While it is true that some job hoppers really are individuals who cannot face their weaknesses, to label all job hoppers as such would be the equivalent of saying all football fans are hooligans.

There are many reasons why people move. Becoming a mother, starting a family, a falling out with incompetent management, limited growth prospects or simply having to manage unreasonable expectations over a long period of time can be the game changer for many people. Very often, those who do move consider the option of staying first.

While loyalty towards the employer is generally a virtue, and given the right circumstances would benefit both the employer and employee, not all organisations reciprocate with the same level of loyalty they expect from their employees.

An employee’s struggle may be attributable to unbearable company politics, an individual direct report or the general work culture of the organisation.

Finally, there is also very little correlation, if any, between being mentally prepared to work long hours and avoiding job hopping.

Some in the accounting profession move from firm to firm for the change of environment, being fully prepared to work the same long hours with a slight salary increment.

The number of hours an individual can productively function varies from individual to individual, as with the amount of rest each individual needs.

Again, while most fresh graduates are more than eager to put in long hours in the excitement of their first jobs, individual needs, priorities and sheer physical and mental tolerance do change over time.

While none of the above are excuses to job-hop, it’s a real life perspective of why people choose to move on, or don’t.

A person who moves on is not necessarily one who is unable to acknowledge his or her weaknesses.

In fact, the move may just be the opportunity for growth that person needs. NOEL CHOW Penang