Why job hopping could be the fast track to success
The stats say it’s been a year for job hugging – people sticking with not-quite-right roles thanks to anxiety about finding a better one. It’s a market that’s quietly flipped in the employer’s favour.
Numbers from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show the percentage of people switching jobs fell from 9.6 per cent in 2022 to 7.7 per cent in 2025. And that makes sense when you consider that the number of roles being advertised has also fallen nearly 5 per cent year on year, according to job site SEEK.
But hugging a job you’re not in love with might not be doing you any favours in the end.
It turns out job hopping is no longer a resumé red flag – it might actually be a fast track to success.
Take two candidates with 10 years’ experience, where one has been in the same job the whole time and the other has moved three times. The one who moved “will have a way higher salary”, according to recruitment boss Brett Clemenson .
He told my colleague Hannah Tattersall that the mover benefits from a bigger professional network and greater adaptability, and “is just better at their job in general”.
But the grass is not always greener. ABS data shows that more than a third of all job switchers in 2022 said they had changed for a better gig. That was down to just under 25 per cent in 2025.
And a report by education provider Pearson in September found Australians made redundant now face an average of 44 weeks out of work, with one in 10 unemployed people having been on the search for over two years.
So, is 2026 the year for your next move?
If you know where you’re landing, then it sounds like a change could be a good idea. But maybe it’s not the moment to rage-quit with no soft landing spot in sight.
Also this week:
- BOSS editor Sally Patten talks boardroom war stories with veteran chairman Kevin McCann.
- We get workplace charisma tips for anyone who wants to amp up their likeability – without sacrificing respect.
- I spoke to some guys who’ve dipped out of the corporate rat race to make a killing as full-time hobbyists.
And in 15 Minutes with the Boss, celebrity chef Curtis Stone reveals how a $4 million flop forced him to rethink everything.
🎧 That episode here, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.
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Empowering Australians to Achieve Financial Freedom | Mortgage & Finance Broker | Business Finance Specialist | Corporate Financial Wellness Advocate
1wInteresting insights. The shift toward “job hugging” makes sense in a softer market, but it’s also clear that intentional job movement can still fast-track growth when done strategically. Stability is important, but so is recognising when a role no longer aligns with your goals. For many, 2026 might be the year for a considered move, not a rash one, but one backed by clarity and direction.
Realtor Associate @ Next Trend Realty LLC | HAR REALTOR. Har.com/Chester-Swanson/agent_cbswan
1wThanks for Sharing.
AI, Digital, and Enterprise Innovation Leader with cross-Industry experience | AI Evangelist | Expert in Innovation Project Design | Author | Independent AI Voice | Speaker | Coach
1wUnderstandable that anyone would stick to a job in uncertain times. Throw in the anxiety of AI redefining roles. Job hopping in turbulent times is next level, borderline ambitious for most. Clearly for those that move, purpose and conviction would be the key factors above all else
Strategy Support | I give Strategy traction, track it & tell its story — I don’t implement it | Resolving Little Employee Traction, Poor Performance Visibility & No Insight | Driving Accountability, Visibility & Clarity
1wThe Australian Financial Review I understand why job hopping raises eyebrows, but I see it differently. At this stage in my career, it’s not about chasing titles or salary—it’s about solving the bigger problems where I can make a real impact. I move on only after creating clarity, momentum, and results. More importantly, I leave behind a foundation where others can grow and thrive within a settled landscape. It’s about playing to people’s strengths, unlocking potential, and building lasting outcomes—then stepping into the next challenge where my skills are needed most. That’s the kind of movement that creates value for everyone, not just for me.
Lead | Business Analysis | Product Analytics | Data |Risk | Governance | Sales
1wInternal or external job moves can be powerful — they broaden your network, strengthen your resilience, and increase your ability to adapt to change. And the biggest gain is the confidence you build in knowing you can excel anywhere.