“Job hopping” once offered young professionals a quick path for better paychecks and better workplaces. A new gig could mean a 10% to 20% salary bump – sometimes even 50% for niche roles. But entering 2025, that ticket lost its punch. Stricter hiring requirements, fiercer competition, and the fast-changing world of work have made numerous young workers think twice before leaping.
So how can young workers still land the right role, boost income, and secure long-term career growth?
Competing beyond their peers
From 2020 to 2023, switching jobs often paid off handsomely. Then 2024 flipped the script. “Young workers these days are not just competing with their peers anymore”, says Dang Ngoc Thu Thao, Operations Manager, Staffing and Outsourcing, Manpower Vietnam.
The global wave of layoffs has surged since early 2024, as many companies shift their focus to experienced talent. “‘We’ve seen job switchers take pay cuts of 10–20% compared to their previous roles,” Thao added. While companies tweak benefits and tighten budgets, young workers are realizing that “job-hopping” is no longer a golden ticket and now carries higher risk, especially in a job market obsessed with experience and skills.
The competition has thickened. Candidates with 4-5 years of experience are eyeing jobs meant for those with just 1–2 years of experience. This makes young job seekers now face competition not just from their own generation. Meanwhile, Manpower notes a shift: young workers are now sticking around longer - around 1.5 to 2 years per job — a notable increase from just 6 to 12 months a few years back. In addition to rising competition and the fear of layoffs, many are also coming to terms with the reality that average incomes for those with less than five years of experience are declining.
How to make Job-hopping work in 2025?
Skills are the New Currency
Thao points to the edge young workers still hold: quick learning, adaptability, and raw enthusiasm. But those alone won’t cut it. To fully capitalize on these advantages, proactive upskilling is essential. The current job market demands a full toolkit — professional expertise, language proficiency, tech savvy and adaptability to change. Job requirements are increasing, sometimes demanding not just one foreign language but a second as well, alongside deep professional skills. In fields like IT, the bar is even higher, a solid technological foundation is non-negotiable. Upskilling isn’t optional, it’s the lifeline to standing out.
Timing is everything
Stay ahead, not behind. Waiting until burnout hits to explore options is a recipe for rushed moves. Instead, young workers should stay informed about labor market trends. This goes beyond simply referring to average salary levels — it also involves tracking industry trends, seeking insights from professional networks, and, if possible, consulting experienced individuals in the target field. Knowing what you bring, what you lack, and what employers want gives you a head start. Young professionals also need to constantly learn and stay updated with the employment landscape rather than waiting until they've lost motivation in their current jobs and are considering an exit. Proactively observing the market will allow workers enough time to prepare - from skill to attitude. It’s about building skills and mindset ahead of the jump.
Commitment pays off
Experts say it normally takes at least one year to settle into a job, two to master it, and three or more to truly add value. Frequent switches signal risks to companies building long-term plan while limiting employees’ promotion opportunities. Although “Job-hopping” might offer young workers multiple benefits, employers consider commitment and stability important factors during recruitment. A resume packed with several instances of job-hopping in a short time raises eyebrows, especially as hiring gets pickier. Stability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a competitive edge for promotions and trust. Instead of chasing short-term trends or gut impulses, young people nowadays need a clear-eyed take on their career goals, invest in upskilling and market observation to make the right decision. A well-timed, well-prepared job change will lay a stronger foundation for long-term growth — rather than just a temporary transition.
Listen to podcast Many young people are afraid of “job-hopping”on VnExpress Hom Nay.
For more tips on career development, visit Manpower’s Career Resources.