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For years, job-hopping was seen as the quickest way to raise salaries and speed up careers. But fresh numbers suggest that the game has changed.
A Bank of America study shows the pay difference between job switchers and stayers has almost disappeared, with both groups receiving nearly the same hikes. This raises a new question for Indian professionals: is it better to hug your job or keep hopping?
THE DATA SHIFT
Earlier, job switchers gained a clear salary edge.
A Bank of America snapshot found that, overall, job stayers and job switchers have roughly similar average increases in the current cycle, though some narrower datasets still show a modest edge for movers.
That does not mean money has stopped mattering. India’s median salary increase is forecast to remain robust next year, around 9.5 percent, reflecting broader pay pressures in the region. But the relative advantage for switching roles has shrunk, which changes the reward calculus for many young professionals.
GEN Z AND THE NEW STABILITY
Gen Z workers are reshaping priorities. According to the Deloitte Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey, young professionals now seek stability, growth opportunities and work-life balance as much as high pay.
This mindset is reshaping the workplace, as Gen Z prefers to grow from within rather than jump at every external offer.
“Job hopping was never advisable – one must move when either the opportunity is good, current role has become stagnant, or current company/role is struggling /toxic, etc,” says Ankur Agrawal, Founder of The LHR Group.
His view helps reframe the debate: move with purpose, not habit.
WHAT EMPLOYERS ARE DOING
Companies are responding to this shift by offering internal mobility, mentorship and skill development to hold on to talent. These steps reflect that loyalty can benefit both sides — employees get growth, while companies save on attrition costs.
Agrawal stresses the importance of skill-building while staying longer: “The biggest skill to build is artificial intelligence collaboration – how to leverage it vs competing with AI. Second is transformation and adaptability – how to be the go-to person when things are evolving.”
“Third is internal and external relationship building – do you have people who like your work, who will champion you? Fourth is tech or business acumen – if you are a business person, understand how tech works in your industry and organisation, if you are a techie, understand the business,” he adds.
RISKS ON BOTH SIDES
Staying too long in one job without fresh challenges risks stagnation. At the same time, switching too often may damage credibility. Recruiters point out that employers want stability as well as adaptability in candidates.
The balance depends on whether your company is investing in your growth, and how secure your sector is in the face of automation.
THE MIDDLE GROUND: CAREER CUSHIONING
Experts now recommend a hybrid strategy: career cushioning. This means staying in a stable role while quietly preparing for future moves through upskilling, networking and exploring opportunities.
Agrawal explains: “It makes sense to stay if you are growing, the organisation is doing well, the company is AI investing and your company/sector is not under threat. Also, you are building skills that are transferable – can be used in other companies also.”
He adds, “You must move if the company is not investing in you, your job is vulnerable to AI or the company is struggling or toxic. A better reason is if you are getting a great opportunity.”
ACTION POINTS FOR PROFESSIONALS
Ask yourself three questions before deciding:
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Check your growth: Are you still learning new skills?
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Test job security: Is your role safe from automation or sectoral decline?
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Build networks: Do you have sponsors inside and outside the firm?
If the answers are positive, hugging your job may bring equal or greater long-term rewards. If not, a planned and strategic hop could be the right move.
For many Indian professionals, especially early in their careers, building expertise, relationships and adaptability within one company, while staying prepared, may deliver equal or greater long-term returns than chasing each quick pay bump.
Ultimately, thoughtful loyalty supported by continuous development, not frenetic hopping, may prove the wiser career strategy in a changing world.
– Ends
BBM JOB
