3 Facts About Career Mobility You Wish You Knew

Long-term employment was the aspiration a few generations ago. Back then, your grandparents – even your parents – got hired straight out of school, staying in the same workplace until retirement. This practice seems to be a thing of the past. Various surveys reveal that from 68 to 78 per cent of Singaporeans employees plan to switch jobs this year, owing to factors that include compensation and flexibility.

Check the workers around you. You can bet that many of them are already in their second or third jobs. Career mobility – job-hopping included – can affect your professional life. If you play your cards right, it can create a positive mark on your career path. You can develop new skills, gain more experience, and even receive better pay. 

What Is Career Mobility?

Career mobility is what it sounds like. It refers to movements in your career: switching jobs, changing companies, getting promoted or demoted. Yes, it can be unfavourable, but you can still use it to your advantage. Focus on being flexible and upskilling. Empower yourself to improve your abilities and broaden your knowledge – thus, you're prepared to take on whatever work opportunity comes your way. In case you unexpectedly get the golden handshake, you’re well-equipped to bounce back faster. Being career-mobile means being ready for more or different responsibilities.

The reasons for pursuing career mobility may change from one jobseeker to another. However, one thing is sure: a resumé with many employers isn't always seen as a red flag these days. It could mean you've gained various technical and transferrable skills, learned to deal with all kinds of teammates, and widened your network. You can use it to leverage career opportunities.

If you’re still on the fence about pursuing career mobility, here are a few things you need to know.

Fact #1. You Can Work Towards Having a More Mobile Career

If you want a more mobile career, work on your skill set. Acquiring the right skills is an invaluable asset to anyone who understands the importance of career mobility. Here are some ways to acquire and develop the skills that will give you access to more diverse career opportunities.

1. Do a performance preview instead of a performance review.

A performance review is when you have a conversation with your immediate superior about your past accomplishments and areas for improvement. A performance preview focuses on what you need to work on before launching into a task or project. 

This evaluation allows you to focus on your perceived weaknesses, helping you improve and become more adept at handling different tasks. 

2. Be on the lookout for collaborative projects.

Take advantage of your company’s diverse workforce. Look for projects that will require you to collaborate with colleagues from other teams. Working with multidisciplinary teams will help you develop management skills which will come in handy, especially if you’re interested in vertical career shifts.

3. Upskill and reskill always.

The way you work these days is changing. According to the World Economic Forum, the future of work will be best described as having a ‘skills-first’ approach. People in the workforce need to adapt constantly to stay relevant, so being a lifelong learner helps. Aside from preparing for the future of your career, being more intentional in upskilling and reskilling makes you a better candidate for career mobility. 

4. Pursue a passion project.

The most common misconception about job-hoppers is their supposed flightiness. One way to dispel this notion is to include details about your passion project, specifically its milestones. Doing so will show that you follow through on what it is that you commit to. Plus, being involved in something you’re passionate about will hone your entrepreneurial mindset – something very useful for any career.

Fact #2. Career Mobility Can Affect Your Professional Profile

Those multiple jobs on your resumé could attest to the various and diverse learnings you've gained through your wealth of experience. This quality can benefit the company and even the industry.

1. You gain exposure to different company cultures.

Someone with a more mobile career brings a unique perspective to an organisation. After all, you've been exposed to companies of varying sizes, colleagues from different backgrounds, as well as industries and clients with a myriad of goals. You’re also much more inclusive, tolerant, and empathetic towards others – which can be a plus in today’s DEI-driven world.

2. You develop your soft skills.

Adjusting to different workmates, personalities, and management styles means you've developed better-than-average people skills. It gives them more adaptability when it comes to working with a team. The ever-changing work environment has also given them more practice to acclimatise to new processes quickly. Good socio-emotional communication skills and adaptability are among the soft skills you train when you switch jobs frequently.

3. You broaden your professional network.

Having good relationships is always an advantage, and in the professional world, it can help you succeed in your career. If you have been employed in several companies, you'll typically have access to more business connections. A massive professional network can help grow a business, improve your reputation, and, generally, help you in your professional life.

Fact #3. Career Mobility Affects Employers, Too.

The perks of your career mobility don't just end with you. It also brings advantages to your employers since your skills benefit them.

1. You’re adaptable and agile.

Those who have assumed different roles develop the ability to acclimatise fast since they learn from scratch more frequently than others. Between someone who’s assumed a role for a decade and someone who’s stayed only a couple of years, adapting to new demands can take less time.

2. You're a confident risk-taker.

Career-mobile people know what they want and will not settle for anything less. They’re unnerved by changing environments and always prefer to step out of their comfort zone. They’re confident about their abilities and are always willing to use them.

3. You're comfortable with change.

People who have made career changes more often than others have more exposure to the positive and the negative practices in the workplace. Because of this, they evolve and adapt to change with relative ease. This quality will make employees who have moved roles, divisions, or companies more often than others more resilient when they fail – not to mention more persistent when faced with challenges.

If you want to prep your professional life for any scenario, you might want to consider becoming more career-mobile. Being flexible and open to learning and challenges can only benefit everyone in the workplace.

Be on top of the career mobility game. #SEEKBetter by discovering trends and tips in and about the workplace. You can learn about your industry and other information related to your job interests by going to JobStreet's Explore Careers section.