Excessive job-hopping can sap career hopes
By Kyle Guo (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2005-09-02 17:09

Half of employees are mulling job-hopping after working for three years or longer, and only 1.3 per cent of them are satisfied with their present jobs, a recent web survey indicates.

Students apply for jobs at a job fair in Xi'an, Northwest China's Shaanxi Province, displaying 8,000 vacancies from companies across the country, November 14, 2004. [newsphoto]

The survey conducted by www. zhaopin. com, one of China's renowned and leading recruitment websites, involved about 10,000 employees with 3-years work experience.

Results found 54.7 per cent of respondents are considering a change because of encountering confusion and depression during the course of their daily work.

Hao Jian, a consultant who specializes in career development with the recruitment web site, said everyone seeking jobs faces a fierce and competitive marketplace in China. That results in many job-seekers becoming inclined to make rash decisions when finding a job just to make a living. However, when the zeal and zest for their new jobs fades, they quickly eye new job opportunities.

Chinese job seekers have a tough time making the move, however, with millions eying the jobs that open up.

China will have about 3.38 million four-year or three-year university graduates in 2005, of whom about one quarter will be unable to find a job, according to the Ministry of Education.

Due to restructuring of many institutes, the number of laid-off workers across the nation will continue to surge. Further, the number of personnel who won't be rehired by an institution or company after their contracts expire will hit as many as 1 million workers, according to media reports.

"There are generally two reasons that most employees are considering changing their jobs after working for three years, one is that they are unsatisfied with their salaries of their jobs, the other attributed to their interests," said Hao.

Many employees in China hold a false opinion that a wider range of working fields will yield a better social status.

Hao said frequent job changes may unnecessarily ruin your credit score. Staying in one place builds a steady financial situation.

"Frequent job changes may indicate -- to some lenders -- that you will simply disappear with the money or default on a loan. Having a stable life, including a longer-term job and one place of residence, may indicate to lenders that you are building up roots in a place and so will be unlikely to move and default," Hao added.

Newly graduated college students easily fall into job depression. Hao said they'd better not to think much about their starting salary. The crucial thing is to pile up their experience and to learn during the initial period.

The survey also found up to 17 per cent of the questionnaire respondents would likely pursue higher study to enhance their ability and competitiveness.

"The best solution for avoiding confusion and depression is to find the reason for it," Hao said. If a present job is contradictory to your character and ability, or you don't have a bright future amid increased depression in your career, you may change your job. And if you are not capable of your job, you should leave it to go to school to improve your abilities."

Mr. Dwight Daniels contributed to the story

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