[fivespeedg]

What's more important at 25 years of age? Having been employed with an employer for multiple years, or a logical progression, despite the number of jobs held?

I'm curious to know as I'm considering my 4rd job in just over 3 years of employment. I've been at my current job for about 15 months, and the last two jobs for a year each. I now work as a project coordinator and am considering a similar path, but with a different company. Previously, I worked as an insurance adjuster.

I know if I apply for future jobs, people will ask "why have you had so many jobs?" Other than telling them i'm just crazy and get bored easily (wrong answer, but true)...when does it really start to hurt my qualification for any job?

At age 25 I feel like I'm on that brink of experimenting vs settling into a career. Truthfully, I don't know what I want to do (still), and being an introvert with a very general business degree makes everything a "try to see if it fits" experience.

Thanks for any advice/help.

[Elfrun]

Inability to stay in one position for a number of years would certainly be a consideration for any company thinking of employing you but if you can clearly explain the reason for so many jobs such as ambition and drive and at the same time convince them ‘their’ company is right for you it shouldn’t be a major issue for anyone but the most conservative interviewers.

Job hopping is common practice these days, skills and experience hold a lot of weight, whatever you do don’t say anything that will make them question your commitment.

The type of position you’re applying for is also a consideration, would your competitors be in a similar position or not...

Simple answer, if you’re good at what you do and interview well, whilst concerning, it should never hold you back for long.

Personally I believe changing jobs/careers as much as required is a better option then remaining in a stale job, but that's my personal opinion not necessarily shared by my bosses
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[Monte314]

In the first half of the 20th century, people spent their entire careers at one company. The company expected it, and made some provisions for their workers that are disappearing today (e.g., pensions, job security).

That is no longer the expectation today. I was just at a symposium of corporate leaders for our 125,000 employee company just last week, and this very question came up. We understand why young people change jobs frequently today... but it can be a problem for us and for them.

I'm and "old school" guy; one of the first things I check a resume for is the amount of time, on average, the candidate has stayed with an employer. If it's less than 3 years, I throw their resume in the trash... don't even read it. I have no desire to be the next "sucker" on the list of some opportunist who doesn't really care about anything but the next hiring bonus.

But that's just me.

[Mercury]

Maybe you are not cut out for a job and would do much better being self-employed. This is the case for me. I wish I had come to terms with that at 25, it would have saved me time and misery trying to force-fit myself in various jobs. There are many self-employment options out there, maybe look into that.

[INTJoe]

At your age, I wouldn't think this would be a hinderance.

If your future employer makes an issue out of it, just say "Well, I'm ready to start a job I can really sink my teeth into." or some crap. Try not to explain why you haven't sunk your teeth into any one job yet, just make it a point that you are looking to do so now.

My interviews always go well because I'm vague and good at spinning things in a positive direction. But again, at 25, this shouldn't be a detriment to you.

[wunderkind]

People under 30 spent in average 18 months with one employer ...
As discussed in other threads it may be more difficult for INTJs to find really satisfying job and that is also my opinion and case. I had quite a lot of jobs since I graduated and do not regret it.