[Anonymous]

I have a buddy who is the same age as me (23) and has changed jobs numerous times in the past few years. He does lots of cloud engineering stuff but has been able to make pay jumps to the point where he’s at 105k now..

Every time I think about switching jobs I feel guilty. They’ve paid for all CPA related things and I just started my 401k. I realize that employers understand these kinds of things but I’m just curious how others have dealt with this sort of thing.

Is it advantageous to change jobs to try and get pay bumps? What’s the benefit of staying with 1 firm over switching to another?

[MIsconnie]

He is also in a different industry. I am not saying you can't move to another job in accounting and not get a pay bump because you probably can. However, I would think the difference is marginal. Also keep in mind firms tend to have a long memory and they might share that you are a flake with other firms and you may not be hired in the first place. Even if you apply to firms in totally different geographical areas, the job hopping will be apparent on your resume and that could also scare off potential employers.

[Fratty Redneck]

Over the last 4 years, I've been with 3 separate firms. The first move was justified as getting home to family upon completion of my MBA. The second one I moved for much better pay and work/life balance.

In today's competitive job market, there is a lot of “job hopping” for better pay. I don't think it's as big of an issue as it once was. As long as you stay put for a year, I don't see it as an issue, and neither do most employers.

[Author]

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