I’m a stereotypical millennial — and I like it

I may have succumbed to a bit of click bait with this title. If you know me in real life, you know I’m basically an 80 year old woman trapped in a late-20s-year-old body. I like to be in bed by 10 pm. Most days I just want to go home to my cat. If you flick on a documentary I am instantly RIVETED. However, I have realized that I’m the quintessential millennial-job-hopper. And I think it’s what made me successful.

I’ve never stayed at a job for a full two years, but I have always approached each new job I take with the intention to stay for at least three. Why? Because that’s what you’re told to do. You’re supposed to stick it out. You’re supposed to stay until you’re promoted. [Insert other archaic rationale here.]

While I think that those points do still hold value, I also have some pretty amazing mentors that thank for the following counter advice (and you know who you are):

• “Stay until you complete one big project, start to finish. Something you’re really proud of.”
• “The time you spend fighting — for respect, time, resources, opportunities — is time you could spend flourishing elsewhere.”
• “If you’re 75% qualified for a job, you’re overqualified.”

I reflected on these three things as I contemplated the next steps in my career…which I took exactly one month ago. I left my role in the corporate world for many reasons, but I think it was mainly because I was challenged in all the wrong ways which impeded my growth. I fought for respect, I fought for resources and I constantly fought against the status quo which favored a conservative approach to digital and lacked innovation in favor of repetition of what worked for competitors.

Based on these experiences, I jumped to answer a recruiter who reached out about the role I just started in content strategy on a transcontinental UX team at a global agency called Jellyfish. (The irony is not lost on me that I went from working at the Aquarium to working at an aquatic inspired agency located around the corner.)

I entered into my previous position wanting to stay for at least three years. I wanted a place where I could grow. I wanted to be challenged. Unfortunately, I didn’t find those things there and instead I chose to accept a position where I could have that, and more. I don’t think there’s harm in the millennial job hop, if you’re constantly moving up in position titles and responsibilities. I feel like I’ve fast tracked my career by being open to new places and experiences. If I were to stay in my previous positions, I would have wasted time pushing against immovable forces instead of pushing forward.

In starting a brand new position that is pretty different from what I’ve done before, I am reveling in being uncomfortable. Each day is a new challenge and my brain feels more engaged and exercised than it has in months. I like putting the pieces together on a fairly new team and seeing the work we do for clients at a 30,000 foot level. Plus, I’m surrounded by brilliant, hard working people who remind me of the museum colleagues I know and love.

One month in, I really like where I am, who I work with and what I’m doing. I hope I still feel that way in three months, in three years and beyond. Job hopping was never what I set out to do, but it sure has paid off for me and maybe will for you as well. I can say I’m happier now and proud of the steps I’ve taken in my three short years since grad school.

And, in conclusion, those are my millennial hot takes about job hopping. Feel free to meet me in my mentions if you agree / disagree.