In Progress
6) Career Mobility
When to switch jobs (and when not to)
Most people in the U.S. switch jobs every 2 to 3 years to get a 'salary jump.' But you must have a good reason. You should move if you have stopped learning, if the company is struggling financially, or if you get an offer with a 20% or higher pay increase. Most importantly, move if your current company refuses to start your Green Card process. Do not leave in your first year unless the environment is toxic. 'Job hopping' too early makes you look unreliable.
Portability" means your skills work anywhere, not just at your current desk.
- Avoid becoming an expert in Internal Tools (software only your current company uses). Instead, master Industry Standards like AWS, Python, Salesforce, or SQL.
- Look at 5 job postings from other companies. If you can do 80% of what they are asking for, your skills are portable. If you only know how to do things "the company way," you are in a dangerous position if you ever get laid off.
Record your progress
Mark this subsection complete to track your progress.