A shift in career aspirations is leading many younger professionals to adopt a strategy of frequently changing jobs, a practice dubbed "lily-padding," to build a broad range of skills and advance more rapidly. This approach contrasts with the traditional linear career path, emphasizing growth and variety.
Nicola Grant, chief people officer at Hiscox, noted an increasing desire among individuals, particularly those early in their careers, to accumulate diverse experiences. She observes a greater readiness among younger employees to seek new opportunities if they feel their professional development is stagnating or their options are limited. "Expectations have changed; people want variety, pace and to build skills that will remain relevant," Grant stated. "It's about a desire for growth."
Lucy Kemp, a strategic brand and communications leader at IT company La Fosse and an employee experience specialist, views lily-padding not just as a trend but as the future of career progression. She suggests that younger generations have recognized that steadfast loyalty to a single employer may not yield the desired rewards. "Younger people have seen that loyalty doesn't pay off," Kemp said. "They want to shape their own careers, based on skills they value."
Kemp also highlighted that the nature of workplace learning has changed since the pandemic, with remote work and the rise of AI impacting traditional methods of peer-to-peer learning in offices. Consequently, individuals are focusing on acquiring skills that will remain pertinent in the coming years. This can be achieved through internal project changes, inter-sector shifts, or moving to a new company. "People just want to learn something new and have a purpose," Kemp explained.
Brittany Harris-Nelson, who has changed jobs 10 times in 10 years, sees her career as a continuous journey of learning and development rather than a fixed destination. "I see my career as an ongoing journey rather than a destination," Harris-Nelson said. "I'm always learning and growing."