Gen Z workers are changing jobs an average of every 1.1 years, with some switching as many as 10 times in a decade, in a trend that’s paying off with higher salaries and better benefits.
This shift, dubbed “lily padding,” is driven by young adults seeking to improve their skills and chances of getting more senior roles and higher pay, rather than staying put in one role at one company. Brittany Harris-Nelson, a 32-year-old assistant director of student engagement at Wake Forest University in North Carolina, is a prime example, having had 10 different jobs at six universities over the past decade.
Job Hopping and Career Advancement
Harris-Nelson’s career journey has been marked by deliberate moves to gain specialized skills and build her professional network. She’s worked as an office manager, admissions counselor, and student advisor, among other roles, and says each experience has prepared her for her current position. While her salary hasn’t increased dramatically, she’s gained more benefits, such as extra paid leave and bigger pension contributions from her employer.
Industry professionals point to data that supports the “lily padding” trend. A 2024 global survey of 11,250 workers by recruitment agency Randstad found that Gen Z employees have an average tenure of just 1.1 years in their first five years of their career, compared to 1.8 years for millennials and almost three years for older generations.
Implications and Reactions
The trend is leading to increased salaries, at least in some parts of the world. A 2025 report by financial company Wealthify found that people who changed jobs four or more times over the previous decade earned an average of $39,276 versus $30,088 for other workers – a 31% premium. Adam Smiley Poswolsky, a 42-year-old public speaker and author, is another example of someone who has benefited from job hopping, having worked in a variety of roles, including project leader for the Peace Corps and location scout for Warner Bros.
As the job market continues to evolve, it’s clear that the traditional career ladder mindset is no longer the only path to success. With Gen Z workers driving the “lily padding” trend, it’s likely that we’ll see more emphasis on skills development, networking, and adaptability in the years to come. The shift towards job hopping as a viable career strategy has significant implications for employers, employees, and the broader economy, highlighting the need for flexibility and continuous learning in an increasingly fast-paced work environment.
