Single best way to earn more $$$

Welcome to Career Insider. Want to make more money in your career?

Yeah, who doesn't? We all want to make more, and believe it or not, the answer may not just be "work harder." There's another technique that's been proven to work, and today, we’re going to talk about exactly how to put it into action.

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MONEY
How to make more in your career

Here’s the good news: Evidence overwhelmingly supports the idea that switching jobs can lead to higher earnings over time.

Don’t believe it? Check out this study from the Pew Research Center.

Or, how about 64% of job hoppers saying frequent moves improves salary?

And this one, proving that switching jobs is a great way to boost your income.

In other words, switching jobs works.

Job switchers often benefit from larger salary increases, better negotiation opportunities, and faster career progression compared to those who remain with the same employer.

Unlike annual raises, which are typically capped at 3-5% for employees who stay with the same company, job changers can secure salary increases of 10-20% or more by leveraging their skills and experience in the job market.

And better yet, employers are often willing to pay a premium to attract new talent, especially in competitive industries or during labor shortages.

However, it's important to balance these financial benefits with considerations like job stability, benefits, and long-term career goals.

Let’s take a look at how to do this the right way in the next section.

SWITCHING JOBS
How to switch jobs often, the right way

Switching jobs is a great way to make more money throughout your career, but you also can’t switch jobs too often or without a plan or you might limit your career progression. Let’s take a look at how this works.

There are a bunch of upsides to switching jobs. However, there are downsides, too.

For example, switching jobs too often can limit your career options because future employers may be less likely to give you a chance if they think you’re going to bail in the first year or two. If your resume shows a pattern of short stints at multiple companies, hiring managers may question your loyalty, work ethic, or ability to see long-term projects through to completion.

So, finding the right balance is key.

Another downside is the potential loss of benefits and long-term financial incentives. Many companies offer perks like retirement contributions, stock options, or bonuses that require employees to stay for a certain period to fully vest.

By switching jobs too often, you may forfeit these benefits, which could outweigh the short-term salary gains.

How to switch jobs the right way

1. Before making a move, research the average salaries for your role and industry to understand your market value. Use tools like Glassdoor, Payscale, or LinkedIn Salary Insights to benchmark your worth. This ensures you’re negotiating from an informed position.
   

2. Employers are willing to pay a premium for candidates with specialized or in-demand skills. Identify the skills that are highly sought after in your industry and invest in upskilling through certifications, courses, or hands-on experience.
   

3. Avoid switching jobs too frequently (e.g., every 6 months), as this can raise red flags for employers. Aim to stay in a role for at least 1-2 years to demonstrate stability and the ability to contribute meaningfully before moving on.
   

4. Many high-paying opportunities come through referrals. Stay active in your professional network, attend industry events, and connect with recruiters to uncover better-paying roles that may not be publicly advertised.
   

5. When leaving a job, maintain professionalism and leave on good terms. A positive reputation can lead to future opportunities, references, or even a higher-paying return to the same company later in your career.

By approaching job changes thoughtfully and strategically, you can maximize your earning potential while maintaining a strong professional reputation and advancing your career.