Why Do Millennials (千禧一代) Keep Changing Jobs?
Millennials have been labelled as the “job-hopping generation”. In fact, a recent survey showed that 49% of millennials would leave their job within the next two years! Observers from older generations may think it is caused by the youth’s laziness. However, if we search deeper, there is more than meets the eye.
Instead of the traditional and practical reasons of changing jobs, such as to get better salaries or greater job stability (稳定), many millennials are inspired by value-driven goals. For example, more have to seek new opportunities whenever they lack a sense of belonging in their present jobs. Additionally, some also leave their positions for companies which better suit their value system. Therefore, it is clear that many millennials do not only consider their jobs as a source of income, but in fact, seek meaning and professional achievement in their daily jobs.
Clearly, the fearlessness of millennials in seeking job opportunities has been inspired by new business models. With the rise of online platforms, millennials who prefer work-life balance and flexibility have been attracted towards such jobs. Moreover, the increase of social media has also created more career paths. From food and travel bloggers to YouTube content creators, more millennials are leaving boring desk-bound jobs to look for more untraditional, but certainly attractive, careers.
However, people have different opinions on job-hopping. While some employers value rich experience and skills that job-hopping brings about, many of them still look down upon job-hopping. Some even argue in disappointment that the youths of today are lazy, unable to bear hardships and too self-centered.
The former American President Jimmy Carter once said, “Human identity is no longer defined (定义) by what one does but by what one owns.” Indeed, his comment still rings true today. Rather than allow traditional models of success in society to define our youths, the millennial generation should be encouraged to define new horizons of success by making the right career choices guided by the right values.
【小题1】Why are Millennials more likely to move to new jobs?| A．Because they are unwilling to work very hard. |
| B．Because they want to realize their self-worth. |
| C．Because they hate pressure from present jobs. |
| D．Because they need higher income and position. |
| A．The rapid development of social media promotes new career paths. |
| B．There are fewer professions available to Millennials on the Internet. |
| C．There are factors contributing to Millennials’ flexible job-changing. |
| D．The tiring and boring jobs prevent Millennials staying in one position. |
| A．Courageous and noble. | B．Lazy and self-centered. |
| C．Anxious and unconfident. | D．Creative and hard-working. |
| A．Negative. | B．Doubtful. | C．Positive. | D．Concerned. |
