Chapter 10: Implications of Job Hopping on Employees: A Case Study From the Sri Lankan Software Development Industry

This study aims to explore the implications of job hopping for employees attached to the software development industry in Sri Lanka and to observe whether job hopping meets employee expectations. Adopting a qualitative methodology and a case study approach, this study incorporates the Tonnquist’s model to identify the gap between job hoppers’ expectations and reality. In the software industry, job seekers experience a salary increase as they change jobs, even though they have to work long hours without breaks or holidays. In addition, job hoppers also face issues such as job security, insurance and medical claims and healthy relationships with managers and their peers. Job hopping helps workers ascend the career ladder quickly while dealing with issues of less power in making decisions. Furthermore, the autonomy of newly recruited employees might be limited, which could restrict their career growth. It is also apparent that employees consider the benefits and drawbacks of job hopping before changing. However, difficulties could arise if these implications are not carefully evaluated to meet job hoppers’ needs. The findings from this research would facilitate employees making informed decisions before changing jobs.