What is job hugging? And should you be doing it?
The term job hugging has been popping up a lot recently – but what does it actually mean? Is it a smart strategy in today’s job market? Or could it be holding your career back? And if do decide to do it, how can you make sure you do it the right way?
Here’s my take as a Career Coach who supports mid-career professionals with their career transitions and development.
What is job hugging?
Job hugging means staying in your current job because it feels safer than the alternative.
The alternative? Facing a tough job market where ghosting is common, candidate experience can be poor, and opportunities may seem fewer.
Job hugging is staying put even if you hate it. A case of better the devil you know - clinging onto what you have, however frustrating, rather than risking the new and uncertain.
Should you job hug?
In short, it depends. Here’s some scenarios it which I think it could be a good choice:
If you’re happy in your role and feel positive about where you and the organisation are heading … then go for it!
I always say there’s no right or wrong length of time to stay with an organisation – if you’re happy and aligned with your work, that’s great! Don’t feel you have to move on every few years if you’re still getting the development and satisfaction you need!
If you really value stability and security with work right now - perhaps you’re going through challenges outside of work so work needs to take a backseat, or maybe you’re waiting to secure a mortgage, or about to go on parental leave etc. Then yes, a period of ‘hugging’ might be right for you.
When job hugging might hold you back:
The only reason you’re staying is fear of change or the job market
You’re deeply unhappy and see no signs of improvement
You’ve been putting your career development on hold for too long
Yes, today’s job market can be unpredictable. Some people take months to secure a new role. Others land fantastic opportunities quickly.
But if you’re clinging on purely out of fear – then is that really enough to keep you there? If you’re fundamentally unhappy and don’t see any real chance of that improving, is it not better to loosen that hug and start exploring new things?
If you’re going to job hug, how can you do it right?
If you decide that job hugging feels right for you at the moment, the key is to avoid stagnation and to maintain your professional resilience.
I see many a person who has ‘job hugged’ a bit too long. They come to me totally fed up with their work, feeling like they don’t know what they offer or where they are heading anymore. They don’t believe they know how to navigate today’s job market and wish they had kept themselves informed of what’s going on externally and maintaining their network.
Here’s how to job hug strategically:
Don’t neglect thinking about your future career and development. Reflect on it yourself, speak to your manager or colleague… or with a career coach like me!
Seek opportunities to develop the skills and experience you recognise you need for where you’re heading. Perhaps via a stretch project, internal secondment or move internally
Don’t hide away from AI and other tech even if it scares you. Are there small ways it could enhance your work already with a new tech?
Keep an eye on external opportunities. Be open to discussing them and maybe even apply /interview. People who stay in one place for long time often feel like don’t know how to interview elsewhere!
Unfortunately restructures and redundancies can hit us by surprise – don’t neglect thinking about your next steps until it happens. Be aware of the broader landscape. Maintain and grow your professional network through conversation, events and collaborations.
Final Thoughts
If you decide to stay put for now, ensure that you’re still priming yourself for your future before the hatred for the job you’re hugging become too much ... or the choice is made for you due to redundancy or dismissal.
And if you’re unsure whether you’re “hugging” for the right reasons, that’s where I can help.
👉 Let’s talk about your career roadmap, professional resilience and how you can thrive whether you stay or go.
Book a free intro call with me here.