A Business Insider article I just read noted that Millennials have been “dubbed the ‘job-hopping’ generation.” Then they note that, Generation Z, the generation just younger than the Millennials, appears to be following the same path. I have a problem with the term “job-hopping.” It’s a pejorative phrase. Like, people shouldn’t be changing jobs to explore better opportunities while the economy is hot. So, the thing is this: Loyalty is in a long process of being redefined. Loyalty is no longer, “I will work for you until I retire.” That notion started to die when organizations began chipping away at their side of the loyalty equation (pensions, off-shoring, outsourcing, etc.). Loyalty is now, “I choose to partner with you for as long as you make it worth my while.” Worth my while, in this sense, consists of a number of items in addition to pay. What “job hopping” should signal to organizations is that times are changing, and you are likely behind the curve. Yes, maybe I can get more money elsewhere. But, I can get other things elsewhere as well. Better leadership. Clearer goals. More training. Helpful feedback. Supportive culture. People don’t hop just to hop. There is always a reason.