Does it seem like many recent college grads are changing jobs every other year? It probably does because the majority of them are. Why you ask? Well that is the million dollar question. Many companies would pay a high dollar to figure that out so they could retain their new hires.

While I myself am a recent college grad, graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2006, I have not changed jobs since I took my position with Jackson Sumner & Assocs. in July of 2006. I may be a little different because I joined the family business, but I still have many friends and know of plenty who act like they’re just playing a game of hopscotch–jumping through jobs.

One reason I think that many Gen Ys are switching jobs so quickly is because they take the first opportunity they’re offered right out of college. This may not necessarily be the field they want to be in, but they took it because it paid something and they hear how tough it is to get a job in this economy. After a year or so at that job, they realize that it isn’t what they want to do and start looking elsewhere. I don’t think it’s necessarily for more money, I think they just aren’t happy in their current position. Most Gen Y’s want to be challenged or else they get bored. It could be that many jobs aren’t presenting these recent grads with enough challenges, so they look for a change–meaning a new job.