Historically, in China, the ideal was the “iron rice bowl” (铁饭碗, tiě fànwǎn)—a secure, stable job for life, often with a state-owned enterprise. In that era, leaving your employer was rare and could be seen as an act of disloyalty. Therefore, `跳槽` was not a common or celebrated practice. However, with China's economic reforms and the rise of a competitive market economy, this mindset has completely changed. Today, `跳槽` is an accepted, and often expected, part of career development, especially for the younger generation. It reflects a cultural shift from prioritizing lifelong company loyalty to prioritizing personal growth, ambition, and market value. Comparison to Western Culture: In Western, particularly American, culture, “job-hopping” can have a mixed connotation. Changing jobs every few years is normal, but doing it too frequently (e.g., every year) might be seen as a red flag by recruiters, suggesting a lack of commitment. While this concern also exists in China, the term `跳槽` itself is less judgmental. It frames the action from the perspective of the individual's ambition rather than the company's loss. It's simply what one does to build a better career.
`跳槽` is a standard, everyday term used in both casual and professional settings. You'll hear it among friends discussing their careers, in news articles about labor trends, and even in business meetings.