Have you changed a number of jobs and still feeling dissatisfied? Our guest blogger, Aby League, shares her findings about job hopping trends and ways to optimize your career. She has some great suggestions for Millennials looking for more satisfaction and growth but may be ignoring some vital pieces.

Are we witnessing a job-hopping generation? A recent study suggests that millennials, or the generation born between 1980 and the early 2000s, are moving from one company to another more frequently than any other generation. According to a Gallup report, 21% of millennials changed jobs within the past year. One factor is low workplace engagement due to employers’ failure to give millennials compelling reasons to stay.

“While millennials can come across as wanting more and more, the reality is that they just want a job that feels worthwhile—and they will keep looking until they find it,” Gallup editor Amy Adkins noted.

It’s indisputable that companies are the most powerful influencer of engagement in the workplace. However, there are things, you can do to improve your job satisfaction, find a good fitting role, and stop the job-hopping cycle. Here are 8 things you keep ignoring about your career and focus on your growth.

1.Work smarter, not harder

Many people ignore the fact that hard work is not enough to succeed. Working overtime is acceptable when you need to do an urgent assignment. However if you find yourself working long hours all the time, this can cause burnout, elevated stress, and potentially affect your physical and mental health.  It can also speak about your ability to manage your time, projects, and priorities.

2. Map out your own path

One reason for the rising job-hopping trend is that people don’t know exactly what they are looking for. Have you taken the time to reflect on your career dissatisfaction? Do you regularly review your career goals and aspirations? Part of growing includes knowing who you are, your strengths and weakness, and re-defining your parameters for success. If you’re in a limbo, take a breather. Consider seeing a career counselor or a good mentor to discuss your situation. Good decisions are made when your mind is clear, and know your purpose and goals.

3. Assess the compensation package before accepting a job

Let’s get real. Money may not be the most important factor in job satisfaction but we all need to make a living.  Some people like to pursue their passions, others work for a cause at a non-profit organization but it all has to fit your financial goals. Think about how salary is affecting your performance and long-term goals.  If you are not fairly compensated, are you gaining some valuable work experience that will take you to the next level. Consider your salary expectations and do you own research before accepting a job offer.

4. “Embrace failure.” – J.K. Rowling

Bestselling author of Harry Potter series was a jobless single parent when she first sent out the initial manuscript – which later became one of the most popular books. She used coffee shops as makeshift offices and received “tons” of rejections before getting published. In an interview, Rowling shared, “You will fail. That’s inevitable. It’s what you do with it.” You will face countless challenges and make mistakes as you pursue your career. Take some risks, embrace failure and use it to learn valuable lessons that help you grow.

5. Respect your job the way you want to be respected

You may not like your boss (you may even abhor him!), but don’t hate your job. If you’re frustrated at work, speak to a trusted mentor, therapist or career counselor. Stress can open a can of negative emotions that can affect your mental well-being and performance at work. Nevertheless, don’t lash out on an assignment or project under any circumstance. Remain professional and do not burn bridges even when things are no longer working for you.

6. Nothing is perfect, including employers

According to Gallup, 55% of millennial employees are not engaged—“they are indifferent about work and show up just to put in their hours.” While employers are responsible for boosting engagement, it is also your responsibility to look for opportunities to stay engaged, re-negotiate your work and use your strengths.  There’s no perfect organization.  You should know how to voice out your concerns, use mentors for advice, and ask for projects that utilize your most valuable skills.

7. “Don’t just follow your passion but something larger than yourself.” – Steve Jobs

You probably heard it thousand times “Follow your passion.” However, Apple’s founder Steve Jobs begged to differ. The visionary and tech leader was remembered that since we are all part of the flow of history, we have the obligation to give back something helpful to our communities. We should graduate from a “me” mentality and start thinking how we can improve the world we live in.

8. Forge alliances

No matter how talented you are, people rarely make it to the top on their own. You need mentors and allies who will serve as your support system as you trek new terrains in your career. Be someone others can trust, and not a two-faced user who always asks favors but never offers anything in return.

Everyone in your batch may be jumping from one company to another trying to find the “right” place to be. However, you don’t need to go with the trend. Take time to pause, reflect who you are as person – what your interests, values, and strengths. Work has different meaning to everyone. Where do you want go? Listen to yourself and map out your own path. Most importantly, learn from those who’ve been through battles as there’s no better teacher than experience.

About the Author: Aby League is a passionate writer and researcher. She enjoys blogging and writing mostly about health, psychology and technology.