Done properly, a move to a new company can help your career. Sticking with your employer used to mean staying put for 10, 20 or even 30 years. Everyone knew someone who had spent their entire working life with one company.

Today it is far less common. But one career coach says it all comes down to what you do and where you work.

Janine Arnerich, of The Career Planning Centre in Rotorua, New Zealand, says most people today are moving jobs every couple of years. "People tend to stay put when there is little alternative," she says. "Working for the police is one example where if you want to rise up the ladder you have to remain with the police force. Another example might be family law firms. "Deciding on staying put, being loyal to the firm come what may, all comes down to personal choice. Perhaps you think you might own the company one day. And if that is what you want, then there is merit in staying with one employer."

But Arnerich says sitting tight doesn’t always mean doing the same job year in, year out.

"In large firm’s there will probably be plenty of opportunity to move and work in different departments," she says.

You may even be able to work for the firm in other countries, so long as you are happy to go where the company puts you.

"It comes down to whether you are able to take a long-term 10 or 15-year view,’ she says. ``But moving to work in different firms can build experience, and that can be beneficial too."

Kris de Jong, owner of Eclipse Life Coaching, says it depends on what the individual wants.

"Over recent years, it has become more accepted by employers that people will move around a lot more.

"Twenty or 30 years ago, companies expected you to stay with them for a long time and they didn’t like to see CVs that showed job applicants had moved from this firm to that firm — moving after just a year or two in the job— because it looked bad.

"But now I think there is an expectation out there that changing jobs is not such a bad thing."

De Jong says one reason for people moving jobs more frequently is the hot job market and skills shortage.

One recruitment expert says larger firms are making a point of enticing department managers to their firms in the hope that once they are settled they will encourage former colleagues from their old firm to jump ship.

The banking industry is notorious for this type of recruitment, he says. "Middle managers and people way down the chain are being approached, such is the demand for people."

De Jong agrees that this kind of approach is playing a big part in the current job environment — encouraging people to move on, rather than waiting for an opportunity at their firm.

"Highly skilled people are sought after," he says. "Everyone understands that we basically have full employment in New Zealand. And there is also the whole globalization thing, people with certain skills are in demand all around the world. People are prepared to move from country to country to follow their career."

De Jong says if people want to move ahead in their career, to get more money and more responsibility, then it is up to them to go for it.

"Don’t rely on your firm to give it to you. In larger organizations, it can be harder as there is a risk you can be lost in the crowd. It’s up to the individual."