Highlights:
- Mittal compares early career moves to “dating,” not “marriage”
- Advises aggressive exploration between ages 21 and 24
- Recommends committing to one role for at least four years after 25
- Says long stints matter for senior leadership roles
- Social media users widely support his advice
Anupam Mittal, founder and CEO of People Group and Shaadi.com, has sparked an active discussion on social media with his views on Gen Z professionals. Often criticized for frequently switching jobs, Gen Z, Mittal said, should see early career moves as “dating” rather than “marriage.” Sharing what he called the “right strategy,” he explained that young professionals are simply trying to understand which industries, roles, and workplace cultures suit them best.
He emphasized that job-hopping at the right stage is not a sign of disloyalty, but of self-awareness and exploration. “Let’s stop shaming Gen Z for switching jobs. I see a lot of ‘career gurus’ shaming 22-year-olds for switching jobs every year,” he wrote in a LinkedIn post. “But isn’t that exactly what young people should be doing?”
Let’s stop shaming Genzfor switching jobsI see a lot of ‘career gurus’shaming 22-year-olds for switching jobs every year.But isn’t that exactly what the youth should be doing? 🤔Early in our… | Anupam Mittal | 561 comments
Let’s stop shaming Genzfor switching jobsI see a lot of ‘career gurus’shaming 22-year-olds for switching jobs every year.But isn’t that exactly what the youth should be doing? 🤔Early in our… | Anupam Mittal | 561 comments www.linkedin.com
Let’s stop shaming Genzfor switching jobsI see a lot of ‘career gurus’shaming 22-year-olds for switching jobs every year.But isn’t that exactly what the youth should be doing? 🤔Early in our career, we’re discovering our passion We’re ‘dating’ industries, roles & cultures to find what vibesIf you not feeling it, move. Don't feel bad about it. This is the time to explore.BUT (and thats a big but),Once you find that path, you have to stop bouncing & start consolidating.When I’m hiring for Sr. leadership or ‘Level 1’ roles, I am clear,I almost always reject a resume that doesn't have at least one 4–5 year stint.Why? Because, usually, one cannot see the consequences of their own decisions in 12 months.Year 1 - You're learningYear 2 - You're executingYear 3 - You’re dealing with the mess in Year 2 😅 and scaling the winsAnd so I believe, the right Strategy in early 20s -Age 21–24 - Explore aggressively. Find what you ❤️. Switch if you have to.Age 25+ - Dig in! Find a company worth your time and commit for 4 years.If you want to be a Founder or a CEO, you need to prove you can stay in the kitchen when it gets hot.It takes 1 year to understand a job but 3-5 to understand an industry. Thats when you win 💪🏼 | 561 comments on LinkedIn
Most Gen Z workers are still in the early stages of their careers, and their approach to work differs from previous generations. Several surveys suggest they prioritize mental well-being over excessive work pressure and value work-life balance more than climbing the traditional corporate ladder.
Mittal, who is also a judge on Shark Tank India, advised young professionals to explore aggressively between the ages of 21 and 24, and to commit to a role for at least four years after turning 25.
“Early in our careers, we’re discovering our passion. We’re ‘dating’ industries, roles, and cultures to find what fits. If you’re not feeling it, move on. Don’t feel bad about it. This is the time to explore,” he wrote. “But—and that’s a big but—once you find that path, you have to stop bouncing and start consolidating.”
He added that when hiring for senior leadership or “Level 1” roles, he almost always rejects resumes that do not show at least one four- to five-year stint. According to him, real depth comes from staying long enough to experience the consequences of decisions, not just the excitement of starting something new.
“I believe the right strategy in your early 20s is: age 21-24 explore aggressively. Find what fits. Switch if you need to. Age 25+—dig in. Find a company worth your time and commit for four years,” Mittal said.
His advice struck a chord with many online users. “This is so true. Your early 20s are meant for exploring, not settling. How else would someone know what they truly like without trying different roles?” one user commented.
Another wrote, “I resigned today for this exact reason. I realized I never gave myself enough time to truly explore what kind of role, environment, or position works best for me. Thanks for sharing!”
A third added, “This captures the nuance most career advice misses, movement early on is learning, but staying long enough to see outcomes is where real growth and leadership are built.”
Anupam Mittal is an Indian entrepreneur and angel investor, best known as the founder and CEO of Shaadi.com, one of the world’s largest online matchmaking platforms. He is also the founder of People Group, which operates multiple consumer internet brands.
Mittal is widely recognized for his role as a judge (or “Shark”) on Shark Tank India, where he is known for candid advice on startups, careers, and entrepreneurship. A vocal commentator on workplace culture and innovation, he often shares insights on leadership, Gen Z careers, and building long-term value in businesses.
