Why Anupam Mittal Says Gen Z Should Stop Feeling Guilty About Switching Jobs

Gen Z professionals are often judged for switching jobs, but Shark Tank India judge and Shaadi.com founder Anupam Mittal challenges this notion. In a viral LinkedIn post, he encourages young professionals to explore careers freely in their early years. Mittal compares this phase to “dating” industries, roles, and cultures to find what truly fits. The first few years should focus on learning, experimenting, and discovering passions. Once a clear path is found, commitment and depth are essential to grow expertise, achieve success, and build a lasting career.



Anupam Mittal emphasizes that early career changes are not only natural but essential for Gen Z. Young professionals often switch jobs to discover what truly matches their skills, personality, and ambitions. Instead of shaming this exploration, mentors should guide and support it. Testing different industries, roles, and company cultures allows clarity on strengths and passions. Each experience builds confidence, resilience, and insight. By exploring early, professionals lay a strong foundation for long-term success, leadership growth, and meaningful careers that align with their true potential.



The first years of a career are meant for exploration and discovery. Anupam Mittal compares it to dating, where young professionals test different roles, industries, and company cultures to find what truly fits their skills and passions. Switching jobs during this phase is not failure; it is a chance to learn and grow. Experiencing diverse roles helps avoid long-term dissatisfaction, clarifies career goals, and builds confidence. Early exploration creates a strong foundation for meaningful work, leadership opportunities, and long-term professional success.



Once you discover your true career path, commitment becomes essential. Anupam Mittal advises staying at one company for at least four years to gain deep experience, manage responsibilities, and see projects through their full cycle. The first year is for learning, the second for execution, and the third for solving challenges and scaling successes. Long-term dedication builds mastery, sharpens leadership skills, and earns credibility in your field. This approach transforms early exploration into lasting career growth and prepares young professionals for bigger opportunities and future leadership roles.

Anupam Mittal highlights that it takes about one year to understand a job, but truly mastering an industry requires three to five years. This broader perspective is essential for building a successful career. Professionals who stay committed through challenges gain resilience, learn from mistakes, and discover opportunities that others overlook. Experiencing the full cycle of responsibilities sharpens leadership and entrepreneurial skills. Patience, persistence, and long-term focus are the foundations of expertise, making those who invest in growth stand out in competitive industries and achieve lasting success.

For aspiring founders and CEOs, Anupam Mittal emphasizes the importance of handling pressure and staying committed during tough times. True leadership comes from facing challenges, learning from mistakes, and scaling successes with patience and resilience. Short-term comfort does not prepare professionals for the responsibilities of running a company. Building credibility, endurance, and problem-solving skills in difficult situations is essential for long-term success. Those who persevere through obstacles gain the insight, confidence, and experience needed to lead teams, make critical decisions, and achieve lasting impact in their industries.

Anupam Mittal’s career advice shows Gen Z that early exploration and later commitment are both essential. Switching jobs in your twenties is not a mistake but a way to discover your true passion, skills, and interests. Long-term stints help build expertise, resilience, and leadership abilities. True career growth comes from understanding yourself, mastering your industry, and learning to handle challenges. By balancing exploration with focus, young professionals can turn experiences into meaningful growth, shape successful careers, and prepare to become future leaders and innovators.

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1. Why does Anupam Mittal encourage Gen Z to switch jobs early in their career?
Mittal believes early career exploration helps young professionals discover their true passions, skills, and preferred work cultures. Short stints allow learning, experimentation, and clarity before long-term commitment.
2. Is switching jobs often harmful to career growth?
No. When done purposefully, job hopping is a way to “date” roles and industries. It helps Gen Z find the right fit while gaining diverse experience and skills.
3. What is the ideal approach after age 25?
After identifying a career path, Mittal recommends committing to a company for 4-5 years. Long-term stints build expertise, resilience, leadership abilities, and industry knowledge.
4. How does job switching help future founders or CEOs?
Facing challenges in different roles teaches problem-solving, adaptability, and persistence. Experiencing the full cycle of responsibility prepares aspiring leaders to handle pressure and grow strategically.
5. How long does it take to truly understand a job or an industry?
It takes about one year to learn a specific role, but 3-5 years to master an industry. Long-term commitment allows professionals to see the full impact of their decisions and scale successes.
6. What is the key takeaway for Gen Z professionals?
Balance exploration and focus. Early career experimentation reveals passion, while long-term dedication builds depth and leadership. This approach ensures meaningful, fulfilling, and successful careers.