So, you could say my CV looks like a hopscotch board. I've navigated more job interviews than most people see in a lifetime, leaping across industries while staying firmly rooted in the marketing field. The result? A rather unique and, dare I say, valuable collection of experiences and a surprisingly broad understanding of various sectors.

I like to think of myself as a corporate grasshopper. You know how companies sometimes use animal archetypes? I'm somewhere between a chameleon (adapting quickly) and an octopus (reaching into different areas) – maybe a post for another day. But fundamentally, I'm a hopper.

Inevitably, the "short tenure" question pops up in interviews: "Your CV shows you haven't stayed at a company longer than two years." My answer? "That's often been more than enough." Here's the thing: sometimes, the corporate environment turns… less than ideal. When you have weak leadership, certain less-than-savoury characters (more hyena than lion, if you catch my drift) tend to emerge. And when things get abusive, I'm out.

I know, I know. The corporate mantra is "stay five years for commitment." But I've been on enough horrible interviews to know better. My responses range from a direct "My commitment is to my work, as my CV demonstrates" to a conditional "I'll stay for five years if there's a compelling reason to." Some might label me a "fox," but that feels more sales oriented.

For me, that "compelling reason" isn't about tolerating a toxic environment. It's about the actual work. While many employers are eager to hire me based on my skills, some in unhealthy workplaces try to twist my career-driven hopping into a lack of commitment to them. It's a handy red flag to spot before you even walk in the door.

So, if you're judging the corporate grasshopper, remember this: we're risk-takers. We've literally jumped ship to find something better. And as a corporate marketer, "be better" is essentially my job description. Kangaroos hop too, and they're powerful animals – they box! Not every hopper is just a little grasshopper.

Ultimately, companies need to understand that "experience" varies wildly. If you're seeking a "committed" employee, create a safe and supportive environment where they want to stay through thick and thin. We're not corporate penguins mating for life; we're humans forming partnerships.