For decades, job-hopping paid off in America—the economy rewarded those willing to move. But the script has flipped. As labor markets tighten and hiring slows, frequent job-switchers are hitting headwinds. The once-reliable playbook of chasing better opportunities is backfiring. Companies are growing cautious, hiring freezes are spreading, and employers increasingly value stability over resume diversity. Those who banked on constant upward mobility through job transitions are now discovering that market conditions have fundamentally shifted. Loyalty—or at least perceived commitment—is making a comeback.