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이직하다

B1 verb 8 min read

이직하다

ijikhada

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 이직하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 이직하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '이직하다' might feel a bit advanced, but it's a useful word to know when talking about jobs. Think of it as 'changing jobs.' You might not use it in complex sentences yet, but you can recognize it. For example, '저는 이직하고 싶어요' (I want to change jobs). At this stage, just focus on the fact that '이' means move and '직' means job. It's like moving from one office chair to another in a different building. You can use it simply to describe a future plan. Don't worry about the complicated Hanja (Chinese characters) for now. Just remember it as a 'hada' verb. When you hear '이직,' think of a person packing their desk and going to a new office. It's an important word for adult learners because work is a big part of life. You can practice by saying '이직해요' (I change jobs) or '이직했어요' (I changed jobs).

For A2 learners, '이직하다' becomes part of your 'Daily Life' and 'Work' vocabulary. You can start using it with basic particles and connectors. For instance, '돈을 더 많이 받고 싶어서 이직해요' (I am changing jobs because I want to receive more money). You should be able to distinguish between '회사에 다니다' (to attend a company/work) and '이직하다' (to change companies). At this level, you might talk about your friends or family members who are looking for new roles. You can also use the noun form '이직' with the particle '-을/를'. For example, '이직을 준비해요' (I am preparing for a job change). Understanding the difference between 'quitting' (퇴사) and 'changing jobs' (이직) is helpful. Practice using it with time words like '내년에' (next year) or '지난달에' (last month). This will help you describe your career history in a simple way.

At the B1 level, you should use '이직하다' to discuss career development and motivations. This is a common topic in intermediate speaking exams. You should be able to explain *why* someone might 이직하다, using more complex grammar like '-(으)려고' (in order to) or '-기 위해서'. For example, '더 나은 복지를 위해 이직하기로 결심했습니다' (I decided to change jobs for better welfare). You will also encounter this word in reading passages about the modern workforce. You should understand related terms like '경력' (career/experience) and how they relate to '이직'. At this stage, you can discuss the pros and cons of changing jobs frequently. You might also hear phrases like '이직 사유' (reason for job change) in formal contexts. Using '이직하다' instead of simpler phrases like '회사를 바꿔요' shows that you have a more professional vocabulary. It's a key word for discussing life goals and professional challenges.

B2 learners should be comfortable using '이직하다' in professional and academic contexts. You can discuss trends like '이직 열풍' (the job-changing craze) and analyze the economic impact of high turnover rates ('이직률'). You should be able to use the word in the passive or causative sense, or in more nuanced structures like '이직을 고려하다' (to consider a job change) or '이직을 제안받다' (to be offered a job change). You should also be aware of the social nuances in Korea—how '이직' was viewed in the past versus how it is viewed now. You can write essays about labor market flexibility using this term. Your vocabulary should now include synonyms like '전직하다' and '스카우트되다', and you should know exactly when to use each. In a job interview, you should be able to eloquently describe your '이직' history as a series of strategic moves for '자기계발' (self-development).

At the C1 level, '이직하다' is a fundamental term that you use with high precision. You can discuss the legal and contractual aspects of '이직', such as '경업금지' (non-compete clauses) that might apply when you 이직하다 to a competitor. You can understand and use the word in highly formal reports, legal documents, or deep sociological analyses. You should be able to perceive the subtle emotional connotations when it's used in literature or high-level journalism. For example, how '이직' can signify both betrayal and liberation depending on the narrative. You can use it in complex conditional sentences or hypothetical scenarios regarding the future of work. Your understanding of the word includes its Hanja roots and how those roots appear in other related words like '이동' (movement) or '직업' (vocation). You can engage in debates about the '이직' culture in different countries compared to Korea.

For C2 speakers, '이직하다' is a word you master in all its stylistic variations. You can use it in rhetorical ways, in high-level business negotiations, or in academic research papers. You understand the historical shift of the word's connotation in Korean society from the 1970s to today. You can effortlessly switch between '이직하다' and more poetic or archaic terms if the context requires. You are aware of how '이직' interacts with other systemic issues like '고용 불안' (employment instability) or '인재 유출' (brain drain). You can provide expert-level advice on '이직' strategies in Korean, using the word and its derivatives (이직자, 이직률, 이직 사유서) with perfect grammatical and cultural accuracy. You can also identify and use idiomatic expressions or modern slang related to job changing, like '환승이직' or '중고 신입', showing a native-like grasp of contemporary office culture.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

이직하다 in 30 Seconds

Moving from one company to another.
A key verb for career transitions.
Focuses on the 'move' rather than just 'quitting'.
Used in both casual and professional contexts.

The Korean verb 이직하다 (Ijik-hada) is a cornerstone of modern professional vocabulary in South Korea. Etymologically derived from the Hanja characters 移 (i), meaning 'to move' or 'to shift,' and 職 (jik), meaning 'office,' 'job,' or 'duty,' the word literally translates to 'moving one's job.' In practical usage, it refers to the process of leaving one's current place of employment to take up a position at a different company. Unlike general words for quitting, such as '퇴사하다' (to leave a company), 이직하다 specifically implies a transition—moving from point A to point B in one's career path. In the context of the modern Korean labor market, which has shifted from a 'job-for-life' culture to a more dynamic, performance-based environment, 이직하다 carries significant weight regarding career development and personal growth.

Core Concept: The strategic movement between employers to improve salary, working conditions, or professional status.

많은 직장인들이 더 나은 연봉을 위해 이직하다. (Many office workers change jobs for a better salary.)

The term is used across all levels of formality. In corporate settings, HR departments discuss '이직률' (turnover rate), while friends might ask each other, '이직 준비는 잘 돼가?' (Is your job-change preparation going well?). It is particularly relevant during the 'N-th year slump' often cited by Korean workers (typically at the 3, 5, or 7-year marks), where the desire to 이직하다 becomes a primary topic of conversation. It encompasses the entire administrative and emotional process of resignation and re-employment.

Professional Context: Used in interviews when explaining career gaps or motivations for joining a new firm.

경력 성장을 위해 이직하기로 결심했습니다. (I decided to change jobs for career growth.)

Historically, frequent job hopping was frowned upon in Korea, viewed as a lack of loyalty. However, in the 21st century, '이직' is often framed as '경력 관리' (career management). Successful '이직' is seen as a validation of one's skills and market value. It is a common topic in IELTS speaking modules related to work, where candidates must discuss their professional history and future aspirations. Using '이직하다' correctly shows a high level of lexical resource regarding professional life.

Grammatically, 이직하다 is a 'Noun + 하다' verb. The noun form 이직 (job change) can be used independently or as the object of the verb. Because it describes a significant life event, it is frequently used with intentionality markers like '-기로 하다' (decided to), '-고 싶다' (want to), or '-를 꿈꾸다' (dream of). It can also be used in the passive sense when someone is recruited: '이직 제안을 받다' (to receive a job change offer).

Grammar Pattern: Purpose: [Reason] 때문에 이직하다 - To change jobs because of [Reason].

과도한 업무량 때문에 이직하는 사람들이 늘고 있습니다. (The number of people changing jobs due to excessive workload is increasing.)

When talking about moving *to* a specific place, you use the particle '~로' or '~으로'. For example, '대기업으로 이직하다' (to move to a large corporation). Conversely, when talking about moving *from* a place, you use '~에서'. However, the most common sentence structure focuses on the motivation or the timing of the move. In the past tense, '이직했다' signifies the completion of the transition.

Grammar Pattern: Intent: 이직하려고 준비 중이다 - In the middle of preparing to change jobs.

저는 내년쯤에 외국계 기업으로 이직하려고 합니다. (I intend to change jobs to a foreign company around next year.)

In complex sentences, 이직하다 can be combined with '성공하다' (to succeed) to form '이직에 성공하다' (to succeed in changing jobs). This emphasizes the effort involved in the job market, such as interviews and portfolio building. It is also often used with '사유' (reason) in administrative forms: '이직 사유를 적어주세요' (Please write down your reason for changing jobs).

You will encounter 이직하다 in a variety of environments, ranging from casual coffee shop conversations to formal economic news reports. In the workplace, it is the standard term used during '1-on-1' meetings with managers or HR. If a colleague disappears and is replaced, people will whisper, '그분 이직하셨대요' (I heard that person changed jobs). On LinkedIn (or its Korean equivalent, 'Remember' or 'Wanted'), the term is ubiquitous in advertisements for headhunters and recruitment platforms.

News & Media: Economic headlines often discuss '이직 열풍' (job-changing craze) or '이직 시장' (the job transfer market).

최근 IT 업계에서는 개발자들의 이직이 매우 활발합니다. (Recently, in the IT industry, job changes among developers are very active.)

In Korean dramas (K-Dramas), '이직' is a frequent plot device used to show a character's ambition or their struggle with a toxic boss. Characters might secretly meet headhunters or study for certificates after work to facilitate an '이직'. In these contexts, the word often carries a sense of hope for a fresh start or the tension of a secret move. Social media platforms like YouTube also feature '이직 브이로그' (job-change vlogs) where creators share their journey from resigning to starting a new role.

Social Context: Friends often use it when discussing burnout or salary dissatisfaction.

너 진짜 이직할 거야? (Are you really going to change jobs?)

Finally, in the academic or educational sphere, '이직' is discussed in sociology or business administration classes when studying labor mobility. It is a technical term used to analyze economic trends. Whether you are reading a serious editorial in the 'Chosun Ilbo' or chatting with a friend at a 'Pocha', '이직하다' is the essential verb for discussing professional migration.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 이직하다 with 퇴직하다 (to retire/resign) or 전직하다 (to change career/vocation). While they all relate to leaving a job, their nuances are distinct. '퇴직' focuses on the act of stopping work at a specific company, often implying retirement or leaving without another job lined up. If you say '이직했어요' but you are currently unemployed and not looking, it sounds contradictory. You '이직' *to* somewhere.

Mistake: Confusing with Retirement: Using '이직' when you mean you are retiring permanently.

Incorrect: 할아버지는 65세에 이직하셨어요. (My grandfather changed jobs at 65 - unless he actually started a new job!)

Another mistake is the confusion between '이직' and '전직'. '전직' (轉職) implies a change in the *type* of work or industry (e.g., a teacher becoming a programmer). '이직' is broader and usually refers to moving from one company to another within the same or similar field. If you move from Samsung to LG as a marketing manager, that is '이직'. If you leave marketing to become a baker, that is more accurately '전직'.

Mistake: Over-application: Using '이직' for moving to a different department within the same company (that is '부서 이동').

Incorrect: 마케팅부에서 영업부로 이직했어요. (I changed jobs from marketing to sales - incorrect if within the same company.)

Lastly, learners sometimes struggle with the particle usage. While '이직하다' can take an object ('이직을 하다'), it is more commonly used as a standalone intransitive verb ('이직하다'). Avoid saying '회사를 이직하다' (to change the company); instead, say '다른 회사로 이직하다' (to change jobs to another company) or simply '이직하다'.

To sound more natural and sophisticated in Korean, it is helpful to know the synonyms and related terms for 이직하다. Depending on the context—whether you are emphasizing the departure, the new start, or the change in career path—different words may be more appropriate. Understanding these nuances is key for B1-level learners and above who want to express complex career situations accurately.

Synonym: 옮기다 (Omgida): A native Korean verb meaning 'to move'. Often used casually as '직장을 옮기다' (to move workplaces).

다음 달에 다른 직장으로 옮기게 됐어요. (I've come to move to another workplace next month.)

Another related term is 전직하다 (Jeonjik-hada). As mentioned before, this specifically refers to changing one's occupation or profession. If a lawyer becomes a chef, they '전직' rather than just '이직'. For those leaving a job without a clear next step, 퇴사하다 (Toesa-hada) is the most common term. It simply means 'to leave the company'. In casual speech, people often say '때려치우다' (to quit/dump a job), but this is very informal and should be used with caution.

Synonym: 스카우트되다 (Scout-doeda): To be 'headhunted' or 'scouted'. This is a specific type of 이직 where the new company approaches the employee.

그는 경쟁 업체로 스카우트되어 이직했습니다. (He changed jobs after being scouted by a competitor.)

Finally, for moving *within* a company, use 인사이동 (personnel shift) or 부서 이동 (departmental move). If you are moving to a branch office, use 전근 (transfer). Knowing these distinctions helps you navigate the professional landscape of Korea with precision. Using '이직' correctly in an IELTS interview or a business meeting will demonstrate that you understand the nuances of career movement in a global and Korean context.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the past, the 'jik' (職) referred to government posts. Today, it applies to any professional role.

Pronunciation Guide

UK i.dʑik.ha.da

US i.dʒik.hɑ.dɑ

Primary stress is on the second syllable 'jik'.

Rhymes With

소직하다 (sojik-hada) 정직하다 (jeongjik-hada) 공직하다 (gongjik-hada) 퇴직하다 (toejik-hada) 전직하다 (jeonjik-hada) 수직하다 (sujik-hada) 유직하다 (yujik-hada) 무직하다 (mujik-hada)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'jik' as 'jeek' with a long vowel; it should be short.
Missing the aspiration in 'ha'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word itself is simple, but it often appears in complex economic or professional texts.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of particles like ~로 and ~을/를, and understanding the nuance versus 퇴사.

Speaking 3/5

Common in intermediate conversations; pronunciation is straightforward.

Listening 3/5

Easy to recognize due to the distinct 'jik' sound.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

회사 (Company) 일하다 (To work) 바꾸다 (To change) 직업 (Job) 옮기다 (To move)

Learn Next

경력 (Career) 연봉 (Salary) 복지 (Welfare) 면접 (Interview) 합격 (Passing/Acceptance)

Advanced

이직률 (Turnover rate) 헤드헌팅 (Headhunting) 경업금지 (Non-compete) 실업급여 (Unemployment benefit) 권고사직 (Recommended resignation)

Grammar to Know

-기로 하다 (Decide to)

더 좋은 곳으로 이직하기로 했어요.

-(으)려고 (In order to)

연봉을 높이려고 이직을 준비합니다.

-기 위해서 (For the sake of)

경력 성장을 위해 이직했습니다.

-(으)ㄴ/는 편이다 (Tend to)

요즘 사람들은 이직을 자주 하는 편이에요.

-아/어서 (Reason)

회사가 멀어서 이직하고 싶어요.

Examples by Level

저는 내년에 이직하고 싶어요.

I want to change jobs next year.

-고 싶다 (want to) attached to 이직하다.

제 친구는 어제 이직했어요.

My friend changed jobs yesterday.

Past tense -았/었/였다.

이직은 어려워요?

Is changing jobs difficult?

Noun form 이직 + topic particle 은.

어디로 이직해요?

Where are you changing jobs to?

Direction particle 로.

저는 이직을 안 해요.

I am not changing jobs.

Negation 안.

오늘 이직 준비를 해요.

I am preparing for a job change today.

Object particle 을/를.

이직해서 기뻐요.

I am happy because I changed jobs.

-아/어서 (reason/sequence).

누가 이직해요?

Who is changing jobs?

Subject particle 가.

더 좋은 회사로 이직하고 싶어서 공부해요.

I am studying because I want to change jobs to a better company.

-아/어서 (reason) connecting two clauses.

이직하려면 무엇이 필요해요?

What do I need if I want to change jobs?

-(으)려면 (if one intends to).

그는 월급 때문에 이직하기로 했어요.

He decided to change jobs because of the salary.

-기로 하다 (decide to).

이직한 후에 연락할게요.

I will contact you after I change jobs.

-(으)ㄴ 후에 (after doing).

요즘 이직하는 사람이 많아요.

These days, there are many people changing jobs.

Noun-modifying form -는.

이직하기 전에 휴가를 갈 거예요.

I will go on vacation before changing jobs.

-기 전에 (before doing).

그 회사는 이직이 잦아요.

That company has frequent job changes (turnover).

Adjective 잦다 (frequent) describing the noun 이직.

이직하려고 면접을 봤어요.

I had an interview to change jobs.

-(으)려고 (in order to).

경력을 쌓기 위해서 다른 분야로 이직했어요.

I changed jobs to another field to build my career.

-기 위해서 (in order to).

이직할 때 가장 중요한 것은 무엇인가요?

What is the most important thing when changing jobs?

-(으)ㄹ 때 (when).

이직 사유를 솔직하게 말하는 것이 좋아요.

It is good to speak honestly about your reason for changing jobs.

-는 것 (nominalizer).

그는 성공적으로 이직해서 연봉이 올랐어요.

He successfully changed jobs, so his salary increased.

Adverb 성공적으로 (successfully).

이직을 고민하고 있다면 전문가와 상담해 보세요.

If you are considering a job change, try consulting with an expert.

-고 있다 (progressive) + -(으)면 (if).

새로운 환경에서 일하고 싶어 이직을 결심했습니다.

I decided to change jobs because I want to work in a new environment.

-어/아 (shortened reason) + 결심하다 (to decide).

이직 준비를 하느라 요즘 아주 바빠요.

I am very busy lately because I'm preparing to change jobs.

-느라 (because of doing - usually negative result).

그는 이직 제안을 받았지만 거절했어요.

He received a job change offer but rejected it.

-지만 (but).

잦은 이직은 경력 관리에 독이 될 수도 있습니다.

Frequent job changes can be poisonous to career management.

-(으)ㄹ 수도 있다 (might).

이직률을 낮추기 위해 회사는 복지를 강화했습니다.

To lower the turnover rate, the company strengthened its welfare.

-기 위해 (in order to) with a causative sense.

그는 헤드헌터를 통해 외국계 기업으로 이직했습니다.

He changed jobs to a foreign company through a headhunter.

-을/를 통해 (through/via).

이직을 확정하기 전까지는 비밀로 유지해야 해요.

You must keep it a secret until the job change is confirmed.

-기 전까지는 (until the point of).

조건이 아무리 좋아도 이직은 신중하게 결정해야 합니다.

No matter how good the conditions are, you must decide on a job change carefully.

아무리 -아/어도 (no matter how).

그는 동종 업계의 경쟁사로 이직하여 논란이 되었습니다.

He changed jobs to a competitor in the same industry, causing controversy.

-하여 (and/so - formal).

이직 시장이 활발해지면서 연봉 협상이 중요해졌습니다.

As the job change market becomes active, salary negotiation has become important.

-아/어지면서 (while becoming).

적성에 맞지 않는 일을 계속하기보다 이직하는 편이 낫다.

It is better to change jobs than to continue work that doesn't suit your aptitude.

-기보다 (rather than) + -는 편이 낫다 (is better).

급격한 산업 구조의 변화로 인해 전직과 이직이 빈번해지고 있다.

Due to rapid changes in industrial structure, career shifts and job changes are becoming frequent.

-로 인해 (due to - formal/written).

이직 사유서에는 구체적이고 타당한 근거를 제시해야 한다.

In the job change reason statement, one must present specific and valid grounds.

-해야 한다 (must).

그는 자신의 가치를 증명하기 위해 전략적인 이직을 감행했다.

He took the risk of a strategic job change to prove his value.

감행하다 (to take a risk/decisive action).

이직 과정에서 발생할 수 있는 평판 조회에 대비해야 합니다.

You must prepare for reference checks that may occur during the job change process.

평판 조회 (reference check/reputation inquiry).

상당수의 직장인들이 번아웃을 해결하기 위한 수단으로 이직을 택한다.

A significant number of office workers choose changing jobs as a means to resolve burnout.

상당수 (a significant number).

이직 시 퇴사 절차를 원만하게 마무리하는 것이 업계의 예의이다.

It is professional etiquette to conclude resignation procedures smoothly when changing jobs.

원만하게 (smoothly/amicably).

정부의 고용 정책은 원활한 이직을 지원하는 방향으로 나아가야 한다.

Government employment policies should move toward supporting smooth job transitions.

-는 방향으로 (in the direction of).

이직을 통해 얻고자 하는 바가 무엇인지 명확히 정의해야 한다.

You must clearly define what it is you hope to gain through a job change.

-(으)ㄴ 바 (the thing/what).

평생직장의 개념이 몰락하면서 이직은 이제 생존을 위한 필수 전략이 되었다.

As the concept of a job-for-life collapses, changing jobs has now become an essential survival strategy.

-(으)면서 (while/as).

그의 잦은 이직 이력은 조직에 대한 충성도 부족으로 비춰질 소지가 다분하다.

His frequent job-change history has a strong possibility of being perceived as a lack of loyalty to the organization.

-을 소지가 다분하다 (high possibility of).

노동 시장의 유연성이 확보되어야만 효율적인 이직과 인력 배치가 가능하다.

Only when labor market flexibility is secured can efficient job changes and manpower allocation be possible.

-어야만 (only if).

그는 이직을 빌미로 연봉 인상을 요구하는 영리한 협상가였다.

He was a clever negotiator who used a job change as a pretext to demand a salary raise.

-을 빌미로 (using as a pretext/excuse).

기업은 핵심 인재의 이직을 방지하기 위해 다각적인 노력을 기울여야 한다.

Companies must exert multifaceted efforts to prevent the departure (job change) of core talent.

-기 위해 (in order to) + 노력을 기울이다 (to exert effort).

이직에 따른 사회적 비용을 최소화하기 위한 제도적 장치가 마련되어야 한다.

Institutional mechanisms must be established to minimize the social costs associated with job changes.

-에 따른 (according to/following).

그녀는 이직을 단순한 일자리 이동이 아닌 자아실현의 과정으로 승화시켰다.

She sublimated the job change into a process of self-actualization, rather than a simple move of workplace.

A가 아닌 B (Not A but B) + 승화시키다 (to sublimate).

이직 시 발생하는 정보의 비대칭성은 구직자에게 불리하게 작용할 수 있다.

Information asymmetry occurring during a job change can act disadvantageously for the job seeker.

-게 작용하다 (to act/function in a way).

Synonyms

전직하다 직장을 옮기다 자리를 옮기다 회사를 옮기다

Antonyms

근속하다 입사하다

Common Collocations

이직을 결심하다

이직 사유

이직 제안

이직 준비

이직 시장

이직률이 높다

성공적인 이직

이직을 고려하다

이직에 성공하다

이직 상담

Common Phrases

이직 준비생

— A person currently preparing to change jobs.

그는 현재 이직 준비생이다.

환승 이직

— Changing jobs immediately without a break in between.

저는 환승 이직을 선호해요.

이직 깡패

— Slang for someone with an impressive resume who changes jobs easily.

그는 실력이 좋아서 이직 깡패로 불린다.

이직 성수기

— The season when job changes are most frequent (usually after bonuses).

지금이 바로 이직 성수기입니다.

이직 봇물

— A flood of job changes within a specific group or industry.

팀 내에서 이직 봇물이 터졌다.

이직 권유

— Suggesting or encouraging someone to change jobs.

친구에게 이직 권유를 받았다.

이직 스트레스

— Stress caused by the process of changing jobs.

이직 스트레스로 잠을 못 자요.

이직 성공담

— A success story about changing jobs.

그의 이직 성공담은 감동적이다.

이직 후기

— A review or account of one's experience after changing jobs.

블로그에 이직 후기를 올렸다.

이직의 기술

— The 'art' or 'skill' of changing jobs effectively.

이직의 기술을 배우고 싶어요.

Often Confused With

이직하다 vs 퇴직하다

To retire or resign. Focusing on leaving, not moving.

이직하다 vs 전직하다

To change one's profession or career path entirely.

이직하다 vs 전근하다

To be transferred within the same company to a different branch.

Idioms & Expressions

"둥지를 옮기다"

— Literally 'to move nests'. Used when a professional moves to a new 'home' or company.

그는 10년 만에 새로운 둥지로 옮겼다.

Literary

"배를 갈아타다"

— Literally 'to change boats'. Used when moving to a different company, often a competitor.

그는 경쟁사라는 배로 갈아탔다.

Metaphorical

"몸값을 올리다"

— Literally 'to raise one's body price'. Refers to increasing one's salary through 이직.

이직을 통해 몸값을 올리는 것이 목표다.

Business Slang

"새 술은 새 부대에"

— 'New wine in new bottles'. Used when starting fresh in a new company with new ideas.

이직했으니 새 술은 새 부대에 담아야지.

Proverbial

"줄행랑을 치다"

— Literally 'to run away'. Sometimes used humorously when someone quickly 이직 from a toxic workplace.

그는 회사가 어려워지자 줄행랑을 쳤다.

Casual/Humorous

"발을 빼다"

— Literally 'to pull one's foot out'. To withdraw from a company or project to 이직.

그는 그 프로젝트에서 발을 빼고 이직했다.

Idiomatic

"다리를 놓다"

— Literally 'to build a bridge'. Using a connection to help someone 이직.

선배가 이직할 수 있게 다리를 놓아주었다.

Social

"눈독을 들이다"

— To have one's eye on something. Used when a company wants to recruit (이직) a specific person.

경쟁사에서 그를 이직시키려고 눈독을 들이고 있다.

Casual

"찬밥 신세"

— 'Cold rice status'. Being neglected at a current job, leading to a desire to 이직.

회사에서 찬밥 신세가 되자 이직을 결심했다.

Metaphorical

"꽃길만 걷다"

— 'To walk only on flower paths'. Wishing someone success in their new job after 이직.

이직 축하해! 이제 꽃길만 걷자.

Social Slang

Easily Confused

이직하다 vs 이직

Sounds like 'Easy' in English or other 'i' words.

It specifically means job transfer. Don't confuse with '이동' (general movement).

인사이동 (personnel shift) vs 이직 (moving to a new company).

이직하다 vs 이직률

Learners forget the '률' (rate) part.

이직 is the act; 이직률 is the statistical turnover rate.

이직률이 높으면 회사가 불안정하다.

이직하다 vs 취직

Both have 'jik'.

취직 is getting a job for the first time or after being unemployed; 이직 is moving between jobs.

대학 졸업 후 취직했고, 3년 뒤 이직했다.

이직하다 vs 사직

Both involve leaving.

사직 is the formal act of resigning (handing in a resignation letter).

사직서를 제출하고 이직을 준비했다.

이직하다 vs 정직

Sounds similar.

정직 (Honesty) or 정직 (Suspension from work). Very different meanings.

그는 정직한 사람이라 이직 사유를 솔직히 말했다.

Sentence Patterns

저는 [Time]에 이직해요.

저는 내년에 이직해요.

[Reason] 때문에 이직하고 싶어요.

낮은 연봉 때문에 이직하고 싶어요.

[Goal]을/를 위해 이직하기로 했어요.

자기계발을 위해 이직하기로 했어요.

[Condition]에도 불구하고 이직을 선택했다.

안정적인 직장임에도 불구하고 이직을 선택했다.

이직 시 [Caution]에 유의해야 한다.

이직 시 경업금지 조항에 유의해야 한다.

이직은 단순한 이동을 넘어 [Meaning]이다.

이직은 단순한 이동을 넘어 자아실현의 과정이다.

이직을 고민하고 있다면 [Action].

이직을 고민하고 있다면 상담을 받아보세요.

이직한 후에 [Plan].

이직한 후에 여행을 갈 거예요.

Word Family

Nouns

이직 (Job change)

이직자 (Job changer)

이직률 (Turnover rate)

이직 사유 (Reason for leaving)

이직 확인서 (Job separation certificate)

Verbs

이직시키다 (To cause/help someone to change jobs)

Adjectives

이직하고 싶은 (Wanting to change jobs)

회사 (Company)

직장 (Workplace)

경력 (Career)

연봉 (Annual salary)

퇴사 (Resignation)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in urban/professional settings.

Common Mistakes

저는 어제 이직했어요 (when you just quit and have no new job). → 저는 어제 퇴사했어요.
Ijik implies you have a new job to go to. If you just quit, use Toesa.
회사를 이직하다. → 다른 회사로 이직하다.
'Ijik' is usually intransitive or used with 'into' a place. 'Company-object-ijik' is awkward.
그는 70세에 이직했다. → 그는 70세에 은퇴했다/퇴직했다.
Unless he actually started a new job, 70 is usually for retirement (Euntae).
이직을 하고 싶어 (to a 5-year-old). → 다른 데서 일하고 싶어.
'Ijik' is a Sino-Korean professional term, too formal for small children.
마케팅팀으로 이직했어 (within same company). → 마케팅팀으로 부서 이동을 했어.
Ijik is between different companies, not departments.

Tips

Hanja Roots

Remember 移 (move) and 職 (job). This root 'jik' appears in many work-related words like 직업, 직장, and 취직.

Timing

In Korea, many people 이직 after receiving their annual bonus, usually in January or February.

Particles

Always use '~로' to indicate the destination company: '네이버로 이직했어요'.

Networking

Many 이직s in Korea happen through '지인 추천' (referral by acquaintances).

Interviews

When asked about 이직, focus on 'growth' (성장) rather than 'complaints' (불만) about your previous boss.

Modern Terms

Learn '중고 신입' - someone who changes jobs but enters as an entry-level employee again.

Resume

Use '이직' in your cover letter to show you are a strategic career planner.

Context

If you hear '옮기다' in a work context, it almost always means '이직하다'.

Career Path

Don't 이직 too frequently (e.g., every 6 months) as it might look bad on your resume.

Leaving

Always finish your current work well before you 이직 to maintain a good reputation.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'E' (Easy) + 'Jik' (Job). You want an 'Easy Job' so you 'Ijik' (change jobs) to find it!

Visual Association

Imagine a person jumping from one office building roof to another with a briefcase.

Word Web

Job Move Career Salary Resume Interview Company Success

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about why you would want to '이직하다' in the future.

Word Origin

Derived from Hanja: 移 (이 - to move) + 職 (직 - office/duty).

Original meaning: To move from one's assigned office or duty to another.

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

Never ask a Korean colleague 'Are you planning to 이직?' in a public setting, as it can be seen as sensitive or private information.

In Western cultures, job hopping is often seen as a sign of ambition. In Korea, it is becoming similar but still requires a 'good reason' to avoid looking disloyal.

The drama 'Misaeng' touches on the struggles of contract workers wanting to 이직 to permanent roles. 'Search: WWW' shows powerful women navigating their careers through strategic 이직.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Interview

이직 사유는 무엇입니까?
이직을 통해 얻고 싶은 것은 무엇인가요?
전 직장에서 왜 이직하셨나요?
성공적인 이직 경험이 있습니까?

Casual Conversation with Friends

요즘 이직 고민 중이야.
너 이직했다며? 축하해!
이직 준비는 잘 돼가?
어디로 이직해?

HR/Business Meeting

이직률이 너무 높습니다.
인재들의 이직을 막아야 합니다.
이직 사유서를 제출해 주세요.
이직 확인서가 필요합니다.

Economic News

이직 시장의 트렌드
개발자 이직 열풍
이직을 통한 연봉 상승
대기업 이직 현황

Career Coaching

전략적인 이직이 필요합니다.
이직 시기를 잘 잡아야 해요.
경력을 쌓은 후 이직하세요.
이직 포트폴리오를 만드세요.

Conversation Starters

"최근에 이직을 생각해 본 적이 있으신가요? (Have you thought about changing jobs recently?)"

"친구들 중에서 이직에 성공한 사람이 있나요? (Is there anyone among your friends who succeeded in changing jobs?)"

"이직할 때 가장 중요하게 생각하는 조건이 뭐예요? (What is the most important condition you consider when changing jobs?)"

"한국의 이직 문화에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요? (What do you think about the job-changing culture in Korea?)"

"이직을 준비하는 사람에게 어떤 조언을 해주고 싶나요? (What advice would you like to give to someone preparing to change jobs?)"

Journal Prompts

내가 만약 이직을 한다면, 어떤 회사로 가고 싶은지 써보세요.

이직을 결심하게 만드는 가장 큰 이유는 무엇일까요?

과거에 이직했던 경험이 있다면 그때의 기분을 설명해 보세요.

성공적인 이직을 위해 지금 내가 준비해야 할 것들을 리스트로 만들어 보세요.

이직이 개인의 삶에 미치는 긍정적인 영향과 부정적인 영향에 대해 논해 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'퇴사'는 단순히 회사를 그만두는 것에 초점을 맞추고, '이직'은 다른 회사로 옮겨가는 것에 초점을 맞춥니다. 예를 들어, 다른 회사에 합격해서 나가는 것은 '이직'이고, 그냥 쉬고 싶어서 그만두는 것은 '퇴사'입니다.

보통 '이직'은 정규직이나 전문적인 경력직에 사용합니다. 아르바이트의 경우 '알바를 바꾸다'나 '그만두다'라고 표현하는 것이 더 자연스럽습니다.

과거에는 부정적이었지만, 현대 한국 사회에서는 '능력 있는 사람의 선택'으로 보아 긍정적이거나 중립적인 의미로 쓰입니다.

지하철을 갈아타듯, 쉬는 기간 없이 바로 다음 직장으로 출근하는 것을 말하는 신조어입니다.

실업 급여를 신청하거나 경력을 증명할 때 이전 직장에서 발행해주는 서류로 필요합니다.

아니요, 이직은 보통 본인의 의지로 하는 것이므로 '이직하다'라고 씁니다. 회사가 옮겨지는 것은 '전근'이나 '발령'을 사용합니다.

'이직'은 회사를 옮기는 것이고, '전직'은 직업의 종류(예: 의사에서 작가로)를 바꾸는 것입니다.

'이직 사유가 어떻게 되세요?' 또는 '왜 이직을 결심하셨나요?'라고 묻습니다.

보통 기업 입장에서는 직원이 자주 바뀌는 것이므로 부정적으로 해석됩니다.

딱 정해진 반대말은 없지만, 한 직장에 오래 머무는 '근속'이 반대 개념으로 쓰일 수 있습니다.