In today’s changing job market, the answer isn’t always clear when it comes to how long you should stay at one job.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average time workers stay with their employer is now 3.9 years, down from 4.1 years in 2022. This is the shortest period since 2002.
So, whether you’re just starting a job or thinking about your next move, it’s important to consider if it’s time to stay or go, and how to make sure you’re always growing in your career.
How Long Is Too Long?
When it comes to staying in a job, you might wonder how long is too long. Some employers start to question things if you stay in the same position for too long a time.
For example, staying in a job for 8 to 10 years can look great—it’s a sign of loyalty and experience. But when it stretches to 15, 17, or even 19 years, it might raise a few eyebrows. (ref)
At that point, some employers might start to think that your career growth has slowed down. They might see it as a sign that you’re not developing new skills or moving up in your field.
Staying in the same job for too long can also mean your professional network is smaller, which can make it harder to find new opportunities.
So, while long-term stability can be good, you should think about whether you’re growing in your role or if it’s time to start looking for something new to keep your career moving forward.
When to Move On
When exactly is the right time to move on from your current job? A recent survey found that employers in the US and Europe are expecting to hire fewer entry-level and mid-level workers over the next year. This drop in hiring could be as much as 22% to 64%, depending on the sector and company size. (ref)
This slowdown in hiring creates a challenge, especially for older workers. In a competitive job market, age biases that already exist may become harder to overcome.
Some hiring managers may prefer younger candidates because they believe that as people get older, they become less open to using new technology or learning new tools.
If you’re finding that opportunities are becoming more limited or that you’re facing challenges with new technology, it might be a good time to think about moving on, whether it’s for a new role or even to refresh your skills. Being proactive about your career can help you avoid getting stuck.
Why Changing Jobs Can Advance Your Career
Changing jobs can actually be a great way to move your career forward. When you switch to a new position, you open up the chance to learn new skills, gain more experience, and take on different challenges. It’s a way to grow professionally and stay motivated, instead of feeling stuck in one place.
When you stay in the same job for too long, your opportunities to learn new things can slow down, and you might hit a career plateau. As you change jobs, you expose yourself to new work environments, tools, and people, all of which can help expand your knowledge and make you more valuable in the job market.
Also, jumping to a new company can often come with a salary boost or better benefits, which makes it an opportunity to improve your financial situation.
And sometimes, the right job change can also help you build a stronger network of contacts, which is important when it comes to career advancement.
Staying Relevant
Staying relevant in your career is key to keeping your job options open, especially in a job market that’s always changing. Employers are looking for candidates who have up-to-date skills and training, so it’s important to make sure you stay relevant.
One thing to keep in mind is that a lot of successful job switchers have recently updated their skills. In fact, 48% of people who successfully switched jobs in mid-career or later had taken training within the past three years. On the other hand, only 34% of people who were unemployed had done the same. (ref)
This shows that keeping your skills current makes a big difference when it comes to finding a new job or advancing in your career. Whether it’s taking a course, learning a new software, or getting certified in your field, learning new things can help you stand out and stay competitive.
If You Stick at One Company for Many Years
Sticking with one company for many years can be a great choice, especially if you’ve built strong relationships and have a solid understanding of the work. But to keep your career moving forward, it’s important to stay challenged and motivated, even if you’re not changing jobs.
If you’re staying at the same company, try to find ways to push yourself. Look for new projects or responsibilities that allow you to grow. Ask for opportunities to learn new skills or take on leadership roles.
This keeps you engaged and shows your employer that you’re committed to growing, which can lead to new career opportunities within the company.
Another way to stay motivated is by setting personal goals. Even if the company doesn’t have new challenges waiting for you, you can create your own growth path.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.