Is it healthy to remain at the same job with the same employer for more 11 years?

SaraBadr·Dec 22, 2020

Posted in:Advice Career Growth

What's the longest period you have worked with the same employer?

Iynna·Dec 22, 2020

Good question! I think back in the days, sure e.g my father has been at the same company for 15+ years and he actually loves it! As far as I am concerned, it's a hard no, I could see myself staying for 4-5 or so years but there will definitely be a point where I am ready to move on. What is your take on this?

SaraBadr·Dec 24, 2020

Well, I'm not the type of person who really likes to move a lot. during my journey, I've worked in 2 entities, one for 5 years and the other one I'm working with now, I've been in it for 11 years :) Honestly from my point of view, I think it's absolutely fine as long as I'm developing. It's only that in case at any point of time I wanted to move, I'm not sure if the new employer will see this as an advantage or not.

Iynna·Dec 24, 2020

It's great if you've been at the company for 11 or so years and as you said as long as you like it and are getting what you want! That's ultimately fantastic. (Knowing myself, this would just not work in my case)Regarding a new employer, that's a fair point, and I think it really depends on the skills you are bringing to the table and what that employer is looking for. Some companies are really looking for someone who is seasoned in particular areas (eg yours) because they have the skills and also the network. Others think it's a plus but they favor other skillset/personality traits, which you might have to prove you have (saying this in the event they have a bias and associate your long tenure at a company with other things that may not align with their needs).For now, if you love where you are, I'd say it's all that matters :)

HannahBaldovino·Dec 22, 2020

Hey Sara, I think it depends! Are you in the same exact role for 11 years with zero scope change?Are you satisfied in the role? I think "healthy" is relative. If you're content with a 9-5 job that pays the bills and your life feels fulfilled, than why wouldn't that be healthy? If you're feeling like something is lacking and you're consistently feeling underwhelmed, than it sounds like it may be time to take on more responsibility or look for other opportunities. Just curious at what's prompting the question.

SaraBadr·Dec 24, 2020

Actually, i've been working with the firm for 11 years now, and of course, there is career development. the firm is getting bigger and so am I. My scope is developing as we go. I am satisfied yes, however you know this feeling that sometimes you get; "Do I need to change?" "I'm bored", and sometimes you're just not sure if this is what u really want or it's just a wave of negative thoughts, you know what I mean?

Larissa88·Dec 23, 2020

My maximum time in a full time position with one employer was almost 5 years. I was already mentally done with them after 3 but unfortunately my very niche work didn’t allow me to move easily. I think if you’re happy it doesn’t matter but interrogate whether the job is giving you the stimulation, challenge and whatever else that you need and if the answer is no, then probably start looking 😊

SaraBadr·Dec 24, 2020

Very true! it's always hard to be honest to make a move, especially if you're not that type of person, just like me :)

robotgrrl·Dec 23, 2020

It's a big 'heck yeah' from me! If you're having the time of your life, inventing new things, constantly learning and growing, and helping people — then why not! Don't let societal pressure of moving every 3-5 years make you doubt your decisions. Sometimes you find the gold right away, and making big things takes a long time + large commitment. Also, it's not mentioned if that employer happens to be yourself (CEO or self-employed), so that plays a big role in how the directions can shift over 11 years.

SaraBadr·Dec 24, 2020

"Don't let societal pressure of moving every 3-5 years make you doubt your decisions." this is exactly what I wanted to listen to :D

maggiewolff·Dec 23, 2020

My longest tenures have been 6-7 years (two different companies back-to-back). With both companies, my job changed every 2-3 years to take on new challenges (sometimes with a promotion, sometimes lateral). Also, both of the companies went through a merger or acquisition while I was there, which in one case felt like working for an entirely new company and in the other case didn't really change much. I've been with my current company for a year and a half, and I love it here. I would be thrilled to work here for a long time. There are tons of people I work with who have been with the company for 10+ years, which seems rare for tech. There are lots of opportunities to move to new roles within the same brand, or different brands, or even work in another country. So I would say if you're taking on new challenges and developing new skills every 2-3 years, and can show a progression of increasing responsibility, plus if you're happy, then it can be pretty nice to stay in the same place for awhile.

SaraBadr·Dec 24, 2020

That's very true.. honestly speaking I can't get enough from learning in the company I'm working for, but sometimes you just feel overwhelmed and that it's consuming you.

maggiewolff·Dec 24, 2020

Yeah, my general approach has been once I feel like I'm no longer learning or developing new skills or being challenged (and there's no clear opportunity for me to move into a new role that offers those things), it's time to move on. And/or if I have a bad boss or the company isn't stable.

Wenlin·Dec 25, 2020

@SaraBadr thanks for this thread! I resonate very much with what you shared. My last tenure was 7 years under the same employer, and I left because I couldn't see growth for myself in the direction I wanted. It was hard to leave because it was a small team, which I helped to build, we were all very close and the company was progressing well. That being said, the first 1-5 years were so enjoyable and enriching, I wouldn't change it for anything. Like you I am not a person who likes to move around a lot. I was under that impression that people moved when they were unhappy / the situation wasn't positive. In the recent 1-2 years while meeting people from diverse backgrounds, my mindset has shifted. My opinion now is that it's probably good to move every 2-3 years because: 1. You can keep your old networks while building new ones, more connections & opportunities 2. It pulls you out of comfort and puts you into adaptation, which is great for creativity, innovation3. A new company / organisational culture, new colleagues & bosses with new perspectives are great to stimulate personal growth, new ideas That being said, if you make a conscious effort to network with people from outside of your employer, including those from other industries etc. you'd probably still be able to satisfy points 1-2. How has your experience been?

JeanKaplansky·Dec 29, 2020

I would LOVE to have worked for the same place for 11+ years if I had the opportunity to move around the organization. I grew up with parents who worked 35/25 years for the same place and we were secure in the knowledge that they were employed and this let them plan their future finances instead of reacting to situations as I have to do.The longest I've worked anywhere was 5.5 years.