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How long should I stay for a job in the future?

High school student, future engineering student #engineering #engineer #student #college #job

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Subject: Career question for you

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Elena’s Answer

How long to stay in a particular role depends on a number of factors. Many companies have rules around “time on job” that require employees to stay in a position for an amount of time before moving internally. There are always exceptions and outside of being truly unhappy or unsafe (hostile workplace or abuse), here are some questions and guidance to help you determine in the future when it’s time to move on to the next challenge. You can always talk to your manager and other peers and mentors for advice along the way.

1. Have I given this role and company a fair chance? (early career recent grad minimum of 8 months recommended to move to another company because it will be challenging to move internally at this time)

2. Do I still feel excited in my current role?

3. Do I still feel challenged?

4. Does this role serve my desired career path and goals?

5. What room do I have to grow in this role? (Definitely for discussion with your manager)
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Mamdouh’s Answer

Hi Kurt

Everybody converged to the same thing, you stay in a job as long as you feel you are learning and growing in your career and you feel valued.

Thanks
Mamdouh
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Daniel’s Answer

This is a very individual perspective. I believe that as long as you wake up every morning happy and satisfied, you should stay where you are. Moreover, when things get rough, try to overcome them first before moving to a different company. The more you stay in a certain place, you have more opportunities to grow and to make an impact.
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Brandon’s Answer

Hi Kurt, in terms of how long you should stay at a job depends on a great number of factors. There could be a required time frame based on the contract you sign, the benefits you receive from the job, the pay, etc. As many of the others who have answered this question before it will really come down to what you feel is best at that time in life. That is why I have loved having internships and summer jobs because it has allowed me to gain a better understanding of what I truly want to do in life. But if you do find yourself in a job that does not exactly appeal to you, don't be afraid to go after what you truly want!
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Brett’s Answer

This truly depends on the job you are looking for vs the job you are in.

A few questions to ask yourself when thinking long term and staying at your current company.

1. Does the company provide me future growth into a role that I may be going to college for.
2. Does the company provide tuition assistance if the role I am looking for resides in the company?
3. Am I able to relocate with my current employer if they have a job match for me?

Looking at these three questions should help you determine which path is best for you. I have been with the same company for 11 years looking at different career journeys and not staying with one side of the business, this allowed me to find my passion in helping to develop long term experiences for our customers. Always search to find the best fit for you and if its not you will know, this takes time and being able to see this would be a big benefit for you as your career search unfolds,
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Jessica’s Answer

I agree with Elena's answer, but here are some examples of ways that I've considered how long to stay in a role:

- Are there opportunities for me to move up in the company? (ex. is there a natural progression to your role (i.e., entry-level, to mid-level, to senior, to lead, to Director, and onward) or will you have to consider a different role type/job family to climb the corporate ladder (i.e., starting as a Graphic Designer, but having to change to a Project Management role because there are no leadership positions in the Graphic Design field))
- Is this company within my desired industry, or does this current industry provide me enough passion, excitement, enjoyment, challenges, and longevity to stick with it? (ex. maybe you always wanted to work in the Entertainment industry, but you happened to get a job in the insurance industry that you really enjoy and makes you feel fulfilled every day)
- How do the benefits of this current company compare to others and what benefits might I miss out on if I leave the company too soon? (ex. Many companies will offer 401k/retirement packages in which the company matches the percent amount of money you yourself invest, but you're not fully vested into those funds until you've worked with the company for five years. Even if you're not in your dream job, is it worth it to you to stay in your job for those five years to reap the benefits and leave with some free money, or are you not interested/happy enough with the job to stay?)

Ultimately, my best advice to you is to consider/reconsider your current job every year. Check-in with yourself. How is your work/life balance? Are there any instances in which your job affects your family/home-life in a negative way? How is your mental health/stress levels? Are you sacrificing anything you shouldn't have to or don't want to for your job? Do you like your boss? Do you like your team? Are you treated fairly and valued for the work you do? Are you satisfied with your pay and benefits or could you find better with a different company? Are you still enjoying the work you're doing or is it time for a change? Life is too short to stay in a job you don't like or with a company/team that doesn't value you or treats you like dirt. Your mental health specifically is too important to be damaged for a paycheck.
Thank you comment icon Hi Jessica: Your advice is very insightful and on point. Thank you for sharing the questions toward the end. Sheila Jordan
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