People often ask me, “How long should I stay in a company?”
Here’s my textbook answer.
If you stay at least 3 years, most recruiters won’t question your staying power. You’ve proven you can commit and you’re not just a touch-and-go.
If you stay more than 8 years, some people might start wondering, “Can this person adapt to a new environment?”
So the “safe zone” is 3 to 8 years.
But life is not a textbook, right?
If you are truly unhappy and miserable, you don’t have to wait until the 3-year mark. Just make sure it doesn’t become a pattern.
Because if every role ends in 8 months, it’s not surprising recruiters will question your staying power. After all, a rolling stone gathers no moss.
On the other hand, if you are growing, learning, and being valued, it is absolutely okay too to stay for 15, 20, even 30 years.
Career decisions are not carved in stone.
Perhaps the better question is, “Are we still growing where we are?”
Hope that helps!
xoxoxo, AuntyHR
