Asking because I’m currently in a pretty happy position. Work is chill, colleagues are nice, full remote, pay is quite good. I’ve been here for one year and a half, and I could see myself staying here almost long term. My practice lead has been here for more then 10 years, he still seems pretty happy.
I know that goes against the usual consensus of moving every 3-5 years, so I wanted to see what you think about this.
The longest I worked for a company is around 6-7 years.
As long as you get the opportunities to develop your skills in the areas you want (so that they are still relevant in the job market) and there is a good team around you, it doesn’t make sense to change jobs just to change jobs. It’s generally difficult to get a meaningful salary increase without a job change and that’s the main reason most people are looking for new jobs, I think.
Thank you for your input!
If you’re not chasing money, you can stay as long as you’re still employable elsewhere. If you feel like you won’t be able to get a new job in a month, you’re probably going stale.
First programming job I got laid off after ten years. Next longest was around 5 years, which I quit to move back near home. Everything else has been probably two years or so. It was all contract work except a two year stint working for a steel company. That was a good job but COVID.
Working one place is nice if you’re getting good raises and there is upward mobility. Moving around a lot I’ve learned quite a lot from how different places do things, and my skills would’ve really stagnated in one place. These days I’d be worried about keeping those skills up to date if the team is small and insular, but otherwise I’d probably stay if you’ve got a good thing. I’d still look around from time to time to make sure you aren’t getting underpaid, but if you’re happy I’d not consider leaving for less than a fifteen percent raise.
Happy at work is good, but it’s not your life and a big raise can make a big difference in everything else.
Thank you for your message!
Happy at work is good, but it’s not your life and a big raise can make a big difference in everything else.
Definitely, but I see it the other way: as long as work is good, pays well and allows to work remotely, I can focus on my life more and spend time with my family and friends. I’ve been in situations where work was stressful, and it really had an impact of my qualify of life
I don’t disagree, but depending on where you’re at career-wise, a few 15% raises can make a huge difference come retirement. There’s always more factors than just money, but money is a significant factor. Remote work is frankly huge when you look at the money not having to commute is worth in unpaid hours and transit costs. I wouldn’t go back to the office for a fifteen percent raise because I’d be losing money.
Appreciate your thoughts, though. The grass is definitely not always greener on the other side.
a few 15% raises can make a huge difference come retirement.
Definitely! I got a huge raise before coming here, and I think I’m good on that side for a few years. Normally there should be a promotion at some point, with a raise linked to it.
I wouldn’t go back to the office for a fifteen percent raise because I’d be losing money.
Completely agree.
3.5 years. But that’s because I haven’t found “the place” yet like it sounds like you have.
