How Long Should You Stay at Your Job?
You’ve probably heard that job-hopping, or moving quickly from one role to another, can be bad for your career. While most experts agree that you should spend at least one year in a position, there’s a fine line between establishing a good track record with a company and staying long enough that you miss out on other career opportunities.
So how do you strike a balance between too little and too much time at a job? And at what point should you move on?
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It all depends on how well the position is moving you toward your career goals. Consider the following questions on a regular basis and you’ll be prepared to clearly identify when it’s time to look for a new job.
Does the work challenge you?
There’s always a learning curve when you start a position. But that doesn’t mean you should reach a point where you can do the work with your eyes closed. Are you sailing through your responsibilities without much effort? Are you experiencing prolonged feelings of boredom and monotony? If you’re not picking up new skills or building upon existing ones, it’s a good indicator that you’ve outgrown the position.
Are your ideas heard?
If you’re working in an environment where your ideas are no longer heard or valued, it’s time for a change. Of course, this doesn’t mean that all of your ideas are good or capable of being implemented, but it’s impossible to reach for your career goals if you’re working in a company that constantly ignores or denies your input and suggestions.
Does your boss support your career development?
The best managers are engaged in your career growth and will help you reach your goals by offering advice, learning opportunities, and feedback for improvement. Without this support, you can’t hope to learn and grow in your position. Surrounding yourself with leaders who take an interest in your development is one of the best things you can do for your career—if that’s not the case, it might be time to move on.
Is there opportunity for growth at the company?
Lastly, as you progress in a role, keep a close eye on the possibility for advancement within the company. Consider whether or not there’s room for you to move up and discuss these career goals with your supervisor. If you’ve been in the same role for a while with no talk of significant raises or have been passed on promotions, then perhaps it’s time to look for a new opportunity since you’ve gone as far as you can in your current role.
If you realize that your career growth has become stagnate and it’s time to move into a new role, start by visiting Real Jobs Hawaii.
Real Jobs is a free online job board and valuable resource for Hawaii jobseekers. We ensure that no scam or spam is posted to the site and that all the positions advertised are real, local jobs.